About
Prof. (Dr.) Ritu S. Sood is an alumna of the prestigious A.J.K. Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. With more than 35 years of distinguished professional experience, she has established herself as a creative producer, filmmaker, researcher, author, artist, academic leader, and communication strategist with extensive work across India and the Asia-Pacific region.
Her professional and academic work spans diverse domains, including journalism, television production, development communication, digital and AI-enabled media, screen media, tribal cultures, public health, adult education, child rights, gender equality, media literacy, sustainable development, cultural heritage, and communication for social change.
She has authored and edited over 20 books, published extensively in Scopus, Web of Science, and UGC-CARE-indexed journals, and holds patents in media, communication, and education. A sought-after speaker, keynote presenter, and resource person, Dr. Sood has been invited to numerous national and international conferences, academic forums, and media conclaves.
She has produced films funded by organisations including the Government of India, UNICEF, DFID, BBC World Service Trust, IGNOU, Prasar Bharati and several ministries, focusing on health communication, education, women empowerment, community development, disaster communication, and social awareness.
Dr. Sood served as Senior Staff Correspondent with NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) producing documentaries, investigative reports, travel features, and international news programmes that showcased India's culture, heritage, environment, and social issues to global audiences.
She played a key role in documenting Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi's Global March Against Child Labour, travelling across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas before the campaign culminated at the International Labour Organization (ILO), Geneva, in 1998.
Her acclaimed documentary "Desh Ki Shaan Hai Beti", highlighting issues of the girl child, female foeticide, and women's rights, was released to the nation by the former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Her film on eminent freedom fighter and social reformer Dr. Durgabai Deshmukh was released by the former Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, receiving national recognition for its contribution to social awareness.
Currently serving as Professor & Dean, School of Media, Film & Entertainment, Sharda University, Dr. Sood has been instrumental in integrating Artificial Intelligence, digital storytelling, immersive media, animation, gaming, and experiential learning into media education. She has also led several national and international conferences, industry collaborations, consultancy projects, and curriculum reforms aimed at preparing future-ready media professionals.
Alongside her work in media and academia, Dr. Sood is an accomplished painter whose oil and acrylic artworks have been exhibited internationally. Her multidisciplinary career reflects a unique blend of creativity, scholarship, leadership, and public service.