I am an internationally awarded educator, trainer, and journalist. I leverage the power of journalism, education, and media to foster an informed society, and I nurture students who go on to make significant contributions in their fields. My global leadership in journalism and academia has positioned me at a crossroads where governments, institutions, and local communities recognize my expertise to drive impactful projects. In 2024, I received $459,339 from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to tackle critical development challenges in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. This funding allowed me to establish a global network and mentor 12 academic fellows from Western Sydney University’s (WSU) partner institutions across India, Indonesia, and Fiji. The project focuses on ethical, responsible journalism and digital media storytelling to improve grassroots livelihoods. My recent publications are three book chapters in 2024 and two journal articles.

My expertise has international impact: I received a gold medal for my work at the US Congress on July 23, 2025. Other accolades include India’s Nav Rattan (nine jewels) award in 2023, recognizing nine individuals from the global diaspora of several million and the Mahatma Gandhi Parvasi Samaan award at the House of Commons in London, UK. I was invited to judge submissions for the prestigious Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Reimagine Education awards in 2024. These accolades, combined with invitations to present online masterclasses to over 6,000 students, have solidified my global network and influence in higher education.

My research and leadership in scholarship strengthen political discourse and community building which are vital for democratic societies. My interdisciplinary research on migration, marriage, matchmaking, media and journalism, online-dating, and the politics of identity are topics which are driving global, regional, and national political debates, while exerting their social influence and relevance in multicultural landscapes .