Profile

Prof. Dr. Francis Arackal Thummy, OP

Academic Qualifications

2005-2008  PhD title: Investigative Reporting in India: The case of The Indian Express

University of St. Thomas, Faculty of Social Sciences, Rome, Italy

• Aims: to show investigative reporting as practiced by The Indian Express (IE) aids public’s right to know. In doing so the IE stood out from other Indian publications.
• Achievements: the first of such research carried out in India in the realm of investigative reporting. The research also brought out the fact that more women in India study journalism and Mass Communication than men.
• Relevant techniques: Qualitative and Quantitative techniques were used operationalised by focus interview and survey questionnaire.
• Awarded with: Magna cum Laude

1994 -1995  Post Graduate Diploma:  Print and Radio Journalism

Griffith College, Faculty of Journalism and Media Studies, Dublin, Ireland

• Internship at: The Irish Catholic
• Passed with Second Class Honours

1992-1994   Licentiate Degree in Philosophy

St. Thomas University, Faculty of Philosophy, Rome, Italy

• Majoring in Philosophy, with specialization in Philosophical Anthropology
• Thesis: The Psychological Fall: A Psychology without the Soul?
• Awarded with: Magna cum Laude

 1988-1990  Master of Arts

                    University of Nagpur, Department of Philosophy, Maharashtra, India

• Majoring in Philosophy (Western and Indian)
• Thesis: St Thomas Aquinas’ Theory of Knowledge
• Awarded with: Silver Medal for second merit/rank

Specialised Training in Media

 1998     Film Appreciation Course

Film Institute, Pune, India

1997     United Catholic Asian News (UCAN) reporters’ training programme

            Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Goa, India

1989     Certificate Course in Journalism

Gokhale Institute of Communications & Media Studies and Research, Nagpur, India

1988     Seminar-Workshop on Audio-Visual Communications

Kerala Catholic Bishop’s Commission (KCBC) for Mass Media, Kochi, India

1987     Media Education Course in Audio-visual and Film language

Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, India

1986     Certificate Course in Videography

Ishvani Kendra, Pune, India.

Research Interest

My present research interest is about the use of media in education. Also, currently investigating the positive and negative impact of Artificial Intelligence focussing on areas such as medicine, transportation, media and the human person itself. I am using qualitative research techniques. Other fields of research interest are: Alternative and Community Media, Development Communication, International Communication, and Political Communication.

Academic Employment (Teaching and Research)

2021-2022    Professor, St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Bangalore, India.

Responsibilities:

Lecturing: on Journalism and Media Ethics, Media Ethics, Metaphysics, and School of

Thought of St. Thomas Aquinas (Thomism).

Seminar on Pastoral Journalism

Examiner for Bachelor of Philosophy Comprehensive Examination.

2020-2021    Only online part time teaching due to Covid

2016- 2019    Professor, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Amity University, Haryna.

Responsibilities:

• Lecturing: on Development Communication, New Media, National and International Affairs and Issues, Reporting and Editing, Understanding Mass Communication,

Media Arts: Cyber Media, Media Management, History, Culture & Society, Political Philosophy, Media Analysis, News & Contemporary Issues, Mass Media Industry, and Media Research.

• Coordinator, Research Data Collection for the Media School of the University
• Library coordinator for the Media School of the University
• Mentor, undergraduate students

2015-2016  Associate Professor, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Amity University, Gurgaon, India

Responsibilities:

• Lecturing: on Development Communication, New Media, National and International Affairs and Issues, Reporting and Editing, Understanding Mass Communication, Media Arts: Cyber Media, Media Management, History, Culture &Society, and Political Philosophy.
• Coordinator, Research Data Collection from the Media School
• Library coordinator for the Media School
• Mentor, undergraduate students

2012-2015  Associate Professor, St Joseph’s College, Department of Communication, Bangalore.

Responsibilities:

•     Lecturing on Introduction to Communication, Development Communication, Political Communication, Media Research Techniques, International Communication, Media Laws & Ethics, Media Management, and Political Doctrine.

2009-2012   Associate Professor, Gynadhara Institute of Philosophy, Department of Philosophy, Salcette, Goa, India

Responsibilities:

•    Lecturing on Philosophy of Being, Philosophy of God, Philosophy of Communication,  Media Education.

2002-2005  Assistant Professor, Gynadhara Institute of Philosophy, Department of Philosophy, Nagpur, India

Responsibilities:

• Lecturing on History of Ancient and Mediaeval (Western) Philosophy

Publications

Books published:

• 2024, From News to Good News: The Word of God@Daily Life, Omega Publishers, Bangalore. ISBN: 978-93-89069-99-0.
• 2022, Psychology: The Apple of Temptation – A Historical and Philosophical Analysis, Omega Publishers, Bangalore. ISBN: 978-93-91694-01-2.
• 2019, Media Omnipresence: A Study of Media, Marketing, Development, and Politics, Archers & Elevators, Bangalore. ISBN: 978-93-88805-45-2.
• 2018, Indian Hermeneutics of Suspicion (Editor), Christian World Imprints, New Delhi. ISBN: 978-93-5148-293-2.
• 2018, Media and Society: A Study of Media, Economics, Human Rights and Sociology, Asian Trading Corporation, Bangalore. ISBN: 978-93-86516-40-4.
• 2014, Media Ethics and Social Responsibility (Editor), Asian Trading Corporation, Bangalore. ISBN: 978-81-7086-697-8.
• 2010, The Indian Media: How Credible? Better Yourself Books, Bombay. ISBN: 978-81-7108-753-2. 
• 2010, From the Upper Room to the Altar of the World, Paul’s Publications, Bombay. ISBN: 978-93-5015-007-8.
• 2005, Thoughts for the Upper Room, Paul’s Publications, Bombay. ISBN: 81-7109-708-1

Papers published: 

•  2023, ‘Covid 19 Experience and Media’ in Jojo J. Varakukalayil (Ed.), 2023, Thinking the Human and the Pandemic, ATC Publishers, Bangalore. ISBN: 978-81-19664-11-5.
•  2023, ‘Information-Knowledge-Wisdom: The Use of Media in Education with Special Reference to Covid 19’ in Raju Felix Crasta (Ed.), 2023, Emancipative Education: Policies and Practices, Christian World Imprints, New Delhi. ISBN: 978-93-95457-70-5.
• 2020, ‘Artificial Intelligence: Prospects and Perils’ in Joy A.P.(Ed.), 2020, Philosophizing Science: Promises, Perils & Possibilities, Christian World Imprints, New Delhi. ISBN: 978-93-5148-504-9.
• 2020, ‘Social Media: The Paradox of Connected and Yet Disconnected Lives’, Jeevadhara (Vol. L) No. 295, Pp. 19-34. ISSN: 0970-1125.
• 2019, ‘Alternative Media Movement’ in Jose D. Maliekal (Ed.), 2019, Philosophies of Transformative Practice, Christian World Imprints, New Delhi. ISBN: 978-93-5148-390-8.
• 2018, ‘Is Pope Francis a Communist? A Critical Response’ in Kuruvilla Pandikattu (Ed.,), 2018, Pope Francis: His Impact on and Relevance for the Church & Society, Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune, India. ISBN 13: 978-93-5148-277-2 ISBN 10: 93-5148-277-4.
• 2018, ‘Old Versus New Rules of Marketing’ in Anil Kumar Goyal and Tripti Bajpai Toor (Eds.) 2018, Disruptive Technologies: Path Ahead 2023, Enriched Publications, New Delhi. ISBN: 978-81-934634-7-5.
• 2018, ‘The Indian Media: Watch Dog or Lapdog?’ in Francis Arackal (Ed.), 2018, Indian Hermeneutics of Suspicion, Christian World Imprints, New Delhi. ISBN: 978-93-5148-494-9.
• 2017, ‘Media and Its Audience: Beneficiary or Victim?’ in Vikas Kumar and Pawan Gupta (Eds.,) 2017, Media & Communication in Sustainable Development, Society for Education and Research Development, Haryana, India. ISBN: 978-1-943438-84-6.
• 2017, ‘Relevance and Application of Trickle-down Theory of Development in the Context of India’ in Vikas Kumar and Pawan Gupta (Eds.,) 2017, Media & Communication in Sustainable Development, Society for Education and Research Development, Haryana, India. ISBN: 978-1-943438-84-6.
• 2017, ‘The Role of Soft-Power and Hard Power in Nation-Building’ in Dolreich Pereira (Ed.,), 2017, Becoming a Nation: Processes and Prospects, Christian World Imprints, New Delhi. ISBN: 978-93-5148-230-7.
• 2016, ‘Body in Media: Organs without Body’ in Nishant A. Irudayadasan (Ed.,), 2016, Philosophizing the Body, Christian World Imprints, New Delhi. ISBN: 978-93-5148-182-9.
• 2015, ‘Media the All-Pervasive Entity of Our Time’, Journal of Dharma, Vol 40, 1, January-February. ISSN: 0253-7222.
• 2015, ‘Semiotics and Media Content’ in S. Sekar Sebastian (Ed.,) 2015, The Symbolic World: Construction and Deconstruction, Asian Trading Corporation, Bangalore. ISBN: 978-81-7086-738-8.
• 2015, ‘Social Media as a Tool of Political Communication’, Amity Journal of Media and Communication Studies, Vol 5, No.3, pp. 259-266. ISSN: 2231-1033.
• 2014, ‘Culture and Development’ in Keith D’ Souza (Ed.,), 2014, The Dynamics of Development: Negations and Negotiations, Asian Trading Corporation, Bangalore. ISBN: 978-817-0867-13-5.
• 2013, ‘Media and the Making of History’ in John Peter Vallabadoss (Ed.,), 2013, History and Historizing: Philosophical Reflections, Asian Trading Corporation, Bangalore. ISBN: 978-817-0866-50-3.
• 2012, ‘Ethical Dimensions of Investigative Reporting’ in Anisha (Ed.,), 2012, Media Ethics and Practices, published in the proceedings of the National Seminar held at Besant Women’s College, Mangalore, India. ISBN: 978-93-5126-031-8.

Articles: In Newspapers and Periodicals

Actions Speak Louder

Are Teachers Under the Shadow of Students?

Are we living in the last days?

Beauty spots of Vidarbha

Bishop’s Fortnight and Obama’s Freedom

Chasing after the Elusive Chair

Congress’ Corruption Saga

Development Needs Harmony

Diwali and the Symbolism of Light

Farewells and Farewell

General Elections 2004: For the Soul of India

India in Golden Year: The Great Divide

Misplaced Good Governance Day

New Year is a time for resolutions

Pan India Jurisdiction?

President Modi?

Quest for Academic Excellence

Significance of Diwali

The all-pervading presence of the Media

The Church and the Middle-East Uprising

The Economic question in International Relations

The Legacy of Mother Teresa

The Saint of a Thousand Images

Towards a Media Friendly Church

Towards a Spirituality beyond Religion

Towards real Freedom

Teachers Under the Shadow of Students?

Towards a Spirituality Beyond Religion

Vidarbha – Haven for Wildlife

(And several others)

Reports Filed:                             In Newspapers and Periodicals

(Hundreds of freelance reports on cultural, religious and social issues)

Letters to the Editor:                   In Newspapers and Periodicals

(Hundreds of Letters to the editor on cultural, religious and social issues)

Conferences / Seminars: Papers Presented

•  2023, Association of Christian Philosophers of India National Research Seminar on ‘Engulfing Presence of Artificial Intelligence: Philosophical Reflection of its Challenges and Opportunities’ at Jnana Niketan, Little Flower Seminary, Aluva, Kerala, India.
• 2022, International Conference on ‘Dialogue and Solidarity’, the paper on Media Influences on Interreligious Dialogue held at Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram (DVK), Bangalore, India.
• 2022, Association of Christian Philosophers of India National Research Seminar on ‘Emancipatory Education: Policies and Practices’, the paper on Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom: Using Media in Education with Special Reference to Covid 19 at Morning Star Seminary, Kolkata, India.
• 2019, Association of Christian Philosophers of India National Research Seminar on ‘Philosophizing Science: Promises, Perils & Possibilities’, the paper on Artificial Intelligence: Prospects and Perils at St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Old Goa, India.
• 2019, International Conference on Media & Communication in Sustainable Development, Furthering Sustainable Development - The Role of Three Indian Media Outlets: India Today, NDTV, and The Hindu held at Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal, India.
• 2018, International Conference on Indian Cinema and Alternate Networks, The Indian Film Industry: A Significant Vehicle of India’s Soft Power, at Delhi Metropolitan Education, India.
• 2018, Asian Congress for Media and Communication International Conference, Spin-doctoring as a Tool of Political Communication in the Age of the Internet, in India at National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan.
• 2018, Association of Christian Philosophers of India National Research Seminar, Alternative Media Movement, at Christ Hall, Calicut, Kerala, India.
• 2018, International Association for Media Communication and Research (IAMCR) International Conference, The Challenges to the Apparently Emerging Digital Democracy in India, Oregon University, United States.
• 2018, International Conference on Disruptive Technologies – Path Ahead 2023, Old Versus New Rules of Marketing, Rukmini Devi Institute of Advanced Studies, New Delhi, India.
• 2017, Association of Christian Philosophers of India National Research Seminar, The Indian Media: Watch Dog or Lapdog? Guwahati, Assam, India.
• 2017, International Association for Media Communication and Research (IAMCR) International Conference, Online synergizing alternative media for empowering people: study of three online sites in India: thecitizen.in, thewire.in, and newslaundry.com, Cartagena, Columbia.
• 2017, International Conference on Media, Communicating Development Ideology: A Comparative Study of UPA and NDA, Mudra Institute of Communications Ahmadabad (MICA), India.
• 2016, International Conference on Media, Online Media as a Tool of Resistance to the Suppressive Tendencies of the Indian Government, Xavier University, Bhubaneswar, India.
• 2016, International Conference on Media & Communication in Sustainable Development, Relevance and Application of Trickle-down Theory of Development in the Context of India, Army Institute of Management and Technology, Greater Noida, India.
• 2016, International Conference on Media & Communication in Sustainable Development, Media and Its Audience: Beneficiary or Victim? Army Institute of Management and Technology, Greater Noida, India.
• 2016, Association of Christian Philosophers of India National Research Seminar, The Role of Soft Power and Hard Power in Nation Building, Albert’s College, Ranchi, India.
• 2016, International Conference of the International Society for Media, Religion, and Culture (ISMRC), The Beginning, Expansion, and Impact of Shalom Religious Media: A Case Study, Seoul, South Korea.
• 2016, National Media Conference, Globalization of Media: Global-Local Negotiations with Special Reference to India, Manipal University, India.
• 2015, International Conference on Media, Social Media as a Tool of Political Communication, Amity University, Jaipur, India.
• 2015, Association of Christian Philosophers of India National Research Seminar, Body in Media: Organs without Body, Janampet, Eluru, Andhra Pradhesh, India.
• 2015, International Conference on Media, Media the All-Pervasive Entity of Our Time, Dharmaram Vidhya Kshetram (DVK), Bangalore, India.
• 2014, Association of Christian Philosophers of India National Research Seminar, Semiotics and Media Content, Carmelgiri Seminary, Aluva, India.
• 2013, Association of Christian Philosophers of India National Research Seminar, Culture and Development, Charles’ Seminary, Nagpur, India.
• 2012, National Seminar on Media Ethics and Practices, Ethical Dimensions of Investigative Reporting, Besant Women’s College, Mangalore, India.
• 2011, Association of Christian Philosophers of India National Research Seminar, Media and the Making of History, New Delhi, India.

  Conferences / Seminars: Attended 

• 2023, Association of Christian Philosophers of India National Research Seminar on ‘Engulfing Presence of Artificial Intelligence: Philosophical Reflection of its Challenges and Opportunities’ held at Jnana Niketan, Little Flower Seminary, Aluva, Kerala, India.
• 2022, International Conference on ‘Dialogue and Solidarity’, held at Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram (DVK), Bangalore, India.
• 2022, Association of Christian Philosophers of India National Research Seminar on ‘Emancipatory Education: Policies and Practices’, at Morning Star Seminary, Kolkata, India.
• 2019, Association of Christian Philosophers of India National Research Seminar, Philosophizing Science: Promises, Perils & Possibilities, at St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Old Goa, India.
• 2019, International Conference on Media & Communication in Sustainable Development, held at Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal, India.
• 2018, International Conference on Indian Cinema and Alternate Networks, held at Delhi Metropolitan Education, India.
• 2018, Asian Congress for Media and Communication International Conference, held at National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan.
• 2018, Association of Christian Philosophers of India National Research Seminar, held at Christ Hall, Calicut, Kerala, India.
• 2018, International Association for Media Communication and Research (IAMCR) International Conference, held at Oregon University, United States.
• 2018, International Conference on Disruptive Technologies – Path Ahead 2023, held at Rukmini Devi Institute of Advanced Studies, New Delhi, India.
• 2017, Association of Christian Philosophers of India National Research Seminar, held at Guwahati, Assam, India.
• 2017, International Association for Media Communication and Research (IAMCR) International Conference, held at Cartagena, Columbia.
• 2017, International Conference on Media, held at Mudra Institute of Communications Ahmadabad (MICA), India.
• 2017, Annual convention of Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) and Signis India annually since 1996.
• 2016, International Conference on Media, held at Xavier University, Bhubaneswar, India.
• 2016, International Conference on Media & Communication in Sustainable Development, held at Army Institute of Management and Technology, Greater Noida, India.
• 2016, Association of Christian Philosophers of India National Research Seminar, held at St. Albert’s College, Ranchi, India.
• 2016, International Conference of the International Society for Media, Religion, and Culture (ISMRC), held at Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.
• 2016, National Media Conference, held at Manipal University, India.
• 2015, International Conference on Media, held at Amity University, Jaipur, India.
• 2015, Association of Christian Philosophers of India National Research Seminar, held at Janampet, Eluru, Andhra Pradhesh, India.
• 2015, International Conference on Media, held at Dharmaram Vidhya Kshetram (DVK), Bangalore, India.
• 2014, Association of Christian Philosophers of India National Research Seminar, held at Carmelgiri Seminary, Aluva, India.
• 2013, Association of Christian Philosophers of India National Research Seminar, held at St. Charles’ Education Society, Nagpur, India.
• 2013, UCIP (Union Catholic International Press) World Congress held at Panama University, Panama City.
• 2012, Seminar on Financial Management, held at Salesian Provincialate, Bangalore.
• 2012, National Seminar on Media Ethics and Practices, held at Besant Women’s College, Mangalore, India.
• 2011, Association of Christian Philosophers of India National Research Seminar, held at New Delhi, India.
• 2010, International Conference on Science and Religion, Rashol Seminary, Goa.
• 2007, UCIP (Union Catholic International Press) World Congress, held at Sherbrooke University, Quebec, Canada.
• 2004, UCIP (Union Catholic International Press) World Congress held at International Convention Centre, Bangkok, Thailand.
• 2004, National Consultation on ‘Women Empowerment’, held at Ishvani Kendra, Pune.
• 2004, National Conference on ‘Communication Theology’, held at Ruhalaya Major Seminary, Ujjain.
• 2000, Catholic Bishop’s Conference of India (CBCI) consultation on Media and Crisis Management, held at CBCI Centre, New Delhi.
• 1993, International Conference on Medical Ethics, held at Vatican City, Rome, Italy.

Professional Memberships

• 2017–current International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR)
• 2017–2018 International Society for Media, Religion, and Culture (ISMRC)
• 2015–current International News Media Association (INMA)
• 2015–current New Media Professionals Association (NMPA)
• 2014–current National Geographic Society
• 2004-2007 Union Catholic International Press (UCIP), based in Geneva.
• 1997–current Association of Christian Philosophers of India (ACPI)
• 1996–2005 SIGNIS INDIA
• 1996-current Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA).

Leadership Roles

• 2015-2017 Joint-secretary Indian Catholic Press Association, New Delhi, India.
• 2012-2014 Head of the Department (HOD) of Department of Communication, St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore (now St. Joseph’s University).

• 2009–2011 Director, Gyanadhara Institute of Philosophy, Salcette, Goa, India.
• 1999-2004 Joint-secretary, Indian Catholic Press Association, New Delhi, India.
• 1997-1999 Director, Media Courses: May – June. St. Francis De Sales College, Nagpur, India.
• 1997-1998 Director of Media Education, Nagpur, India.
• 1996-2002 Founder & Director of Catholic Media Forum (CMF), Nagpur, India.
• 1995-1997 Moderator of Discipline at St. Charles’ Education Society, Nagpur, India.
• 1995-1999 Director of Cultural Affairs, St. Charles’ Education Society, Nagpur, India.
• 1995-1999 Chairperson of the Department of Communications Media & Publications, St. Charles’ Education Society, Nagpur, India.

• 1988-1992 Dean of Discipline at St. Charles’ Education Society, Nagpur, India.

Countries Visited and Lived

Australia (three months), Canada (a month), China, Columbia, Egypt, France, Germany, Great Britain (a month), Ireland (one year), Israel, Italy (five years), Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Palestine, Panama City, Portugal, South Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and U.S.A (three years).