Sister Nivedita University to Host ICA 2026 Conference on Communication and Inequalities

Sister Nivedita University (SNU) is set to host the International Communication Association (ICA) Regional Hub Conference 2026 from 4 to 6 June 2026, bringing together leading academicians, researchers, communication scholars, media professionals, and industry experts from India and around the world.

The three-day international conference will be organised at the university's Kolkata campus under the theme “Communication and Inequalities in Context”, focusing on the role of communication in shaping societies, addressing inequalities, and influencing public discourse in an increasingly interconnected world.

The conference is expected to serve as a significant platform for intellectual exchange, interdisciplinary research discussions, and collaboration among scholars working across media studies, journalism, communication research, digital culture, public policy, and related fields.

Global Experts and Scholars to Lead Discussions

The event will feature a distinguished line-up of speakers, plenary sessions, and panel discussions involving prominent names from academia, media, and communication studies.

Among the key speakers and plenary participants are Prof. Suranjan Das, Vice-Chancellor of Adamas University and former Vice-Chancellor of Jadavpur University; Prof. Ashutosh Ghosh, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta; Prof. B.P. Sanjay, former Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Tamil Nadu and International Communication Association (India Chapter) President; Prof. (Dr.) Dhrubajyoti Chattopadhyay, Pro-Chancellor of Sister Nivedita University; and Prof. (Dr.) Anupam Basu, Vice-Chancellor of Sister Nivedita University.

The conference will also feature sessions by international communication leaders and scholars including Noshir Contractor, General Secretary of the International Communication Association, along with researchers and academicians from leading institutions in India and abroad.

Other notable participants include Prof. Vinod Pavarala of Mahindra University, Prof. Padma Rani of Manipal Institute of Communication, Dr. Mausumi Bhattacharyya of Visva-Bharati, Prof. Ruchi Kher Jaggi of Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Dr. Surbhi Dahiya of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, and Dr. Snehasis Sur, President of Press Club Kolkata.

Focus on Communication and Social Inequalities

The central theme, “Communication and Inequalities in Context,” aims to encourage critical discussions on how communication systems influence social inclusion, access to information, representation, public participation, and equity in contemporary societies.

Through research presentations, keynote addresses, plenary sessions, and academic exchanges, participants will examine the relationship between media, technology, culture, governance, and social inequality from both local and global perspectives.

Organisers say the conference seeks to create meaningful dialogue on some of the most pressing communication challenges facing societies today while promoting collaborative research and knowledge-sharing across borders.

Valedictory Session to Feature Education and Communication Leaders

The concluding session on 6 June is expected to feature Prof. (Dr.) Deb Narayan Bandyopadhyay, Advisor to the West Bengal State Council of Higher Education, Government of West Bengal, and Dr. Durgesh Tripathi, Dean and Professor at the University School of Mass Communication, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. The valedictory programme will bring together scholars and participants to reflect on key discussions and outcomes from the conference.

Strengthening Kolkata's Presence in Global Academic Dialogue

By hosting the ICA Regional Hub Conference, Sister Nivedita University is positioning Kolkata as an important venue for international academic engagement in media and communication studies.

The conference is expected to attract researchers, faculty members, doctoral scholars, media professionals, and students interested in exploring contemporary communication issues through a global lens.

With an impressive roster of speakers, international participation, and a theme focused on one of the most critical issues of modern society, ICA Regional Hub Conference 2026 is set to become a major academic gathering in the field of communication and media studies this June.