Dr. Vasanti Rao
Director General, Centre for Media Studies (CMS)
Founder & Festival Director, CMS VATAVARAN – Asia’s Largest Green Film Festival
Regional Vice Chair (S & SE Asia), IUCN Commission on Education and Communication
Biography
Dr. Vasanti Rao is a distinguished scholar, visionary leader, and tireless advocate at the intersection of media, sustainability, and policy. With over 32 years of professional experience, she has pioneered communication strategies that blend research, advocacy, and storytelling to catalyze social and environmental transformation across India and South Asia.
As the Founder and Director General of the Centre for Media Studies (CMS)—a premier interdisciplinary think tank—Dr. Rao has led groundbreaking initiatives in media research, public policy evaluation, environmental advocacy, and social communication. She began her journey with CMS as a founding member in 1991 and rose through the ranks to become its Director General in 2012. Under her stewardship, CMS has expanded from a media-focused institution into a thought leader on sustainability, governance, gender, and child rights.
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Dr. Rao is the creative force behind CMS VATAVARAN, Asia’s largest and most impactful environmental film festival and forum, launched in 2001. With a unique vision of harnessing cinema as a tool for climate action and ecological education, she has successfully brought together filmmakers, policy makers, civil society, and youth to foster dialogue and inspire collective environmental stewardship.
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​Her work spans a wide range of critical domains including:
Dr. Rao is also a recognized policy influencer, having served on numerous national and international committees. She has worked with institutions such as UNESCO, UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, MoEFCC, GIZ, EU, and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, shaping media ethics, content regulation, and environmental messaging.
Her leadership is also evident in multi-stakeholder initiatives like the Change Narrative Alliance, which brings together media networks, research bodies, foundations, and content creators to make Indian entertainment more socially responsible.
As an internationally respected voice, she is currently the Regional Vice Chair for South & Southeast Asia on the IUCN Commission on Education and Communication (CEC), where she continues to advocate for youth engagement, climate education, and cross-sectoral collaboration.
Dr. Rao holds a Ph.D. in Social Sciences from Jawaharlal Nehru University, an MBA from FMS Delhi, and a Master’s in Social and Environmental Psychology from Jamia Millia Islamia. Her academic rigor complements her field experience, making her a sought-after speaker, evaluator, and media strategist
She is multilingual (English, Hindi, Telugu) and is deeply committed to inclusive and evidence-based development. Her numerous publications, policy papers, media appearances, and editorials reflect her deep commitment to using knowledge for societal good.
Affiliations & Roles
Board Member
Green Film Network
(2000–2024)
Chairperson
CMS Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Council Member
Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI Academy)
Member
UNESCO Media Freedom Committee
Advisor
Wetlands Division, MoEF&CC (2024 onwards)
Director
Social Marketing and Development Research Associates (MDRA)
Member
Indian Women’s Press Corps
Former Member
Sam Pitroda Committee on Prasar Bharat
Signature Initiatives
CMS VATAVARAN
Over 12 international editions, 300+ films, thousands of participants globally
Wetlands for LiFE
National awareness campaign on biodiversity and climate resilience
Bhutan & Nepal Green Film Forums
Cross-border environmental cooperation through storytelling
Gender-Sensitive Programming Guidelines
Developed for Doordarshan and supported by UNESCO
Change Narrative Alliance
A pioneering coalition to influence narratives in Indian media
Publications & Media
Dr. Rao has authored and co-authored several influential books, journal articles, columns, and policy papers on topics ranging from media regulation to child empowerment and environmental governance. Her contributions have been featured in Outlook India, MINT, Newslaundry, VIDURA, and various peer-reviewed journals.
Legacy & Vision
A trailblazer in media for development, Dr. Vasanti Rao stands as a bridge between grassroots realities and policy corridors. Her legacy is defined by institution-building, systems thinking, and a commitment to equity and sustainability. With an unyielding focus on climate action, youth engagement, and informed governance, she continues to inspire future generations of changemakers, researchers, and storytellers.