An assistant professor from Lucknow University's Faculty of Law has been honoured with a prestigious European Union fellowship for his groundbreaking research on how governments manage health emergencies. Panch Rishi Dev Sharma has been awarded the Erasmus plus European Union Fellowship to pursue advanced studies on pandemic emergency governance.
Focus on Narratives Over Law in Crisis Management
Sharma's research takes a unique approach by investigating the power of public storytelling during health crises, rather than focusing solely on legal frameworks. His work analyses how government policy decisions are shaped during major outbreaks, including historical and contemporary pandemics like the plague, cholera, influenza, and the recent Covid-19 crisis. The core argument is that the narratives constructed and communicated by authorities play a critical role in public compliance and the overall effectiveness of crisis response.
A Global Study for Local Insights
The research is notably comprehensive in its geographical scope. Sharma draws comparative examples and lessons from the pandemic responses of six diverse nations: China, Italy, the USA, Germany, Australia, and India. This cross-country analysis allows for a nuanced understanding of different governance models and public communication strategies employed during extreme health emergencies.
Part of his seminal work has already gained international recognition, having been published in the esteemed International Journal of Asian Studies by Cambridge University Press. This publication underscores the academic rigor and global relevance of his findings.
Strengthening Future Pandemic Preparedness
The ultimate goal of this fellowship research is to translate academic insights into actionable policy. By dissecting what worked and what failed in the narratives of past crises, the study aims to provide concrete recommendations. These insights are designed to help governments worldwide, including India, strengthen their future pandemic preparedness and build more resilient public health communication systems.
The Erasmus+ Fellowship will enable Professor Sharma to deepen this research, potentially involving collaboration with European institutions. This accolade not only highlights individual excellence but also brings significant recognition to Lucknow University on an international platform dedicated to fostering academic exchange and innovative policy solutions.
