Pranav Jani, Indian American English professor at Ohio State University, who bridges the gap between academic instruction and grassroots civic engagement has earned a prestigious national accolade for his defense of intellectual liberty.
Associate Professor Jani received the 2026 Affiliate Intellectual Freedom Award from the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), according to a university release.The honor, administered through regional bodies, recognizes individuals who champion open discourse and democratic education.
Jani was specifically nominated by the Ohio Council of Teachers of English Language Arts (OCTELA) for maintaining inclusive learning spaces and speaking out on critical public issues. Specializing in postcolonial studies and Asian American literature, his academic pursuits closely mirror his family’s deep-seated values regarding justice and equity.
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Rooted in a rich family heritage connected to Indian traditions of postcolonial discourse and anti-imperialist thought, Jani’s worldview shapes his approach to education.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Yale University in 1993, a Master of Arts from Indiana University Bloomington in 1995, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Brown University in 2001.
State language arts representatives praised Jani not only for his classroom pedagogy but also for his two decades of visible advocacy at the Ohio Statehouse. Colleagues noted his consistent presence in movements addressing labor rights, immigration, anti-war efforts, and racial equality.
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Beyond campus, he hosts the podcast Together We Rise: Solidarity Stories from Central Ohio and serves leadership roles within the American Association of University Professors (AAUP).
“This award gives me, and those I affiliate with, the confidence and support to keep defending intellectual freedom and to keep teaching the truth,” Jani stated.
OCTELA leaders emphasized that his public footprint reinforces the vital connection between civic participation and higher education.
Twice named Professor of the Year by English graduate students at Ohio State, Jani continues to advocate for open dialogue despite mounting political pressures targeting higher education.