By Ajay Ghosh
The Indo-American Press Club's 10th Annual International Media Conference in Pennsylvania provided a vital platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and building meaningful collaborations.
The Indo-American Press Club (IAPC) — the largest organization representing media professionals of Indian origin in North America — organized the 10th annual International Media Conference and the 12th anniversary celebrations at the Woodlands Inn and Resort in Poconos, Pennsylvania, from May 3-5, 2025.
The celebrations began with the lighting of the traditional lamp by honored dignitaries, guests, IAPC leaders, Chapter leaders, and media and community leaders from across the world. Dozens of media persons from the United States, Canada, and India participated in the power-packed conference, which included workshops and panel discussions on social media influence.
The theme for this year’s conference was “Media at the Crossroads: Truth, Technology, and Global Responsibility” — a topic that holds immense significance in today’s interconnected and rapidly changing media world.
The conference provided a setting for discussions on media excellence, the role of media in a fast-changing media landscape, innovation, challenges faced by the mainstream media, and global collaboration. Participants at the Conference were part of insightful panel discussions, keynote speeches, and interactive sessions led by media experts, offering valuable perspectives on the evolving world of journalism. With digital transformation and press freedom remaining critical global issues, the conference facilitated discussions on key challenges and potential solutions shaping the future of journalism.
Dr Indranil Basu Ray, Chair of IAPC BOD, shared with the audience his many plans for the organization that he has been chosen to lead. He said, “I am planning to start a new channel magazine every week called Indian American News to share news as well as to advertise IAPC and generate funds to manage IAPC needs." Dr Babu Stephen highlighted the role of the media, the challenges faced by journalists across the globe, and the contributions and achievements of the Indian American diaspora.
In his felicitation remarks, former Chairman of IAPC, Kamlesh C Mehta, a respected media entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader, reiterated his commitment to create a News Agency by IAPC members, which will keep IAPC and its members in the limelight and bring in revenue.
IAPC honored journalist Romy Mathew, cartoonist Gopikrishnan, Executive Editor at Reported TV, Smuruthy Paruthikad, Senior News Subeditor at Mathrubhumi News, Madhu Saji, and media professional Ilaibharthy, affiliated with the Canadian Tamil Broadcasting Corporation (CTBC Radio), with Media Excellence Awards for their contributions to the media world.
IAPC conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 on: Dr Satheesh Kathula, Anju Vallabhaneni, Prakash A Shah, Dr Vemuri S Murthy, Sam Maddula, Madhavan B Nair, Dr Babu Stephen, Bob Varghese, and Rohit Vyas for their accomplishments and contributions to the larger society during the inaugural ceremony.
Veteran TV anchor Rohit Vyas receiving Lifetime Achievement Award. Seen in the picture — past Chairman of IAPC Kamlesh C Mehta, IAPC Chairman Dr Indranil Basu Ray, renowned TV anchor, Rohit Vyas, IAPC past Chairman Dr Babu Stephen, and an IAPC founder, Ajay Ghosh.(Photo courtesy of IAPC)
Dr Vemuri S Murthy is the co-investigator of a ground-breaking Cardiac Arrest Registry in India, “Warangal Area Cardiac Arrest Registry". Dr Satheesh Kathula, President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), has dedicated his career to treating patients and actively supporting various nonprofit organizations.
Anju Vallabhaneni, the national President of the ITServe Alliance, a non-profit association representing over 2,500 IT companies across the United States, is a highly committed leader with extensive expertise in global delivery and a deep passion for community service. Dr Babu Stephen, a past chairman of the Board of Directors of the Indo-American Press Club, was honored with the award for his contributions to the Indian American community.
Prakash Shah, Chairman and Chief Executive of First Growth Mortgage and Realty Group, is the current President of the Global Organization for the People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) International. A founding member of several national organizations, he remains a key figure in the Indian diaspora’s growth. An Indian entrepreneur who has created a glittering trail, Bob Varghese, stands tall among the emigrant Malayalis in the US. The fame and goodwill made by Vincente Jewelers in the last three decades is unparalleled and a story of pride for the community.
Sam Maddula, Founder & CEO of Bank’s Apothecary Specialty Pharmacy, is a distinguished leader, visionary entrepreneur, and dedicated philanthropist. Madhavan B Nair, widely recognized for his commitment to public service, cultural engagement, and philanthropy, has long devoted himself to advancing the well-being of the Indian-American community through diverse leadership roles and grassroots initiatives. He is the Founder and Patron of the North American Malayalee Association of Malayalees.
Ginsmon Zacharia, Founder Chairman of Indo American Press Club, shared with the audience the history, the objectives, and the achievements of IAPC in the past 12 years. In a special address, IAPC’s former Chairman, Dr Babu Stephen, highlighted the importance of family staying united and parents finding time to spend with children for closer bonds.
The IAPC Souvenir Video edition was released after a video introduction by Dr. Mathew Joys, Chair of the Souvenir Committee, and a short visual highlight of the souvenir on the screen, giving a glimpse of the beautifully curated content and memories it holds. This was followed by a book release by Romy Mathew. Titled “The Citizen Journalist,” the book is a compelling exploration of truth-telling in the modern world, blending insights from his rich experience in media, ethics, and civic engagement.
A movie trailer, 'The Green Alert', was shown to the audience as a way of recommitting to the preservation of the ecological balance for future generations. Felicitation by Community Leaders included, Sunney Mattamana, President of FOKANA International (Federation of Kerala Associations in North America); Dr Kala Shahi, a respected voice in education, community health, and the International Coordinator of FOKANA International; Shalu Punnoose, Vice President of FOMAA; Paul Karukappillil (FOKANA), a community leader and the past chairman and past president; Biju Chacko, a community leader known for his dedication to service and governance; Jomy George – Chapter President, Atlanta; CG Daniel – Board of Directors; Korason Varghese – Board of Directors, IAPC; James Kurikkattil – Executive Vice President, IAPC.
IAPC presented some of the community leaders, who have played a significant role in strengthening community ties and supporting the vision of the Indo-American Press Club with Recognition Awards.
They included: Cigil Palackalody, Treasurer of FOMAA; Dr Aanie Libu, representing the World Malayalee Federation (WMF); Sudhakar Menon, Executive Director of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce and partner at Woodlands Resort in the scenic Poconos; Kamlesh C Mehta, founder of Forsyth Media Group and the visionary behind The South Asian Times and The Asian Era; Jacob Abraham, the CEO of Hedge Events and the publisher of Hedge News, widely recognized for his excellence in event management and financial journalism; Dr Mathew Joys, Vice Chairman of IAPC, and a respected writer and columnist across North America and one of the earliest members of the Indo-American Press Club; Able Cherian, founder and Managing Director of Geobel Exhibition Services LLC; and, Joseph John, a Calgary-based journalist, community leader, and cultural advocate.
Over the past 12 years, through annual conferences, networking events, and training programs, IAPC has played a key role in advocating for ethical journalism while strengthening the connection between Indian American media professionals and mainstream journalism. As the media landscape continues to change, this conference serves as a critical forum for innovation, ethical discourse, and collaboration, ensuring that journalists remain at the forefront of truth, integrity, and impactful storytelling.
Since its inception in 2013, the Indo-American Press Club has become a leading voice for Indian-origin journalists in North America. With active chapters in multiple cities — including Alberta, Atlanta, Connecticut, Dallas, Houston, New Jersey, New York, Niagara, Philadelphia, Toronto, Vancouver, and Washington, DC — the organization continues to champion press freedom, journalistic integrity, and professional development.
For details on registration, participation, and sponsorship opportunities, visit the official IAPC website — www.indoamericanpressclub.com
