The 10th annual International Media Conference and the 12th anniversary celebrations being organized by the Indo-American Press Club (IAPC), the largest organization representing media professionals of Indian origin in North America, was inaugurated at The Woodlands Inn and Resort in Poconos, Pennsylvania on May 3rd, 2025 with the lighting of the Traditional Lamp by honored dignitaries, guests, IAPC leaders, Ginsmon Zachariah, and Chapter leaders, and, media leaders from across the world.
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. Dozens of media persons from the United States, Canada and India participated at the power packed conference, which included workshops and panel discussions on social media influence.
Attended by renowned journalists, media professionals, writers, and community leaders, the conference provided a perfect setting for discussions on media excellence, role of media in a fast changing media landscape, innovation and challenges faced by the mainstream media, and global collaboration. Marking a decade of fostering connections among media professionals, the conference provided a vital platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and building meaningful collaborations.
Dr. Indranil Basu Ray, Chair of IAPC BOD, among his many plans for the organization that he has been chosen to lead, stated, “I am planning to start a new channel magazine every week called Indian American News with the objective of sharing news as well as to advertise IAPC and generating funds to manage IAPC needs,” Dr. Basu Ray shared his plans to organize a larger IMC in the United States and a media conference in India.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Babu Stephen highlighted the role of media, the challenges faced by journalists across the globe, and the contributions and achievements of the Indian American Diaspora in the United States.
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.
Romy Mathew, a journalist and author of The Citizen Jounralist at the Manorama News; Gopikrishnan, a renowned cartoonist and social commentator at 24 News; Smuruthy Paruthikad, Executive Editor and author at Reported TV; and, Madhu Saji Senior News subeditor at Mathrubhumi News, shared with the IAPC delegates their perspectives on the Role of Media in the modern world, in the face of many headwinds faced by journalists to be objective and authentic in reporting.
On May 4th, these famed journalists, who came all the away form India to be part of the IMC, led an insightful and thought provoking seminar on the challenges and opportunities faced by the media landscape today. They were joined by James Chacko and Joseph at the Seminar. Contributing to the lively discussion.
Dr. Eapen Daniel led a powerful seminar on Influence of Digital Transformation Mainstream Journalism. Ajay Ghosh, James Kureekatil, and Varghese Korason were other panelist at the seminar. Brain Drain was the topic discussed by the 3rd seminar led by Dr. Indranil Basu Ray, who was joined by Prakash Shah, Rohit Vyas, James Kureekatil, and Varghese Korason.
IAPC honored Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Dr. Anju Vallbhaneni, and Dr. Babu Stephen with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their accomplishments and contributions to the larger society during the inaugural ceremony. Kimberly Pine, Director at Ignite Investments was recognized for her role in the success of the Ignite Investments through raising capitol for private equity placements and fostering investor relationships with high-net-worth clients.
Dr. Satheesh Kathula, a board-certified hematologist and oncologist from Dayton, Ohio, practicing Medicine for over two decades, is the President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI). A clinical professor of medicine at Wright State University-Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dr. Kathula has authored several scientific papers and articles in medical journals and has authored a book, describing his journey as an immigrant physician. Dr Kathula’s love for his motherland has manifested in him setting up humanitarian and medical projects in India. The most important of them is establishing a state-of-the-art pharmacy college in Warangal in Telangana, where he grew up.
In his address, Dr. Kathula stressed the vital role being played by the media in a fast changing world, and of the many noble initiatives of AAPI benefitting the people of India and the United States. “One in seven patient encounters in the United States is with a physician of Indian origin. AAPI, the largest ethnic medical organization in the United States, represents the over 100,000 physicians of Indian Origin in the United States,” he said.
Anju Vallabhaneni is a highly committed leader with extensive expertise in global delivery and a deep passion for community service. He is the National President of ITServe Alliance, a non-profit association representing over 2,500 IT companies across the United States. Anju’s impressive academic background and his leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in managing businesses with revenues ranging from $5 million to over $100 million. He is deeply involved in philanthropic efforts, actively supporting over ten non-profit organizations. His commitment to giving back to the community highlights his belief in the importance of social responsibility.
In his response after being honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Vallabhaneni, while speaking about ITServe, said, “Mentoring, Networking, Education, Investing, Giving Back to the Community are only some of the numerous benefits ITServe offers to its 2,500 member companies.” In addition to his many professional accomplishments, Vallabhaneni said, “What gives me joy is that I am able to give back to the community through my support to various not for profit organizations.”
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. He is the CEO of DC Healthcare Inc, and the president of SM Reality LLC in Washington, and has been politically well-connected in both Washington DC and Kerala. He has dabbled in media and having arrived in America over four decades ago, and has been among the first generation of Indian community builders here. In his acceptance speech for the award for excellence in business, he recounted the Indian American community’s landmark achievements in all walks of life here – and we have only started, he said.
IAPC President Azad Jayan delivered the welcome address and the General Secretary of IAPC Shan Justus proposed vote of thanks. The event was eloquently emceed by Patricia Umashankar, Brioona Gins, and Sameera Kavanal. Jenson Kuriakose entertained the participants with his melodious songs from Malayalam movies.
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 at www.indoamericanpressclub.