CINCINNATI, OH — The Indo-American Press Club convened its flagship annual gathering, the 11th International Media Conference 2026, bringing together prominent journalists, media professionals, civic leaders, and community advocates at the Marriott in Cincinnati. Organized around the principles of press freedom, digital disruption, and public service, the multi-day conference served as a vital forum for exploring the evolving media landscape while honoring outstanding contributions by diaspora trailblazers in medicine, enterprise, literature, and civic life.
The Saturday program commenced with a dynamic morning conclave examining the rapidly growing impact of modern technology on news production. Moderated by host and television producer Meera Shankar, the session, titled The AI Revolution: Empowering Storytellers, Transforming Newsrooms, addressed ethical reporting, newsroom automation, and the preservation of human insight in digital storytelling. Panelists contributing to the discussion included corporate leader and author Roy Ratnavel, Vinod Tharakan, Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Ajay Ghosh, Parveen Chopra, and Muthu Mudaliar. In the afternoon, delegates reconvened for a dedicated regional policy conclave conducted in Malayalam and moderated by writer and journalist Azad Jayan, which examined the enduring ties between democracy, media independence, and diaspora engagement.
The gala opened with a series of substantive leadership addresses setting the conference’s tone and mission. Ajay Ghosh, Founding President of the Indo-American Press Club and Chief Editor of Universal News Network, delivered the official Welcome Speech, reflecting on the organization’s foundational vision of uniting diaspora journalists and creating a supportive platform across North America. Following the welcome, Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Chairman of the Indo-American Press Club and President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), presented the Chairman’s Opening Address, underscoring the vital bridge media builds between civic institutions, healthcare advancements, and community welfare. Meena Chittilappilly, President of the IAPC National Committee, then took the stage to deliver the Presidential Address, highlighting the conference’s ongoing commitment to professional solidarity, media ethics, and uplifting impactful community initiatives.
Civic leadership took center stage as United States Congressman Greg Landsman, representing Ohio’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, delivered the Special Guest Speech. Congressman Landsman lauded the diaspora press corps for safeguarding transparency and maintaining an informed public, noting that a robust, independent press remains an indispensable pillar of democracy. Marking a key milestone of the summit, Congressman Landsman formally presided over the Souvenir Release, unveiling the first official copy of the 11th International Media Conference 2026 Commemorative Souvenir and presenting it to veteran investigative journalist Mathew Samuel, alongside Souvenir Committee Chair Dr. Mathew Joys, Vice Chair Parveen Chopra, and other dignitaries.
The assembly then welcomed Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Purewal, the 70th Mayor of Cincinnati and the city’s first Asian American mayor, who delivered the evening’s keynote Chief Guest Address. Mayor Purewal extended a warm civic greeting to media delegates visiting from around the world, commending the Indo-American Press Club for fostering open dialogue, promoting cultural diversity, and elevating public awareness across vital societal issues.
Following the keynotes, the conference moved to its premier awards presentation, honoring individuals whose lifelong dedication has enriched public health, business, civil rights, and diaspora literature.
Lifetime Achievement Awards were conferred upon pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. V.K. Raju, founder of the Eye Foundation of America, for his decades-long global campaign against preventable childhood blindness, healthcare leader Dr. Meher Medavaram for dedicated patient welfare and clinical philanthropy, corporate executive and bestselling author Roy Ratnavel for resilience and executive excellence, and community statesman Dr. Subash Razdan, founding trustee of the Gandhi Memorial Center in Atlanta, for his long-standing civil rights advocacy. Following his award presentation, Mr. Ratnavel also took the podium to deliver an inspiring Special Address reflecting on his journey and perseverance.
Other major recognitions celebrated community literature and exemplary public service. Dr. Mubin Syed received the award for Most Impactful Book for the South Asian Community in recognition of his health advocacy writings, while Sajan Varghese was presented with the prestigious Karmashreshta Award for entrepreneurial mentorship. Community Service Awards were presented to Dr. Sunitha Polepalle for public health outreach to underserved populations and to Jay Bedi for non-profit civic initiatives supporting immigrant families. Cardiologist and healthcare innovator Dr. Sujeeth Reddy Punnam was honored with the Excellence in Leadership Award for his stewardship in medical organizations and patient care.
The ceremony concluded with felicitations from community leaders and visiting dignitaries, including Dr. Sam Chacko, Dr. Kala Shahi, James Chacko, Sam T Samuel, and actors Dr. Niharica Raizada and Meera Nair. Special recognition plaques were conferred upon Mathew Samuel for investigative reporting, Shan Justus for operational leadership, and founding chairman Ginsmon Zacharia for organizational stewardship. Following the official Vote of Thanks by Azad Jayan who is one of the Board of Directors, delegates and guests gathered for the gala banquet dinner and cultural performances, drawing a historic day of dialogue, honors, and fellowship to an inspiring conclusion.
