(New York, NY: June 29, 2020) During a solemn virtual ceremony live telecast on social media and viewed by thousands from around the world, Dr. Joseph M. Chalil assumed charge as the Chairman, while Dr. SS Lal as the President of Indo American Press Club on Sunday, June 28th, 2020. Also, along with the two dynamic leaders, several new members of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee members, and Local Chapter leadership were administered the oath of office.
the new officers and IAPC, the largest Indian American Association of Media Personnel begin a new journey under the stewardship of two great leaders well known for their commitment and leadership.
Ginsmon Zachariah, the Founding Chairman of IAPC administered the oath of office to Dr. Chalil, along with 3 new members to the Board of Directors: Mathewkutty Easow, Mini Nair & Thampanoor Mohan. Ajay Ghosh, the Founding President of IAPC introduced Dr. Chalil as the Co-founder and Publisher of The Universal News Network. Dr. Chalil is an Adjunct Professor and author of several scientific and research papers in international publications. A veteran of the U.S. Navy Medical Corps, Dr. Chalil is board certified in healthcare management and has been awarded Fellowship by the American College of Healthcare Executives. Dr. Chalil holds several U.S. Patents, and his research includes Clinical Trial Management in Cystic Fibrosis, Food Allergy, Multiple Myeloma.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Chalil said, “Your choice humbles me, and I promise to do my duties with the best of my abilities.” Describing current phase in human history as “unprecedented times for the journalists and the media,” he pointed out that “AT LEAST 146 JOURNALISTS HAVE DIED FROM CORONAVIRUS IN 31 COUNTRIES.”
“The safety of media workers is particularly at risk in this crisis because you must continue to provide information on the ground and report news by visiting hospitals, interviewing politicians, doctors, nurses, and patients. IAPC offers condolences to families and colleagues of the deceased,” Dr. Chalil, who is a Physician by profession said. “In this pandemic, the significance of traditional media is all the more important to provide fair, balanced, and UpToDate information to the population. You are all the HEROS similar to the doctors and nurses in this war against the COVID-19.”
The new Executive Committee led by Dr. S S Lal, Annie Koshy, C G Daniel, James Kureekattil, Prakash Joseph, Sunil Manjanikara, Biju Chacko, Andrews Jacob, Raj Dingra, Annie Chandran, Neethu Thomas, Innocent Ulahannan, Baiju Pakalomattom, O. K. Thyagarajan, Shiby Roy and Korasan Varghese were administered the oath of office by Chairman Dr. Joseph M Chalil.
Dr. S. S. Lal was introduced by Reji Philip, Treasurer of IAPC. In his Presidential Address, Dr. Lal highlighted the importance of journalists and the need to coordinate and bring together journalists under one umbrella. “And it is the commitment and sacrifice of the leaders and members of this organization that has helped us build collaborations between the journalists and writers of the US and India,” Dr. Lal said.
Sharing his own experiences in the media world, Dr. Lal recalled, “It was Asianet, one of the first two satellite channels of India, that gave me the opportunity to work for a visual media way back in 1993. This is how I got an opportunity become a media person and learn the dynamics within the field of media, an area which I would not have explored at all while pursuing my career as a medical doctor.” Dr Lal said, he considers this leadership role in IAPC as “an additional opportunity for me to serve the people in broader areas of life and further strengthen the partnerships between the media personnel of USA, Canada and India.”
Dr. Lal is a world renowned Health Expert, Columnist and Guest Speaker on various Visual Media, In 2013, he moved to Washington DC, USA to lead a global department of PATH, an American international health organization, in charge of the Department of Controlling contagious diseases (TB), with head quarters in Washington DC. Dr. Lal has been working for WHO in various countries, and has been instrumental in the setting up and management of its Global Fund at Geneva. He is a key member in various Advisory Councils of the WHO and often appears on TV sharing valuable thoughts on public health. Many of his scientific articles and findings have been published in various international journals. He is also a frequent columnist in various accredited Online and Print media.
Since 1993, for the first time in India, Dr. Lal initiated the broadcasting of Health Shows (Pulse, Asianet) and he was the Anchor for more than 500 biweekly episodes, until the end of 2003. He has published so many Short Stories and Novels, and “Tittoni” a collection of his short stories was published by D.C. Books. He has been appointed the new president of the Kerala unit of the All India Professionals’ Congress (AIPC).
Ambassador Pradeep Kapur, in his keynote address stressed the importance of the media, especially in these challenging times as they work hard to bring the truth before the public. Dr. Shashi Tharoor, a Member of Indian Parliament, in his message stressed the importance of media and congratulated IAPC for its contributions to the society.
Isaac John Pattaniparambil from Khaleej Times in Dubai, MG Radhakrishnan from Asianet NewsTV, Srikantan Nair from 24News, Preetu Nair from Times of India were others who addressed the IAPC members and felicitated the organization for its growth and success in a short period of seven years,
IAPC honored with special awards three Indian Americans for their excellence and contributions to the society. Bob Miglani was presented with the IAPC Literature Excellence Award by Dr. Mathew Joys, IAPC Vice Chairman BOD. Badal Shah was given the IAPC Business Excellence Award by Biju Chacko, IAPC (EC) General Secretary. Ravinder Singh was honored with the IAPC Technology Excellence Award by Ms. Annie Koshy, Executive VP.
Parveen Chopra, a member of BOD introduced the office bearers of Toronto, Dallas and Philadelphia Chapters and Oath of office was administered by Kamlesh Mehta, IAPC Director and Publisher of The South Asian Times. New Teams led by veteran leaders of Vancouver was introduced by Thampannoor Mohan, Director; Niagara Falls Chapter by Ashley Joseph; Atlanta, Houston and Alberta Chapters were introduced by Mini Nair, Director and thereafter administered the oath of office by Dr. S.S. Lal.
On behalf of the newly inducted Chapters, Bince Mandapam (Toronto), Azad Jayan (Niagra Falls), Milly Philip (Philadelphia), Anitha Naveen (Vancouver), Joseph John (Alberta), C G Daniel (Houston), Meena Nibu (Dallas), and Sabu Kurian (Atlanta), delivered Acceptance Speeches.
Mathewkutty Easow, National BoD Secretary welcomed the participants and guests to the Virtual Ceremony. Annie Koshy served brilliantly as the Master of ceremony. Thomas Mathew (Anil) IAPC Director proposed vote of Thanks.
Indo American Press Club (IAPC) is the fast growing syndicate of print, visual, online, and electronic media journalists and other media related professionals of Indian origin working in the United States, Canada, and Europe. IAPC is committed to enhance the working conditions of our journalists, exchanging ideas and offering educational and training opportunities to our members, aspiring young journalists and media professionals around the globe; and also by honoring media people for their excellence, and for bringing in positive changes through their dedicated service among the community. Today IAPC envisages its vision through collective efforts and advocacy activities through its 15 Chapters across the US and Canada, in the larger public sphere.
