Dear Esteemed Members of the Indo-American Press Club,

I am deeply honored and humbled to be re-elected as the Indo-American Press Club (IAPC) Chairman for the 2024-2025 term. This opportunity to continue serving such a distinguished and dynamic community of Indian American journalists and media professionals fills me with immense gratitude and renewed commitment.

As we embark on this new chapter together, I am reminded of the pivotal role of the press and media in shaping public discourse, fostering transparency, and upholding the principles of democracy. Our collective mission remains to champion the cause of truth, integrity, and impartiality in journalism, ensuring that our community’s voice is heard loud and clear across the American landscape.

In the past years, we have faced unprecedented challenges, from navigating the evolving media landscape to addressing misinformation and media bias issues. Yet, we have also witnessed our members’ resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication. Your hard work and perseverance have kept the flame of credible journalism alive, and for that, I extend my deepest appreciation.

Looking ahead, I envision a future where the IAPC continues to be a beacon of excellence and a platform for meaningful dialogue and exchange. Our focus for the upcoming year will be on several key initiatives:

1.⁠ ⁠Strengthening Professional Development: We will continue to offer workshops, training programs, and mentorship opportunities to enhance the skills and capabilities of our members, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of modern journalism.

2.⁠ ⁠Promoting Ethical Journalism: Upholding the highest standards of ethical journalism will remain at the forefront of our agenda. We will work diligently to combat misinformation and ensure that our reporting remains fair, balanced, and fact-based.

3.⁠ ⁠Fostering Community Engagement: We aim to deepen our engagement with the Indian American community, highlighting stories that resonate with our unique cultural heritage and addressing issues that impact our community’s well-being and progress.

4.⁠ ⁠Expanding Our Reach: By leveraging new media technologies and platforms, we will strive to broaden our reach and amplify our voice, ensuring that the perspectives of Indian American journalists are represented in mainstream media.

5.⁠ ⁠Advocating for Press Freedom: We will continue to advocate for the rights and freedoms of journalists, standing in solidarity with our colleagues globally who face threats and challenges in their pursuit of truth.

6.⁠ ⁠Emphasizing India’s Global Relevance: As India continues to solidify its position as the fastest growing economy in the world, it is crucial to highlight the increasing relevance of India on the global stage. Our role in promoting stories that reflect India’s economic strides and innovations is more important than ever.

7.⁠ ⁠Strengthening Indo-US and Indo-Canadian Relations: The significance of Indian Americans is ever increasing in North America. Supporting stronger Indo-US friendship and working towards improving Indo-Canadian relationships should be our calling. By fostering mutual understanding and collaboration, we can contribute to a more harmonious and prosperous future for all.

8.⁠ ⁠Promoting Democracy as the Fourth Pillar: Our commitment to democracy compels us to shine a light on anything that can weaken the democracies in India, the USA, or Canada. Without bias, we will give voices to all sides, protect victims, and expose corrupt practices. In doing so, we uphold the press as the fourth pillar of democracy, ensuring transparency, accountability, and justice.