Indo American Press Club honors Meera Gandhi of Giving Back Foundation, recognizes several others

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The Indo American Press Club (IAPC) honored Meera Gandhi, the CEO and founder of the non-profit Giving Back Foundation, during the October 7-9, 2023, annual International Media Conference held at the Hilton Stamford Convention Center, Connecticut.

Gandhi was presented with the Lifetime Humanitarian Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to society and her unwavering dedication to philanthropy.
Media Seminars, Workshops, Motivational Sessions, Awards Gala Dinner, Musical/Cultural Program by Hedge Group with renowned artist from India and the United States, and Networking were the key highlights of the 9^th annual conference.

The theme for this year’s conference was “Bridging Borders: Media’s Role in a Globalized World.”

According to organizers, “Dozens of media persons from the United States, Canada and India” were at the event.

In his inaugural address, Kamlesh Mehta, chairman of IAPC said, “The Indo-American Press Club has always been at the forefront of promoting cultural exchange, fostering dialogue, and encouraging collaboration between India and the United States. This conference embodies our commitment to these ideals.”

The inaugural ceremony included a speech by  IAPC General Secretary C. G. Daniel, a lamp-lighting by IAPC leaders and local Chapter leaders.

Ginsmon Zachariah, founder chairman, administered the oath of office to a dozen new members, and a musical and dance extravaganza presented by RHYTHM 2023.

At the Awards Gala, which was on the 2^nd day, Meera Gandhi spoke about “The Role Of Media In A Polarized World”  and drew the attention to news organizations aspiring to deliver quality information that can promote healthy dialogue among members of the communities. Some succeed better than others, she said, a tough goal in an increasingly polarizing world, in the midst of partisan, polarization, culture wars, foreign campaigns using technology platforms to divide where “there is a shortage of moderate voices among political leaders, and no shortage of activists exploiting, extreme and divisive rhetoric.”

Journalists have a “very serious responsibility,” to the future of millions, and to prevent demagogues from taking power.

“IAPC was formed to bring together media groups and the Indian media fraternity, across North America, under one umbrella, to work together, support one another, and provide a unified voice to the mainstream media world and the larger community,” Ajay Ghosh, secretary of the Board of Directors, IAPC is quoted saying in the press release.

An IAPC souvenir and a book were released during the Conference.

Social Media Influencer Awards were presented to: Korason Varghese, a columnist with Malayala Manorama, a leading Malayalam News; Dr. Alice Mathew, a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, known as an inspirational professor and a motivational speaker; and Meera Nair, a Cine actress, poet, dancer, writer, and media person. Joseph John Calgary, a freelance journalist and founding member of the Canadian Freelance Guild and CWA Canada was presented with Community Leader Award.

The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards were conferred on Vikram Mahajan, president of ITServe Alliance Inc.; Padma Shri recipient H.R. SHAH (Media & Arts), Chairman & CEO of TV Asia Group; Meera Gandhi; Dr. Sampat Shivangi (Community service, medicine) from Tennessee; editor of the online portal “Marunadan Malayali Shajan Skariah (Excellence in Journalism); and Dr. Ranu Abraham Varughese, association professor (Excellence in Elder Care).