11th IPCNA Media Conference Highlights Press Freedom and Journalistic Integrity

Edison, New Jersey:
The 11th Media Conference of the India Press Club of North America (IPCNA), held at the Sheraton Edison Hotel, has been hailed as a landmark gathering of journalists, political leaders, and media professionals from Kerala and across North America. The three-day event emphasized press freedom, ethical journalism, and the media’s vital role in defending democracy and truth in today’s fast-changing world.

Delivering the keynote address at the valedictory session, N. K. Premachandran MP stressed that while freedom of speech and the press are fundamental rights, they continue to face serious global challenges. He praised IPCNA for creating a rare and meaningful platform that brought together Kerala’s leading journalists and the Malayali diaspora for open dialogue and professional exchange. Premachandran noted that Kerala’s media remains one of the most vibrant and courageous in India, constantly balancing reflection with reform and maintaining its commitment to truth.

IPCNA National President Sunil Tristar thanked the Advisory Board, Executive Committee, National Committee, and local chapters for their teamwork and dedication. He emphasized that as the Malayali community continues to grow across North America, its sense of civic awareness and journalistic integrity must grow with it.

Delivering the keynote address at the valedictory session MP V. K. Sreekandan reminded participants that the media is not an adversary to governance but a constitutional safeguard. He warned that intolerance toward criticism signals authoritarian tendencies and encouraged journalists to continue speaking the truth fearlessly.

Ranni MLA Promod Narayan applauded IPCNA’s two-decade journey as a model of professionalism and service. He stated that he would proudly present IPCNA’s achievements in the Kerala Legislative Assembly — a remark that drew warm applause from the audience.

Eminent journalists including Johny Lukose (News Director, Manorama News), Hashmi Taj Ibrahim (Senior News Editor, MediaOne TV), Abgeoth Varghese (Assistant Editor, Asianet News), Sujaya Parvathy (Coordinator & Senior Reporter, Reporter TV), Mothy Rajesh (Senior Sub Editor, Mathrubhumi News), and Leen B. Jesmas (Consulting Editor, News18 Kerala) joined the event and praised IPCNA for providing a global forum that celebrates journalistic excellence, cultural identity, and unity among Malayali media professionals.

Other notable participants included Fr. Sijo Panthappallil (Managing Director, Believers Church), Vishakh Cheriyan (Treasurer, IPCNA), Sunil Thaimattam (Advisory Board Chairman), Raju Pallath (President-Elect), Anilkumar Aranmula (Vice President), Asha Mathew (Joint Secretary), Roy Mulakunnam (Joint Treasurer), Saji Abraham (Conference Chairman), and Sholy Kumpiluvely. The sessions were ably moderated by Madhu Kottarakkara and Mathew Varghese, whose lively coordination ensured the proceedings remained smooth and engaging.

The 11th IPCNA Media Conference concluded with a renewed pledge to uphold truth, transparency, and collaboration — reaffirming the enduring influence of Malayali media voices in shaping a more informed and democratic global society.