HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): The Indo-American Press Club (IAPC) will inaugurate its new executive committee at a gala at Antun’s by Minar here on March 4 in the presence of media personalities and community.

Prof. Indrajit Singh Saluja, Editor-Publisher of The Indian Panorama, will take over as President from Parveen Chopra, Managing Editor of The South Asian Times. The Chief Guest, Hon. George Maragos, Comptroller of Nassau County, is set to administer the oath of office to the 2017 office-bearers, including Eapen George as General Secretary and Biju Chacko as Treasurer.

A highlight of the event will be felicitating Mr H.R. Shah, Chairman and CEO of TV Asia, on conferment of one of the highest civilian awards of India, Padma Shri.

The keynote address will be given by Jehangir Khattak, Co-Director, Center for Community and Ethnic Media, CUNY Graduate School of Journalism,

Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Deputy Consul General, New York will presideover the function.

A book, Musings on Medicine, Myth, and History – India’s Legacy, by Dr. VK Raju and Dr. Leela Raju will be launched. The authors will be present.

The roaster of entertainment includes a skit by New Jersey street theater group, Prayog. Kalpita Chakote, who has performed at the UN and at Metropolitan Museum of Art, will present a classical dance. St. John’s College students will present Bhangra. Surya Makkar will play the dhol.

Under founder and chairman, Ginsmon Zacharia, IAPC has grown from strength to strength.

It has organized three successful annual international conferences in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. A highlight of the conference last year was a presidential debate with representatives from Democratic and Republican sides.Prof. Indrajit S Saluja moderated the debate.

IPAC has six active chapters in America and Canada. The Atlanta chapter celebrated India’s Republic Day this January in a big way. Last year, the Houston chapter hosted a debate and discussion on the presidential election to increase participation of the Indian community in the political process.