Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty Becomes First Woman President of Press Club of India

Press Club of India Elections Mark Historic Shift in Leadership

Senior journalist Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty has been elected as the first woman president of the Press Club of India (PCI) , creating a landmark moment in the history of one of India’s most influential media institutions. Her election reflects a broader shift in leadership representation within the journalist community based in the national capital.

Decisive Victory in PCI Elections
The elections witnessed a sweeping mandate in favour of Pisharoty’s panel, which won all office-bearer and managing committee positions by a decisive 21–0 margin . Polling was held on Saturday, with vote counting completed the following day. The unanimous outcome signals strong confidence in the new leadership at a time when the media sector is grappling with challenges related to press freedom, professional ethics, and institutional autonomy.

New Leadership Team
Along with Pisharoty’s elevation as president, Afzal Imam was elected secretary general, while Jatin Gandhi assumed the role of vice-president. Aditi Rajput was chosen as treasurer and P R Sunil as joint secretary, both elected unopposed. The newly elected office-bearers are expected to prioritise journalist welfare, institutional transparency, and the protection of media rights.

Managing Committee Structure
The Press Club’s managing committee comprises 16 members representing diverse segments of Indian journalism, including print, digital, and broadcast platforms. The committee’s composition reflects a wide professional spectrum, reinforcing the Club’s role as a representative body for journalists across media formats.

Significance for Indian Media
Pisharoty’s election is widely viewed as a milestone for gender representation in media leadership. Observers note that the result highlights growing recognition of inclusive leadership within journalistic institutions, especially at a time when the role of independent media remains under close public and institutional scrutiny.

Exam-Focused Points

• The Press Club of India is headquartered in New Delhi .

• Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty is the first woman president of the Club.

• The 2025 PCI elections resulted in a complete panel sweep (21–0) .

• The managing committee consists of 16 elected members .