Darien, CT — June 18, 2026 — Ajay Ghosh, a veteran journalist and Clinical Social Worker at Yale New Haven Hospital was among the Five Distinguished Indian Americans honored by The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin–Connecticut (GOPIO-CT) during the 20th Anniversary and a grand Awards Gala at the Water’s Edge Banquet Hall, Darien, CT on June 13, 2026. The Indian American leaders were honored for their works that span public service, science, media, finance, and academia.
The event brought together lawmakers, civic leaders, and community members in recognition of two decades of GOPIO-CT’s advocacy, cultural engagement, and civic leadership within Connecticut’s growing South Asian diaspora.
“This milestone highlights the contributions of individuals who have made a meaningful impact in society,” said GOPIO-CT President Mahesh Jhangiani. “Our honorees represent excellence, service, and leadership.”
Dr. Thomas Abraham, founder president of GOPIO International and chair of the Awards Committee, added, “These awardees are role models for future generations and reflect the evolving role of Indian Americans in public life.”
Mike Joshi, the GOPIO-CT Banquet Chair and GOPIO-CT Secretary, who eloquently emceed the gala, said, “The banquet is not only a celebration of the 20th year milestone for GOPIO but also enabled us to raise funds to support Youth Charity Initiatives in our community.”
Distinguished Honorees Across Diverse Fields
Along with Ajay Ghosh, the 2026 honorees represented a cross-section of professional achievement:
- State Senator Prof. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox was recognized for Political Leadership. A professor at Quinnipiac University, her work bridges constitutional law, human rights, and civic education, reflecting a growing South Asian presence in state governance.
- Dr. Anil R. Diwan, founder and executive chairman of NanoViricides, received the award for Entrepreneurship and Business Achievement. His company is advancing antiviral therapies using nanotechnology, including broad-spectrum treatments currently in clinical development.
- Nitin Mhatre, CEO of First County Bank, was honored for Corporate Leadership. A veteran banker with leadership roles at Citibank, Webster Bank, and Berkshire Bank, he has played a key role in shaping community banking and financial policy.
- Dr. Hemchandra M. Shertukde, a longtime professor at the University of Hartford, was recognized for Achievements in Engineering and Applied Sciences. His four-decade career includes extensive research, patents, and contributions to engineering education and innovation.
Sen. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox referred to how diverse cultural traditions have contributed to the American story. Referring to recent social media posts against immigrants, she said, “Beyond the racism and xenophobia inherent in those comments, we have the problem of who gets to speak for the United States, who gets to say they’re truly American, and who has to justify their story. I tell the story of the immigrant as an American story, because that right belongs to all of us. That sense of belonging is part of all of us.”
Ajay Ghosh: A Career Bridging Journalism and Public Service
Among the honorees, Ajay Ghosh was honored for his multifaceted career spanning journalism, academia, and healthcare. A veteran journalist with over 30 years of experience, Ghosh serves as the publisher and chief editor of The Global Net News and Health and Wellness News. His earlier editorial leadership roles include The Asian Era, The Indian Express (North America), and the Universal News Network.
He is also the co-founder and first president of the Indo-American Press Club, an organization dedicated to strengthening professional standards and collaboration among diaspora journalists.
In addition to his media work, Ghosh has contributed to academic and clinical fields. He has taught at the Fordham Graduate School of Social Service, University of Bridgeport, and currently serves as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Yale New Haven Hospital, reflecting a unique integration of media, education, and community healthcare.
Accepting the award, Ghosh expressed gratitude and dedicated the honor to fellow journalists:
“I am proud to represent journalists around the world. I dedicate this recognition to my colleagues who work tirelessly to keep the public informed and ensure that truth reaches society in a responsible way.”
A Powerful Address on Journalism and Democracy
Ghosh’s acceptance speech offered a sobering assessment of the global media landscape.
“Journalism is facing a crisis as never before,” he said. “Across the globe, the institution we rely on to inform us, challenge power, and uphold truth is under strain. This is not a local problem—it is global and systemic.”
He pointed to the rising threats to press freedom, including censorship, intimidation, and violence, as well as the rapid spread of misinformation.
“Many people no longer know what to believe,” Ghosh noted. “Social media has fragmented reality into competing versions of truth.”
He also emphasized the economic challenges confronting the industry:
“Advertising has shifted to digital platforms, leaving newsrooms shrinking and local reporting disappearing. Entire communities are becoming ‘news deserts.’ This is not just economic change—it is the loss of a vital public service.”
A Warning—and a Call to Action
Ghosh underscored the broader implications of the crisis, warning that the weakening of journalism directly threatens democratic systems.
“When journalism weakens, democracy does not remain intact. It begins to erode—quietly and steadily—until the damage becomes undeniable.”
He added that declining journalism leads to reduced accountability and increased vulnerability to misinformation and corruption.
Despite the challenges, Ghosh offered cautious optimism, highlighting the emergence of new, community-supported models of journalism. He called for collective responsibility across sectors to sustain independent media.
A Milestone of Community Impact
Beyond honoring individual excellence, the gala celebrated GOPIO-CT’s 20-year legacy as a nonpartisan organization promoting civic engagement, leadership, and cultural connection. The event included recognition of founding members, past presidents, and youth leaders who have contributed to the organization’s growth.
As the South Asian population in Connecticut continues to expand, GOPIO-CT’s role has evolved into a significant platform for dialogue, public policy engagement, and community development.
A Message That Resonated
Closing his address, Ghosh left the audience with a powerful reflection that encapsulated the evening’s broader significance: “As we look ahead, let us remember: the future of journalism is inseparable from the future of democracy. When we protect truth, we protect freedom.”
The 20th Anniversary Gala not only celebrated achievements across disciplines but also reinforced a deeper message—that truth, leadership, and civic responsibility remain at the heart of a thriving democracy.
