New Delhi: The Press Club of India on Sunday elected senior journalist Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty as its first woman president, marking a landmark moment in the history of the country’s premier journalists’ body.
The elections, held on December 13, resulted in a complete victory for the panel led by Pisharoty, which won all office bearer positions and all 16 seats of the Managing Committee. The panel secured a clean 21 to 0 sweep, reflecting strong backing from PCI members.
Pisharoty won the presidential post with 1,019 votes, defeating Atul Mishra, who polled 129 votes, and Arun Sharma, who secured 89 votes. Her victory was widely seen as a clear mandate for inclusive leadership and a renewed focus on journalistic values.
Afzal Imam was elected Secretary General with 948 votes, defeating Gyan Prakash who received 290 votes. Jatin Gandhi won the Vice President post with 1,029 votes, defeating Prahlad Singh Rajput by a wide margin. Aditi Rajput was elected Treasurer, while P R Sunil was elected Joint Secretary unopposed.
The election also reflected wider representation, with Javed Akhtar, editor of DW Urdu, securing a seat on the Managing Committee, underlining the participation of Urdu media within the club.
The results were announced at the Press Club lawns by Chief Election Commissioner M M C Sharma in the presence of a large gathering of journalists.
Speaking after the announcement, Pisharoty said the mandate reflected the collective trust of PCI members and their commitment to free, fair, and responsible journalism. Former PCI President Gautam Lahri and outgoing Secretary General Neeraj Thakur congratulated the new team and described the result as a positive step for equality and democratic functioning within the institution.
