Our Bureau
East Meadow, NY
Following a high-stakes display of journalistic grit and narrative precision, the Indo-American Press Club (IAPC) and the Global Indian Council (GIC) have officially announced the winners of the 2026 Online News Writing Competition.
From a competitive field of aspiring journalists spanning the United States, Canada, and India, three standout writers emerged for their ability to transform a complex tragedy into a compelling human-interest report under strict deadline pressure.
The Challenge: Reporting Under Fire
On Saturday, January 17th, participants from various locations thrust into a virtual “newsroom” environment. A demanding breaking-news scenario involving a catastrophic New Year’s Eve fire at a Swiss nightclub resulting in 40 fatalities.
In a “digital-first” proctored session, contestants were required to balance factual reporting with a deep dive into fire safety protocols and future prevention strategies from a youth perspective. The event was inaugurated by a distinguished panel of leaders, including Mr. PC Mathew (GIC Global President), Dr. Matthew Joys (IAPC Vice Chairman), and Mrs. Patricia Umasankar (IAPC Vice President), and Mr. Shan Justus (IAPC General Secretary)
The Winners:
After a rigorous evaluation by a professional judging panel, the following winners were selected for their exceptional clarity, ethics, and storytelling prowess:
First Place: Dyuthi Susan Zachariah
Award: Rs. 50,001 ($550) A postgraduate student at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Bengaluru, Dyuthi impressed judges with her ability to blend hard facts with emotional resonance. A former intern at The Week magazine, her “storyteller’s heart” and previous experience in human-centric reporting allowed her to navigate the complexities of the disaster with professional grace.
Second Place: Neba Anna Thomas
Award: Rs. 30,001 ($350) An undergraduate at the University of Kerala, Neba brought a wealth of practical experience to the competition, having worked with the State Government’s PR department and various news outlets. Her entry stood out for its focus on the “human stories behind the headlines,” reflecting her philosophy that journalism should provide better listening rather than just louder opinions.
Third Place: Sudhodip Chowdhury
Award: Rs. 10,001 ($120) Hailing from West Bengal, Sudhodip proved that age is no barrier to impact. A student writer with a passion for social issues and debate, his work was recognized for its potential to inform and inspire, utilizing the written word as a tool for public safety advocacy.
A Platform for the Future
Organizers emphasized that while the cash prizes and digital certificates mark the immediate success, the true reward is the platform provided to these young writers. The winning articles are slated for publication on the official Indo-American Press Club website and through various international media partners.
“This contest was not merely a test of speed,” noted the organizing committee. “It was a celebration of the power of the written word and a bridge for these students to transition into the world of professional storytelling.”
As the 2026 competition concludes, the IAPC and GIC continue their commitment to nurturing the next generation of truth-tellers, ensuring that even in the face of simulated tragedy, the light of ethical journalism shines bright.
The participants and winners of the said competition were felicitated by Ginsmon Zacharia (IAPC Founder Chairman), Azad Jayan (IAPC National President), Sudhir Nambiar (GIC Global Secretary), and Santy Mathew (Global PRO); and the winners will be felicitated in another meeting shortly.
