Karan Rajendra Darda Elected President of The Indian Newspaper Society for 2026-27

NEW DELHI: In a significant transition for the Indian print media industry, Karan Rajendra Darda, Executive Director of the Lokmat Media Group, has been elected as the President of The Indian Newspaper Society (INS) for the 2026-27 term. His appointment was formally announced during the organization’s 87th Annual General Meeting held in the national capital on Monday. Darda takes the helm from the outgoing president, Vivek Gupta of Sanmarg, to lead the apex body representing newspaper, magazine, and periodical publishers across the country.

A Vision for Future-Ready Journalism

Following his election, Darda emphasized his commitment to steering the industry through a period of rapid technological transformation. Outlining his priorities, he stated that his tenure would focus on safeguarding the core tenets of press freedom while simultaneously bolstering the economic health of the newspaper industry.

“Together, we will make Indian journalism stronger and future-ready,” Darda remarked. He stressed the importance of fostering an inclusive environment within the society, pledging to ensure that all members—regardless of their size, circulation, or reach—are granted an equitable platform to voice their concerns and contribute to policy decisions. His leadership is expected to prioritize innovation and operational resilience, themes that have defined his professional career thus far.

Industry Expertise and Visionary Leadership

Darda brings a wealth of experience to the INS, having been an integral part of the Lokmat Media Group since 2005. Over the past two decades, he has been instrumental in the diversification and modernization of the media house. Under his guidance, the group has leaned heavily into technological integration and improved operational efficiencies.

Notably, Darda has spearheaded major internal initiatives such as “Project Butterfly,” which sought to move the organization toward more sustainable, paperless workflows, and “Project Sky,” a comprehensive program centered on organizational automation. His academic background—which includes an MBA from New York and completion of the Owner/President Management programme at Harvard Business School—complements his practical experience in the media landscape. Beyond his corporate achievements, Darda is also recognized for his active involvement in education and community development, alongside his personal dedication to high-end endurance sports, including Ironman 70.3 races and full marathons.

New Leadership Team Announced

Alongside Darda’s appointment, the INS confirmed the selection of a new executive committee tasked with supporting the society’s objectives for the upcoming year. Tanmay Maheshwari of Amar Ujala has been elected as the Deputy President, bringing his regional media expertise to the forefront of the organization. Harsha Mathew of Vanitha will serve as the Vice President, while Anant Nath of Grihshobhika takes on the role of Honorary Treasurer.

The society also confirmed that Mary Paul will continue to serve as the Secretary General, ensuring continuity and stability in the administration of the apex body. As the industry faces the dual challenge of navigating the digital shift and preserving the traditional impact of print media, the new leadership team is expected to address the evolving needs of publishers in an increasingly complex media ecosystem.

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