The Central Press Journalist Association (CPJA) has built one of the largest and most trusted journalist networks in India, reaching from metropolitan cities to the remotest villages. Our goal is clear — to unite, support, and empower journalists at every level through collaboration, protection, and growth.
Whether you’re in Mumbai, Imphal, Bhopal, Srinagar, or Kanyakumari — CPJA has a dedicated representative working to uphold press freedom, raise journalistic standards, and ensure the welfare of media personnel.
Shri. Sudarshan Kadam (Maharashtra State Coordinator)
Shri. Sudarshan Kadam serves as the dynamic State Coordinator for Maharashtra, one of India’s most media-active regions. With a firm commitment to press freedom, journalist welfare, and grassroots reporting, Shri. Kadam has successfully built a robust network of CPJA representatives across every district and tehsil in the state.
Known for his leadership, organizational discipline, and communication with authorities, he plays a key role in bridging the association’s national vision with state-level execution. Shri. Kadam is also actively involved in grievance redressal, training new reporters, and promoting ethical journalism across Maharashtra.
“Through unity and fearless reporting, we protect the fourth pillar of democracy.” – Shri. Sudarshan Kadam
Shri. Chandrashekhar Kshirsagar (Maharashtra State Spokesperson)
Shri. Chandrashekhar Kshirsagar is the official spokesperson for CPJA in Maharashtra, entrusted with conveying the vision, values, and voice of the association to the public and media fraternity. A seasoned communicator and trusted representative, he plays a key role in articulating CPJA’s stance on major issues, responding to press matters, and maintaining strong relationships with media, civil society, and government officials.
With years of experience in journalism and advocacy, Shri. Kshirsagar is widely admired for his clarity in communication, firm command over current affairs, and dedication to journalist rights and development. He actively participates in media panels, press conferences, and public forums, ensuring that CPJA’s objectives are represented with credibility and impact.
“When the voice of the media is threatened, we speak louder—not just for journalists, but for democracy itself.” – Shri. Chandrashekhar Kshirsagar
Shri. Sivakumaran Nagarajan (Tamil Nadu State President & Legal Advisor)
Shri. Sivakumaran Nagarajan holds the prestigious dual position of State President for Tamil Nadu and Legal Advisor to the Central Press Journalist Association (CPJA). A seasoned legal expert and respected voice in southern journalism, he plays a pivotal role in defending the rights of journalists and ensuring the legal protection of press freedom.
With a deep understanding of constitutional law and media ethics, Shri. Sivakumaran guides CPJA’s national and regional strategies on legal advocacy, journalist safety, and compliance with press regulations. As Tamil Nadu State President, he is actively involved in building grassroots journalist networks, conducting awareness programs, and providing legal assistance to reporters facing threats or suppression.
His leadership is marked by clarity, compassion, and a fierce dedication to justice, making him an indispensable pillar of the CPJA structure. “A free press is the voice of the people — and that voice must be protected by law and by action.” – Shri. Sivakumaran Nagarajan
Shri. Punnana Kameswara Rao (Andhra Pradesh State President)
Shri. PunnanaKameswara Rao serves as the State President of the Central Press Journalist Association (CPJA) for Andhra Pradesh, leading with dedication, courage, and a deep commitment to strengthening journalism in the region. With decades of experience in the field, he is widely respected for his integrity, grassroots presence, and unwavering support for media professionals.
Under his leadership, the CPJA network in Andhra Pradesh has expanded significantly, reaching reporters in rural, tribal, and coastal districts, ensuring that every journalist—regardless of location—has a voice, a platform, and a support system.
Shri. Rao is also known for promoting media training, journalist protection mechanisms, and ethical reporting values, making him a cornerstone in CPJA’s mission to uplift journalism across the southern states.
“Empowering every journalist—from tehsil to capital—is the first step toward a truly democratic India.” – Shri. PunnanaKameswara Rao
Shri. Vishal Sharma (Uttar Pradesh State President)
Shri. Vishal Sharma leads the Central Press Journalist Association (CPJA) in Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous and politically significant state. As State President, he plays a crucial role in uniting journalists across the vast and diverse regions of Uttar Pradesh—from bustling urban centers to rural heartlands.
With a firm belief in truthful journalism and fearless reporting, Shri. Sharma has been instrumental in expanding CPJA’s footprint in UP, building strong district and tehsil-level units that provide real-time support and protection to media professionals. He is widely known for his grassroots approach, decisive leadership, and deep understanding of press issues in the state.
Shri. Sharma actively advocates for press freedom, journalist safety, and the dignity of rural reporters, helping CPJA become a trusted platform for every working journalist in the state.
“When the voice of the journalist is strong, the voice of the people is heard loud and clear.” – Shri. Vishal Sharma
Shri. Dinesh Babu Gopal (Karnataka State President)
Shri. Dinesh Babu Gopal serves as the State President of the Central Press Journalist Association (CPJA) in Karnataka, a state known for its rich media landscape and active press culture. With a strong commitment to journalistic freedom, ethical reporting, and the welfare of grassroots reporters, he has emerged as a respected leader in the state’s media fraternity.
A seasoned journalist and visionary leader, Shri. Dinesh Babu Gopal has been instrumental in establishing a transparent and responsive CPJA network across Karnataka — from urban news hubs like Bengaluru and Mangaluru to remote and underrepresented districts.
He regularly organizes press meets, awareness drives, legal support programs, and training workshops for upcoming journalists, ensuring CPJA is both a protector and promoter of media voices in the region.
“Journalism is not just a profession — it’s a responsibility to society. Our job is to protect those who carry that responsibility with courage.” – Shri. Dinesh Babu Gopal