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www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 14 COVER STORY February 20, 2026 GAPIO Hosts Successful 16th Annual Conference; Padma Shri Recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh Elected President T he Annual Conference of the Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, GAPIO, took place in the Brilliant Convention Centre, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, February 14-15, 2026. It brought together more than 480 delegates, including eminent physicians, academicians, re- searchers, policymakers and healthcare innovators from across India and around the globe. GAPIO represents an estimated 1.4 million Indian physicians in 59 coun- tries. Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, a US-based allergist and immu- nologist, as well as philanthropist, and businessman who is Chairman of the media outlets ParikhWorldwide Me- dia/ITV Gold, took over as President of GAPIO, at the Conference. As a founding member of the Ameri- can Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, AAPI, Dr. Parikh dwelt on his experience focusing on the priorities of physicians and how that will play into his effort to further GAPIO’s vision and ex- pand global partnerships and academic exchanges. “Over more than four decades as a physician in the United States, I have worked to help young Indian physicians reach greater heights in their training and professionalism, and life goals,” he said, adding, “Now I have the great op- portunity to globalize these initiatives; to more strongly connect Indian physicians around the world in service of human- ity.” He reiterated that the momentum generated in Indore would translate into tangible global health initiatives in the coming year, for the benefit of India and other nations. The Chief Guest at the 16th Annual Conference was India’s Member of Par- liament from Indore Shankar Lalwani, who along with Dr. Parikh, presented awards to distinguished achievers in By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:GAPIO One of many panel discussions at the GAPIO 16th Annual Conference in Indore, MP, Feb 14 and 15, 2026. President of GAPIO Dr. Sudhir Parikh, addressing the 16th Annual Conference held in Indore, Feb. 14-15, 2026. Chief Guest Member of Parliament from Indore Shankar Lalwani speaking at the GAPIO 16th Annual Conference February 14-15, 2026. GAPIO leaders join President of the organization Dr.Sudhir Parikh to light the lamp inaugurating the 16th Annual Conference in Indore held Feb. 14-15, 2026. President of GAPIO Dr. Sudhir Parikh welcomes Chief Guest, India’s Member of Parliament from Indore Shankar Lalwani. - Continued On Page 15