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Indian-American journalist T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, founder of South Asian Herald, a digital news publication and weekly e-paper dedicated to serving the South Asian diaspora in the United States, was felicitated at the New York State Assembly.
New York Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, the first South Asian American woman elected to state office in New York, honored Vishnudatta Jayaraman, Ph.D., on the floor of the New York State Assembly on May 27, 2026, at the State Capitol in Albany.
Introducing Jayaraman before the Assembly, Rajkumar described him as “a man who represents the American dream, someone who seized every opportunity, pursued excellence across continents, and used the power of journalism to inform, connect, and uplift communities.”
She highlighted the work of South Asian Herald, calling it a “distinguished” news platform dedicated to covering the South Asian diaspora in the United States. Since its launch in October 2024, she noted, the publication has built a growing national and international readership and emerged as an “important voice” for a “dynamic and influential community.”
Reflecting on Jayaraman’s career in journalism, Rajkumar said, “His life and career remind us of the highest calling of journalism to seek truth, deepen understanding, and give voice to communities whose stories deserve to be told.”
She invited the Speaker and fellow lawmakers to join her in welcoming and honoring Jayaraman. Speaker Pro Tempore Pamela Hunter, who presided over the session, welcomed Jayaraman to the Assembly Chamber and extended to him the privileges of the floor.
“A continued success to you with your South Asian Herald, and thank you for the work that you’re doing in journalism. Now, more than ever, we need you to be a truth seeker and teller. So, thank you very much for all the work that you are doing, and for joining us today,” Hunter said.
At the Assembly Chamber, Rajkumar presented Jayaraman with a proclamation recognizing his contributions to journalism. The proclamation stated, “Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Jayaraman has exemplified the highest standards of journalistic integrity, intellectual inquiry, and public service, serving as an inspiration to aspiring journalists and members of the South Asian Diaspora alike…”
Earlier, in March, the Virginia State Senate commended Jayaraman for founding the South Asian Herald and amplifying diverse voices across the Commonwealth. The recognition came through Senate Resolution No. 156, introduced by State Senator Kannan Srinivasan and offered on March 12. Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, Ghazala Hashmi, who made history as the first Asian American and South Asian American elected to statewide office in Virginia, commended Jayaraman on the Senate Floor.
Describing South Asian Herald as “an important voice,” Hashmi emphasized, “We know how critically important independent media are especially during this time, and we thank you for all the work that you do to be a spokesperson and a voice for so many in our communities, especially here in Virginia.”
Jayaraman attended the Senate Gallery session on March 9, where Srinivasan presented a summary of the resolution. The resolution noted that Jayaraman launched the South Asian Herald in October 2024 with the aim of creating a news outlet serving the Indian-American and wider South Asian community in the United States.
It highlighted the publication’s emphasis on timely and fact-based reporting covering issues ranging from local developments to international affairs.
According to the resolution, Jayaraman’s work through the publication and other journalistic efforts has helped elevate voices from the South Asian community and encourage broader public discussion.
Jayaraman, is the Editor-in-Chief of South Asian Herald. An accredited journalist, he has extensively covered the White House, U.S. Congress, United Nations, World Bank, IMF, and the South Asian diaspora over several years.
He has earned special honors from Governors, Members of Congress, State elected officials, and community organizations.
On March 8, 2024, the Virginia State Senate officially recognized him with a special resolution honoring his commitment to foreign policy and journalism. The resolution was introduced by then State Senator Suhas Subramanyam, who is made history as the first Indian-American elected to the House of Representatives from the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Recognizing Jayaraman on the Senate Floor, then Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears said, “Part of a democracy and I think probably the very first part is that the media be free. And we are so glad that you are there to help remind us of that. Hence, for all the accolades that you’ve received, we can congratulate you. And thank you for coming. Senators, let us give him the warm welcome of our Senate,” Sears said.
During the grand launch of South Asian Herald, Jayaraman was recognized with special commendations and citations from US Members of Congress, Governors, State elected officials, Virginia General Assembly, Virginia State Senate, and House of Delegates.
He has served as the Washington Bureau Chief for News India Times/Desi Talk publications. He has previously worked with publications, including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, The Tribune, and The Sunday Observer in India. He has also worked as a Contributing Editor for the UN Yearbook at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
He is a member of the White House Correspondents Association, United Nations Correspondents Association, National Press Club, South Asian Journalists Association, and the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the United States.
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