Meeting Room 9 at Taj Bangalore buzzed with anticipation as associate editors of the Lion (India) Magazine from across India gathered for two days that promised to redefine their approach to storytelling. The Associate Editors’ Conference, held on August 13-14, 2025, brought together the voices behind the magazine’s most compelling narratives—and marked an important step forward in the publication’s digital evolution.
In his opening address, PID V.K. Ladia, Chairperson of LIEPC, congratulated the participants on taking up their new role. He assured them of his full support and reminded them of the vital role they play in strengthening the magazine and amplifying the voice of Lions across the country.
Welcoming participants, PID R. Mathanagopal, Editor of the Lion (India) Magazine, shared his own experience of five years as an associate editor. He urged the team to ensure that every story remained service-focused rather than individual-focused, and that it had the power to inspire action. He reminded them that with the Lions digital platform, that power now extends further than ever before.
PID Vamsidhar Babu addressed the practical realities of this digital shift. His session on ‘Challenges & Opportunities – The transition to digital’ sparked lively discussions on how to help fellow Lions adapt to the new format. He explained how last year’s move to digital had strengthened -rather than diminished – the magazine’s storytelling power, and showed how interactive features had opened fresh possibilities for engagement.
Digital isn’t just changing how we publish—it’s changing how Lions connect and learn from each other.
PID Vijay Kumar Raju traced the evolution of the magazine, offering an engaging glimpse into its history and growth since inception. His session ‘The Changing Face of the Lion (India) Magazine,’ drew attention to key developments, including the adaptation of storytelling techniques to new formats and platforms.
Speaking on the ‘Role of an Associate Editor,’ PID V. V. Krishna Reddy reminded the gathering that they are not just chronicling Lions’ work, but shaping how non-Lions perceive community service.
In her sessions, Nahida Sunil of Jumde Art Copy addressed several key issues, including practical guidelines, checklists and hygiene factors. She showed how the like, share, and comment features weren’t just technical additions—they were tools for community building. “When a Lion shares your story, they’re endorsing its message,” she explained. “When they comment, they’re extending the conversation beyond our pages.”
Group activities added a collaborative dimension, as editors explored how to craft stories from the inputs received from their districts and multiples. The brainstorming session on cover features produced dozens of story ideas, and revealed common themes across regions—proof that Lions’ impact transcends geography.
A recurring theme across sessions was how best to leverage the magazine’s digital capabilities and enhanced accessibility—from the convenience of WhatsApp delivery to the rich multimedia experience of the web version.
As certificates were presented, the transformation was evident. The associate editors returned to their districts not just as storytellers, but as strong advocates of the magazine’s digital future. They carried with them practical strategies to help Lions embrace the flipbook format and discover the web version’s enhanced features.
The conference equipped editors to be bridges—not only between Lions’ service and readers’ hearts, but between tradition and a bold, interactive future. In Lions parlance, they serve. And now, these associate editors ensure that service not only finds its voice, but soars on digital wings.