Indore: In a moment of great pride for the Christian community and the social service sector in Madhya Pradesh, Bishop Thomas Kuttikandam of the Indore Diocese has been awarded the Karamveer Award by Dainik Bhaskar, one of India’s most widely circulated and respected newspapers. The accolade is a testament to the Diocese's longstanding contributions in the realms of education, healthcare, and social upliftment.
The Karamveer Award is conferred annually to individuals and organizations that have made a profound impact on society through their selfless service and leadership. This year, Bishop Kuttikandam was chosen for his pivotal role in carrying forward the legacy of compassion and community service that the Indore Diocese has cultivated over the decades.
In his humble acceptance, Bishop Kuttikandam emphasized that the honour is not solely his own. Having led the Diocese for just over a year, he acknowledged that this recognition stands as a tribute to the tireless efforts of those who came before him. He extended heartfelt gratitude to former bishops, dedicated priests, religious sisters, lay staff, and countless volunteers who have diligently served through the various institutions under the Diocese's care.
"The work we are being honoured for today did not begin with me. It is the fruit of decades of dedication by those who believed in the mission of service. I receive this award in their name," the Bishop stated, underscoring the collective spirit that drives the Diocese's outreach efforts.
The Diocese of Indore operates a robust network of over twenty-seven institutions across Indore, Dhar, and Dewas districts. These include schools, hospitals, rural development centres, and social service units that work closely with marginalized and underprivileged communities. Their efforts span a wide spectrum—ranging from quality education for underprivileged children, to health services in remote villages, to empowerment programs for women and the disabled.
Dainik Bhaskar, through the Karamveer Award, aims to spotlight changemakers across different sectors—religion, industry, education, healthcare, and social work—who inspire hope and drive positive transformation. Bishop Kuttikandam’s recognition affirms the vital role faith-based organizations continue to play in nation-building.
This honour not only celebrates the current leadership of Bishop Kuttikandam but also shines a light on the unbroken chain of service that the Indore Diocese has upheld. In a time when social inequalities remain stark, such recognition helps elevate the conversation around inclusive development and community-led change.
As the Diocese looks ahead, the award serves both as a validation of its mission and a motivation to deepen its service to society’s most vulnerable.