New Delhi: In a significant initiative aimed at recognizing lives dedicated to faith-driven service and nation-building, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has announced the institution of a new set of national-level awards. The newly constituted honours seek to acknowledge individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the Church, society, and the country by upholding Gospel values and advancing human dignity, justice, education, leadership, and innovation.
The CBCI stated that the awards are a reflection of its commitment to celebrating “faith in action” and recognizing prophetic witness, intellectual engagement, pastoral leadership, and selfless service across clerical, religious, and lay vocations. The initiative also highlights the role of committed individuals in social transformation and participatory nation-building.
Following a process of discernment and wide consultation, the CBCI has selected a group of distinguished personalities for the inaugural edition of these awards. The honourees come from diverse backgrounds and fields, representing a wide spectrum of service to the Church and society.
The awardees are:
Fr. Michael Vettickat; Mr. K. P. John; Ms. Marykutty P. V.; Dr. A. Arokiasamy; Dr. Mary Regina F.; Sri S. A. Lourdusamy; Mr. K. S. Jayamohan; Mr. Ceetly George; Dr. Thomson Philip; Shri Conrad K. Sangma; Ms. Dominica Pascal Dabre; Fr. (Dr.) Paul V. Parathazham; Prof. David R. Syiemlieh; Dr. Joan Chunkapura, MMS; Fr. Dr. Josekutty Thomas, SDB; Fr. Jose Alarico Carvalho; Mr. Joseph Anthony Gathia; Mr. S. J. Rheeman; and Fr. Roy Mathew Vadakkel.
The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 9, 2026, at 5.00 pm at the Main Auditorium of St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru. The event will be attended by Mr. K. J. George, Hon’ble Minister for Energy, Government of Karnataka, along with bishops from across India, senior Church leaders, invited dignitaries, and representatives from civil society.
According to the CBCI, the awards are intended not only to honour individual excellence but also to inspire future generations to embrace lives marked by commitment, integrity, and compassionate service. Rooted in the values of the Gospel and aligned with the constitutional ideals of justice, fraternity, and human dignity, the initiative aims to encourage greater participation in building a just and humane nation.