Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) constituted various awards to acknowledge and honour the contribution of outstanding individuals and institutions to the promotion of print media and journalistic ethics in India. These awards were set up in 2000. Since 2001 the ICPA has been conferring the Awards at a special Awards Function during the National Convention of Christian Journalists (NCCJ).
Swami Devanand Chakkungal Award for Hindi Literature
In 2002 ICPA constituted an award in memory of renowned Hindi journalist and writer, and former ICPA member, Swami Devanand Chakkungal. The award is given to a person who has made significant contribution to Hindi Literature. The award is sponsored by the Indore Province of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD).
Fr Louis Careno Award for Excellence in Journalism
In 2003, another award was established, in memory of Fr Louis Careno, a Spanish Salesian in India and author of several scientific books and articles. The award, sponsored by the Mumbai Province of the Salesians of Don Bosco, is given to an individual or institution for outstanding contribution to the press in English or languages other than Hindi.
ICPA Award for the best reportage on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
ICPA instituted in 2003 an award for the best journalistic work on issues related to Dalits and SC/ST in India. This award is sponsored by the CBCI Office for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
In the years to come, ICPA plans to constitute other awards for deserving persons, publications, and institutions as part of its effort to promote the values and goals of the Indian Catholic Press Association.