ICPA Annual Awards 2021
Fr Cedric Prakash SJ, who is based in Ahmedabad, received the ICPA- Fr. Louis Careno Award 2021. The award was instituted by the ICPA with the support of the Mumbai province of the Salesians of Don Bosco in memory of Fr Louis Careno, a Salesian missionary.
Sr. Sujatha Jena, a Catholic Nun-Journalist-Activist belonging to the Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, received the ICPA award for the best reportage on SC/BC, and sponsored by the CBCI office for Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes.
The third ICPA award for the best Hindi Writer/Institution known as the Swami Devanand Chakkungal Award, was given to NISHKALANKA magazine published from Ranchi
All the awards were given to the recipients by Hon. Justice Mr Aloysius Aguiar, (Retd. Judge of the Bombay High Court) and Bishop Salvadore Lobo, Bishop –Emeritus of Baruipur (Ecclesiastical Advisor to the ICPA).
(See gallery for related photographs)
About the Award Winners
Fr Cedric Prakash SJ
Fr Cedric Prakash, a Jesuit based in Ahmedabad, has played a prophetic role in the country and in the church through his bold writings against communalism and fundamentalism gaining ground globally. His incisive, thought-provoking writings on various subjects have broken new grounds. His razor-sharp analysis of socio-cultural and political issues, especially relating to communalism and fundamentalism, has led to soul-searching debates in the civil society and the secular world.
He minces no words in raising his voice against irrational, biased and unfair policies and decisions of the governments of all times. He also writes on Church-related issues without fear or favour.
His writings have appeared in national dailies and several secular magazines, many of which have gone viral on social media. His no-nonsense approach and extensive quotes make his writings authentic and irrefutable. His fierce attack on rising fascist tendencies in the country has hit where it really matters.
Sr Sujata Jena
Sujatha Jena, a Catholic Nun-Journalist-Activist belonging to the Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, has been regularly contributing to major national and international news portals, especially on Dalit issues. Her reports focus on people who are either stymied, not written about or not comfortable speaking out. Her deep sincerity and perseverance in highlighting the rights of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes show grit, courage and conviction. Her writings showcase hopes and resilience that the deprived people and communities show despite many challenges, deprivations and exploitation.
Nishkalanka Magazine
It is a Catholic Hindi magazine published from Ranchi, Jharkhand, now on its centenary year. From its inception the magazine is published by the Catholic Press Ranchi (established in 1920) owned by the Jesuits of Ranchi. The magazine has been a vehicle of information concerning religious, socio-economic and politico-cultural matters of the Tribals and the marginalized. It is considered as the mouthpiece of the Tribal church, which stands for the rights and welfare of the Christian minorities in the region. It has guided and helped the Tribal Christians, especially the women and the youth, in emerging as a strong and vibrant religious community.