Mr John Dayal Bags ICPA-Louis Careno Award for Excellence in Journalism
Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) honoured noted journalist, writer and human rights activist John Dayal conferring its prestigious annual Louis Careno Award for Excellence in Journalism for his bold, continuous and consistent writing against communalism and fundamentalism gaining ground globally.
The Award was conferred on Mr Dayal during the 27th National Convention of Christian Journalists, organized by the ICPA, scheduled to be held in Chennai on Saturday, December 10, 2022.
Mr Dayal, a prophet of our times, is among India’s foremost voices against human rights violations, particularly on the persecution of religious minorities, having been a writer and activist for over four decades. He has been a member of several government bodies, including the National Integration Council, and holds senior roles in numerous non-government organisations and networks, including as co-founder and Secretary General of the All India Christian Council, 1999-2014, national president of the 1919-founded all India Catholic Union between 2004 and 2008, and a member of Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
He has had a long and distinguished career in the media and in academia. He has a long record of investigating and producing substantive and influential documents on communal violence in India, including Hindu-Muslim riots and violence against Sikhs, Muslims and Christians.
He is one of India’s leading experts on the situation in Odisha, following the communal violence in 2008. He has authored and contributed to several books, and regularly writes articles on human rights issues in India. Major books he has authored/co-authored or edited include For Reasons of State – Delhi Under the Emergency [1977], republished by Penguin in June 2018; Gujarat 2002 – Told and untold Stories [ 2002]; A Matter of Equity [2007]; Reconciliations — A journey Through Wounded India [with Harsh Mander and Natasha Badhwar, Amazon, 2018]. He has contributed to several books published in India and Europe.
He served as war correspondent and foreign correspondent in the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and Europe. He became editor and CEO of the Delhi Mid Day, and treasurer of the Editors’ Guild of India. In June 1998, Mr Dayal was one of the signatories of a statement by a group of journalists calling on India to return to the global nuclear disarmament agenda. He continues to provide commentary and analysis in print and on national TV and radio.
His incisive writings on political issues have 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 fierce attack on rising fascist tendencies in the country has hit where it really matters. John Dayal is a role model Communicator in terms of craft, conviction and commitment.
Conferred annually on individuals or institutions, Louis Careno Award for Excellence in Journalism is a joint venture of the Mumbai Province of the Salesians of Don Bosco and the Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA), a Premier Organisation of Catholic journalists, Dailies and Periodicals in India founded in 1964 by Fr John Barrett, an American Jesuit belonging to the Patna Province.
Ganga Rawat bags ICPA Award for Hindi Literature
Sr Ganga Rawat SSpS, a religious nun belonging to the Holy Spirit Congregation based in Indore, was chosen for the Swami Devanand Chakkungal award for Hindi Literature instituted by the Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) and sponsored by SVD Congregation, Indore.
Sr Ganga has been using her pen to make the Word of God known to the Hindi readers through her writings. She regularly writes articles and poems on social issues particularly women, girl child, family, values, etc. which are published in various magazines and newspapers. She has also contributed opinion pieces and news stories to secular Hindi dailies like Patrika and People’s Samachar, Free Press, Indore Samachar, Kiran Prabhat, Metro Vaartha, and Aagaz -A-Chandan etc.
The award was conferred on Saturday, December 10, 2022 during the National Convention of Christian Journalists at the Citadel, Salesian Provincial House, Chennai.
Fr I. Jothi bags ICPA Award for the Best Reportage on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
The Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) chose Rev. Fr I. Jothi for its Award for the Best Reportage on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, sponsored by the CBCI Office for Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes. He was chosen for authentically and consistently being the voice of people’s rights, especially the poor Dalits who are susceptible to exploitation and injustice.
I Jothi, a Catholic Priest-Journalist-Activist, belonging to the Society of Jesus, has been regularly contributing to major national and international news portals, especially on Dalit issues. Through the power of reporting and storytelling, I. Jothi amplifies various aspects of Dalits who have been sidelined by the elite, powerful, and societal structures. He has been a compassionate social worker, human rights activist, and journalist for over a decade. His deep sense of love and concern for Dalits, tribals, and the poor has been outstanding. He champions the issues and rights of the marginalized communities, particularly tribals, Dalits, and other vulnerable communities on the periphery.
What stands out about him as a journalist is his deep involvement in the labyrinthine issues of Tribals and Dalits. He critically analyzes the deeper aspects of Dalits and Tribals’ exploitation, subjugation, and injustice, which they face on many fronts. He is not afraid to speak the truth and is frequently heard calling for transparency and accountability.
His sincerity and perseverance in highlighting the rights of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes show grit, courage and conviction. His writings showcase hopes and resilience that the deprived people and communities show despite many challenges, deprivations and exploitation.
The SC/ST Special Award was instituted by the ICPA and sponsored by the CBCI office for Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes to promote the welfare of the marginalized people.
The award was given on Saturday, December 10, 2022 during the 27th National Convention of Christian Journalists, organized by the ICPA, scheduled to be held at the Citadel, Salesian Provincial House in Chennai.