Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) constituted various awards to honour and recognise the contribution of outstanding individuals and institutions to the promotion of print media in India. The ICPA Awards were set up in 2000. Since 2001 the ICPA has been conferring the Awards at a special Award Function during the National Convention of Christian Journalists.
In 2002 ICPA constituted an award in memory of renowned Hindi journalist and writer, and former ICPA member, Swami Devanand Chakkungal. This award is sponsored by the Province of Indore, of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD).
In 2003, another award was established in memory of Fr. Joseph Carreno, Spanish Salesian in India and author of several scientific books and articles. The award is sponsored by the Mumbai Province of the Salesians of Don Bosco. This award is given to an individual or institution for outstanding contribution to the press in English or languages other than Hindi.
The ICPA Barrett Award, given annually to the best SAR News correspondent is constituted in memory of Fr. John Barrett SJ, a pioneer of the Indian Catholic Press, who inspired the founding of the ICPA. From 2003, this award is being sponsored by the Patna Jesuit Society, of which Fr. Barrett was a member.
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.