NESCOM, Guwahati | 9 February 2026
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) presented its newly instituted National Awards 2026 on 9 February at St. John’s Medical College Auditorium in Bengaluru. Instituted for the first time this year, the awards honoured 19 individuals for exemplary service to the Church, society, and the nation.
The ceremony was attended by senior Church leaders, including newly elected CBCI President Cardinal Poola Anthony; President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão; Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil of the Syro-Malabar Church; and Major Archbishop-Catholicos Baselios Cardinal Cleemis of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. Bishops, clergy, religious, civil authorities, and invited dignitaries from across the country were also present.
Outgoing CBCI President Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath explained the vision behind instituting the national awards, emphasising the importance of recognising faith-driven service in public and ecclesial life. Archbishop Anil Couto, CBCI Secretary General, welcomed the gathering.
Addressing the assembly, Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, said he had entered politics to serve the people and described the recognition as an encouragement for meaningful public service rooted in values. Cardinal George Koovakad highlighted the urgency of promoting human fraternity, calling it “an unbreakable bond” and a pressing need of the times. Karnataka Energy Minister K. J. George affirmed the importance of safeguarding constitutional values and protecting freedom of conscience.
The awardees were felicitated with shawls by Cardinal Poola Anthony, Cardinal Ferrão, Major Archbishop Thattil, and Cardinal Cleemis. Archbishop Thazhath presented the award certificates, while Cardinal Koovakad handed over the mementos.
Among those honoured was Padma Shri Prof. David R. Syiemlieh, recognised for his contributions to public life. Though unable to attend the ceremony, he conveyed his acceptance through a message. Chief Minister Sangma was also among the recipients, honoured for inclusive leadership and commitment to human dignity and development.
Other awardees included Fr. Jose Alarico Carvalho; Joseph Anthony Gathia; Fr. Michael Vettickat; Dr. A. Arokiasamy; K. P. John; Dominica Pascal Dabre; Marykutty P. V.; Dr. Mary Regina F.; S. A. Lourdusamy; K. S. Jayamohan; Sr. Dr. Joan Chunkapura, MMS; Ceetly George; Fr. Dr. Paul V. Parathazham; Fr. Dr. Josekutty Thomas, SDB; Dr. Thomson Philip Vadakeyil; S. J. Rheeman; and Fr. Roy Mathew Vadakkel.
The CBCI National Awards recognise lives that reflect Gospel values and contribute significantly to human dignity, justice, education, leadership, innovation, and nation-building. The initiative seeks to honour faith in action across clerical, religious, and lay vocations while inspiring future generations.
The 2026 edition marked a significant milestone as the first-ever presentation of the CBCI National Awards, highlighting distinguished service that strengthens both Church and society.