“Move beyond ‘churchy’ stories,” urges Bishop Malcolm at ICPA Awards Function

Pune, Sept. 20, 2025: "Christian journalists must broaden their perspective and move beyond 'churchy' narratives to engage with the broader tapestry of society," said Bishop Malcolm Sequeira of Amravati during the annual awards of the Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) held at Inigo Sadan in the Papal Seminary in Pune on Saturday, September 20. Addressing veteran journalists, editors, publishers, stakeholders and winners of awards in various categories, Bishop Malcolm said that Christian media professionals are tasked with upholding truth and integrity with prophetic courage, addressing injustice without succumbing to prejudice. He said it was important in this age of misinformation and proliferation of biased narratives.

During the event, Fr. Anthony Charanghat, former Editor of the Mumbai-based The Examiner weekly, was feted with the Louis Careno Award for Excellence in Journalism. The Examiner, founded by British Jesuits in Mumbai in 1850, is the oldest Catholic news weekly in English in the country. The Swamy Devanand Chakkungal Award for contribution to Hindi literature went to Fr. Cherubim Tirkey of Ranchi, the Editor of the Jharkhand Express Hindi publication and author.

Sr. Lismy CMC was bestowed with the Blessed James Alberione Award for Excellence in Media Production. Known as the 'Camera Nun', Sr. Lismy is the first professional cinematographer nun in India. She has to her credit more than 1,000 videos, including music albums, documentaries, live broadcasts and short films. Mangaluru-based young writer and orator Reshel Bretny Fernandes bagged the J Maurus Award for Excellence in Book Authorship for her book Bharat@2047: Role of the Youth. The mementoes were presented by Bishop Malcolm, Bishop Henry D'Souza, Ecclesiastical Advisor to the ICPA, and Association President Ignatius Gonsalves.

During the event, The Examiner, the Kochi-based Cherupushpam magazine that completed its centenary, the Society of St. Paul that marks its 90th year of service in India, and Nam Vazhvu magazine in Chennai, celebrating its golden jubilee, were also feted.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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