We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the ICPA Annual Awards 2026, recognizing outstanding contributions to Catholic journalism in India over the past year.
Award Categories and Winners
Best Investigative Report
This year’s award for Best Investigative Report goes to Maria Joseph for her groundbreaking series on educational inequality in rural Christian communities. Her thorough research and compelling storytelling brought attention to critical issues affecting thousands of students.
Excellence in Digital Media
The Excellence in Digital Media award is presented to The Catholic Herald Online for their innovative use of multimedia storytelling and effective engagement with digital audiences.
Young Journalist of the Year
Thomas Matthew, a reporter from Kerala, receives the Young Journalist of the Year award for his exceptional coverage of environmental issues affecting coastal Catholic communities.
Lifetime Achievement Award
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award honors Fr. Anthony D’Souza, whose five decades in Catholic journalism have set the standard for ethical reporting and commitment to truth.
The Selection Process
The ICPA Awards Committee, comprising senior journalists and media professionals, reviewed over 200 nominations this year. Each entry was evaluated based on:
- Journalistic excellence and accuracy
- Impact on the community
- Innovation in storytelling
- Ethical standards
- Contribution to Catholic media
Awards Ceremony
The awards will be presented at our Annual Conference in Mumbai on March 15, 2026. The ceremony will be followed by a gala dinner and networking reception, providing an excellent opportunity for members to celebrate achievements and connect with colleagues.
Previous Winners
The ICPA Annual Awards have been recognizing excellence in Catholic journalism for over two decades. Previous winners have gone on to make significant contributions to Indian media, with many receiving national recognition for their work.
Nominations for 2027
We encourage all members to start considering submissions for the 2027 awards. Information about the nomination process will be available on our website starting September 2026.
Conclusion
The ICPA Awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also highlight the vital role of Catholic media in Indian society. We congratulate all nominees and winners and look forward to celebrating with the entire ICPA community at the awards ceremony.