hidden image

Press freedom is sacrosanct, says Justice Sunil Thomas at ICPA Award function

Renjith Leen Renjith Leen
23 Sep 2023

Freedom of the Press is the most sacrosanct and is recognised by the judiciary, said Justice Sunil Thomas of the Kerala High Court while inaugurating the Award Ceremony of the Indian Catholic Press Association at the Louis Vyppisserry Hall in Ashirbhavan, Ernakulam, on Saturday, September 23rd. Addressing the Association delegates, the award winners, journalism students and other invitees, Justice Thomas said the judiciary has been taking up the issue of protecting the freedom of press as it is the most essential part of democratic governance. 

He expressed concern over the fact that the credibility of the Press in India has declined over the years citing the World Press Index ranking in which India’s position has slipped from 180 to 161 by 11 rungs. Justice Thomas also said that last year, 66 journalists were attacked in the country.

He reminded the journalists from the secular and religious realms and journalism aspirants that media professionals are always to speak the truth to powers that be. Justice Thomas told journalists that they ought to watch out and gave the call for concerted action.

During the event, three journalists/activists were honored with three awards by Justice Thomas in the presence of ICPA President and veteran media professional and author Ignatius Gonsalves, Ecclesiastical Adviser of the organisation Bishop Henry D’Souza and former Principal of Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam, Dr Mary Matilda. Sr Robancy A Helen, a nun from Tamil Nadu was bestowed with the ICPA Award for the Best Reportage on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. She was given the award along with a citation and a reusable shawl. She was chosen for her courageous fight for the rights of Dalits.

Veteran journalist Joseph Gathia was given the Swami Devanand Chakkungal Award for Hindi Literature instituted by ICPA and sponsored by the SVD Congregation. Gathia is an author and the student of the founder of ICPA Fr John Barrett. As the citation was being read, he chose to sit on the floor of the dais cross-legged in the traditional way reflecting India’s unfathomable respect for elders.

The Louis Careno Award for Excellence in Journalism was bestowed on journalist, editor and writer Jose Kavi. For the past four decades, he made a mark in reporting in secular as well as Church circles. 

Mary Matilda congratulated ICPA for selecting the trio for the awards without fear or favor.

The event was attended by media studies students, members of the association, priests, nuns and other invitees.

Recent Posts

Pope Francis is bowing out in this special jubilee year of hope, which he has been leading from the front even as he has braved prolonged health concerns. As he passes on and the world bids goodbye to
apicture George Plathottam
28 Apr 2025
Francis' legacy can be summarised in four keywords that reflect powerfully and prominently in his writings, discourses, actions, and life: joy, hope, mercy, and peace.
apicture Bp Gerald John Mathias
28 Apr 2025
Pope Francis redefined leadership through humility, inclusion, and service. He stood with the marginalised, prioritised mercy over judgment, championed ecological justice, and called for reform rooted
apicture Jacob Peenikaparambil
28 Apr 2025
By mocking Muslims as 'puncture repairers', the Prime Minister reduces a vibrant community to a stereotype. This isn't rhetoric—it's a calculated attempt to stigmatise identity, distract from real iss
apicture A. J. Philip
28 Apr 2025
We hear people saying that the President of India is there to sign on the dotted line prepared by the ruling party. We refuse to believe it because the President is the Constitutional head of the nati
apicture P. A. Chacko
28 Apr 2025
Tamil Nadu's autonomy resolution is yet another spark in the recent federalism debates, challenging central authority over education, finance, and representation. As BJP seeks to tighten its claws, th
apicture Dr John Singarayar
28 Apr 2025
In Manipur, once-united communities now bleed at each other's hands, their bonds severed by narratives crafted far away. As homes burn and futures vanish, the real victors are those who profit from di
apicture Estelle Kipgen & Leishilembi Terem
28 Apr 2025
At a time when India seeks to attract global investment and project itself as a transparent business destination, such incidents chip away at investor confidence. International investors are already w
apicture Jaswant Kaur
28 Apr 2025
Many big children who accompany their parents to their workplaces also join the labour. But until they migrate, they roam around in the village or go to plantations. They become child labourers.
apicture F. M. Britto
28 Apr 2025
Police assaulted children and priests with lathis and beat and molested women belonging to the tribal community as they barged into Juba Catholic Church in the Gajapati district, Odisha, on March 22,
apicture Sujata Jena
28 Apr 2025