The Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA), in collaboration with the Central India Province of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), takes immense pride in conferring the ICPA–SVD Swami Devanand Chakkungal Award for Hindi Literature upon

Mr. Gladson Dungdung

in recognition of his courageous and sustained contributions to reporting on Adivasis, indigenous rights, and marginalised communities.
Instituted in fond memory of Swami Devanand Chakkungal, a Kerala-born SVD missionary who made a monumental mark in Hindi literature, the award recognises journalism that elevates voices in Hindi. Based in Jharkhand, Mr Dungdung has written over 500 articles and reports across major Hindi dailies like Prabhat Khabar, Hindustan, and Dainik Jagran, alongside prominent national weeklies, chronicling crucial issues of displacement, forest rights, and social transformation.

Beyond journalism, Mr Dungdung is a prolific author and dedicated human rights defender. He has penned 35 books in Hindi and English – including Adivasis and Their Forest, Endless Cry in the Red Corridor, and Whose Country is it Anyway? – and founded Adivasi Hunkar, an alternative media platform empowering indigenous voices. His tireless advocacy encompasses leading fact-finding missions into human rights violations and training thousands of professionals in human rights principles.

By honouring Mr Gladson Dungdung, the ICPA celebrates a steadfast journalist whose sharp pen and grassroots commitment bring truth, accountability, and dignity to the struggles of India's indigenous peoples.