By Patrick Hansda

New Delhi, June 23, 2022: Caritas India, the social development arm of the Catholic bishops in India, has been awarded for its excellent work in humanitarian aid and disaster risk reduction, community health, climate-adaptive agriculture and food sovereignty.

Fathers Jolly Puthenpura, Caritas India’s assistant executive director and Sushil Modi, the administrator, received the award from G Kishan Reddy, federal minister of Tourism, Culture and Development of North Eastern Region of India, at a function on June 22 in New Delhi’s India International Centre.

The award was given by the World Congress on Disaster Management (WCDM) and the Disaster Risk Management (DRM).

The award committee applauded the Catholic aid agency for rendering selfless service and bringing innovation in managing natural and man-made disasters including pandemics and biological disasters and in mitigating their impact on society.

Father Puthenpura says the award “further cements our solidarity with the poor of our country. It gives us a time to consciously continue with the mission of rebuilding lives affected by different disasters.”

The award is conferred on scientists, researchers, policymakers, practitioners and responders at different stages of disaster management and pandemic cycle. They have brought in new practices, improved existing ones, upgraded the tools and skills of practitioners and innovated the new areas. They have also displayed exemplary valor and courage to reach, rescue and save lives, livestock and properties during emergencies.

Father Puthenpura points out that Caritas India has worked with communities across India for almost six decades. By combining years of experience, local wisdom with modern technology, the organization has helped build resilience among communities at risk of climate crisis and disasters. The award recognizes Caritas India’s efforts in adopting a multi-hazard approach and its commitment to responding in climate emergencies, the priest added.

Since its inception, Caritas India has engaged in emergency and disaster response to support the most vulnerable section of society through its immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation. During the Covid-19 pandemic, it conducted one of the biggest humanitarian responses at the pan-India level. In the second wave of Covid-19, the organization reached out to more than 25 million people with its humanitarian support.

The WCDM was set up in 2005, as an initiative of Disaster Management Initiatives and Convergence Society which brings scientists, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from across the globe together to discuss the challenging issues of disaster management. The first WCDM was opened by the former Indian President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.

The national award aims to acknowledge the importance of those engaged in disaster management and give them due appreciation and recognition to motivate and encourage them further to improve their skills and bring more innovations.

The award is an accolade and carries a memento.