By Matters India Reporter
New Delhi, Aug 21, 2023: Joseph Anthony Gathia, an author, journalist, and children’s rights campaigner, has been chosen for the Swami Devanand Chakkungal award for Hindi Literature instituted by the Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) and sponsored by the Indore province of the Divine Word congregation.
Gathia has published articles in major Hindi newspapers: Jansatta (Indian Express group) Nav Bharat Times (The Times of India Group), Dainik Bhaskar, Dainik Hindustan (The Hindustan Times Group), Rajasthan Patrika, Rashtriya Sahara, Sahara Samay, Aaj Samaj, Kuber Times, and many other newspapers.
Gathia was a Bureau Chief of India’s first Hindi weekly newspaper Chouthi Duniya, a secular publication. He also has the rare honour of being invited to write for the famous Hindi Magazine Hans edited by renowned Hindi novelist (late) Rupendra Yadav and founded by Prem Chand, the legendary Hindi literary figure, says an ICPA press release.
Gathia began his journalistic journey in the Francis d’ Sales School of Journalism in New Delhi managed by Jesuit Father John Barrett. After successfully completing the course, Father Barrett asked him to work for a Catholic weekly Sanjeevan, published from Patna, capital of Bihar state. He began his career as reporter in 1971 and worked his way up and became the weekly’s editor.
Gathia through his writings and campaign in association with the civil liberty groups headed by Justice Tarkunde, Justice Rajender Sachhar, and noted journalist Kuldeep Nayyar influenced the policies of the then government on issues of child labour and compulsory primary education for all children.
Gathia was a member of many fact-finding committees of human rights groups, especially the committee on Kashmir along with Justice R Sakha, human rights activist Kannabiran, and Kuldeep Nayyar. In 2002, he was in the five-member fact-finding team on Gujarat riots. In 1999, he was a member of a group that investigated violence against Christians in the Dangs district of Gujarat and Jhabua in Madhya Pradesh.
He has written many books and articles in English and Hindi. His latest book is Aadhunik Bharat Nirman main Esaeiyat ka Yogdan (Contribution of Christians in the building of modern India) published this year.
The ICPA constituted the award in 2002 in memory of Divine Word Swami Devanand Chakkungal, a renowned Hindi journalist and writer, and former ICPA member. The award is given to a person who has made significant contributions to Hindi literature.
The award will be conferred on September23 during the 28th National Convention of Christian Journalists, organized by the ICPA, scheduled to be held at Ashir Bhawan, Kochi, Kerala.
Hearty congratulations to Joseph Anthony Gathia Ji.
Congratulations
Many many Congratulations Joseph ji. You really deserve it.
Many blessings to my big brother joe bhaiya
He has worked very hard with numerous years of dedication for book writings human rights and helping families in need including his own extended family
Wow, wow, wow! Superb achievement for a man who has been in service to humanity over the years. Loved getting a glimpse of his life’s work and would love to know more of his story. He is very deserving of this award! 🙏🏽
Many congratulations 🎉