By George Kommattam
Kochi, September 20, 2026: Journalism is not merely a profession, but a sacred vocation, Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore, told Indian Catholic journalists emphasizing that truth is the ultimate moral duty of every journalist.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 31st National Convention of Christian Journalists organized by the Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) on September 19 at Paalana Bhavana, Bengaluru, he underscored that “truth not spoken is a lie.”
Expressing concern over the commercialization of mainstream media, he urged journalists to remain independent and accountable in the age of artificial intelligence.
The two-day convention, attended by around 100 media professionals from across India, focuses on the theme “Humanity, Dignity and Truth: Journalism without Compromise in the Age of AI.”
The convention opened with a homage to deceased ICPA members, a prayer dance, and the traditional lighting of the lamp. Sister Tessy Jacob welcomed the gathering, and Capuchin Father Suresh Mathew delivered the presidential address.
In a written message Ecclesiastical Advisor Bishop Rayarala Vijaya Kumar of Srikakulam reminded that AI can never replace human conscience or the duty to speak for the voiceless.
Bishop Henry D’Souza of Bellary addressed the gathering, while Vinod Jose, former Editor of The Caravan, delivered the keynote address detailing how AI challenges the future of independent journalism.
Following the inaugural session, a panel discussion moderated by Jesuit media professional Father Cedric Prakash explored the human dimensions of reporting in an AI-driven era.
Transgender rights activist Akkai Padmashali, NDTV journalist Maya Sharma, Liz Mathew Deputy Editor at The Indian Express, and The Examiner editor Father Joshan Rodrigues shared their insights. The panellists highlighted that while AI can process information rapidly, it lacks human curiosity, compassion, and lived experience.
They called for moving away from institutional power-centric reporting, stressing the need to focus on human-interest stories and give voice to marginalized communities from the ground up.
Concluding the morning session, Father Prakash urged journalists to keep technological advancement at the service of humanity. ICPA Joint Secretary Renjith Leen proposed the vote of thanks.
At the afternoon session honoring eminent Christian journalists, several distinguished media personalities were recognized for their outstanding contributions.
Former ICPA President Ignatius Gonsalves was honored for receiving the prestigious Papal Chevalier honor, while Father George Kaitholil was celebrated for authoring 100 books over the years.
Mathew received the Father Louis Careno Award for Excellence in Journalism. The Swami Devanand Chakkungal Award for Hindi Journalism was presented to Gladson Dungdung, and Father G. Arokia Sebastian Babu was awarded for the best reportage on marginalzed schedule caste issues. Additionally, M. D. Vincent won the James Alberione Award for Media Excellence.
The very fearless report by the Indian Express report of 23 September 2026 on the arbitrary handling of SIR and the overriding of the objections of his two EC colleagues by Gyanesh Kumar is a very heartening example of independent and accountable journalism by the Mainstream Media. This revelation by the Indian Express will have a far-reaching impact on the manner of ‘pure’ electoral rolls and upholding of India’s democracy. It will also put a stiff challenge to the current law of nomination of the three Election Commissioners by the three-member committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha) and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister. This system is heavily loaded in favour of the ruling dispensation at the Centre and severely compromises neutrality.
In its press statement on 24th September the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar within 48 hours. It also demanded the repeal of the 2023 law governing the appointment of the CEC and other Commissioners and replacing it with a framework involving wider institutional and civil-society participation. The CJP urged Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi to publicly clarify their recorded objections and asked for the poll panel to publish the relevant objection notes and responses.
Good to know that that Catholic media professionals came together on one platform. Over the years I have noticed that the Catholic media is almost entirely hierarchically controlled. It is only a handful of journals, portals run by the laity that has the guts to speak up on issues within the Church