In a moment of great pride for the Syro-Malankara Catholic community and beyond, His Eminent Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, has been awarded the prestigious Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan Foundation (MSF) Award for Excellence in Social Service. This honour celebrates His Beatitude’s lifelong dedication to outreach and social service, benefitting economically disadvantaged families throughout India through a range of impactful initiatives.
The award, which includes a cash prize of one lakh rupees and a specially crafted memento, acknowledges his outstanding contributions to social welfare, highlighting the Church’s commitment to uplifting the vulnerable. The award presentation is scheduled for 28 November at 5:00 pm at the NDMC Convention Centre in New Delhi, where changemakers from across India will gather to recognise those who have made a meaningful difference in society.
A Legacy of Service and Compassion
His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Cleemis has long exemplified a dedication to compassionate service, a mission that has inspired both the Syro-Malankara Catholic community and the broader public. His work extends beyond traditional charity, emphasising support that restores dignity, hope, and self-sufficiency to individuals and communities. Through his leadership, the Church has initiated a range of projects, from providing essential healthcare and education to supporting families with food and livelihood resources. These programmes reflect the Church’s shared calling to extend the love of Christ and address pressing social needs.
Honouring the Vision of Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan
The MSF Award was established in memory of Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan, a remarkable journalist and social advocate known for her dedication to societal upliftment. Dr. Mangalam’s influence spanned decades, from her start with Probe Magazine in 1985 to her impactful work with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). She is remembered for her devotion to social justice, education, and cultural enrichment—a legacy that continues to inspire through the foundation’s work.
Each year, the foundation honours individuals across four main fields: journalism, science reporting, arts and culture, and advocacy against medical malpractice. These awards, now national in scope, aim to create a community dedicated to excellence, integrity, and compassion—qualities embodied by Dr. Mangalam throughout her life. Her memory continues to resonate through the foundation’s mission, making the MSF Award a symbol of hope and integrity in Indian public life.
Carrying Forward Dr. Mangalam’s Mission
Beyond the awards, the Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan Foundation engages in projects that align with her commitment to humanistic values and cultural advancement. Her unfinished literary works and social projects are an ongoing testament to her legacy, supporting initiatives that encourage dialogue and understanding in underserved areas. The foundation has become a bridge between past ideals and present action, fostering the values she held dear.
The MSF Award has developed a reputation for its focus on individuals who bring genuine impact to their fields. Each year, the foundation invites nominations nationally, ensuring that the award remains a platform for dedicated professionals whose work aligns with Dr. Mangalam’s ideals. An independent jury of experts rigorously evaluates applicants, upholding the standards of integrity and excellence that the foundation represents.
A Gathering of Exemplary Leaders
This year’s MSF ceremony will honour a distinguished group of recipients, including our Catholicos and others who have excelled in public service. Among them is environmental advocate and BJP leader Menaka Gandhi, whose work has inspired a commitment to sustainable practices. Each awardee reflects a dedication to societal betterment, underscoring a shared mission to create a more just and compassionate world.
For His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Cleemis, the MSF Award serves as a reminder of the collective journey of the Syro-Malankara Catholic community. In accepting this honour, His Beatitude expressed gratitude for the Church’s role in advancing the cause of unity and compassion, a mission that he shares with all who follow in the spirit of faith-based service. His dedication to service remains an inspiration, reflecting the values that guide us as a community.
Looking Ahead with Purpose and Unity
As the MSF Awards continue to grow in prominence, we look forward to the ways these recognitions will inspire new generations of dedicated individuals. By celebrating figures like His Eminent Beatitude, the foundation aims to create a legacy that aligns with Dr. Mangalam’s vision for a society grounded in compassion and integrity.
The upcoming ceremony on 28 November will be an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of individuals whose lives are devoted to service, faith, and positive change. For the Syro-Malankara Catholic community, this award recognises not only our Catholicos’s contributions but also the shared mission that unites us all—a path of faith and service that speaks to a broader commitment to the welfare of others.
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