New Delhi ∙ In a proud moment for the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, His Eminent Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, was conferred the Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan Foundation Award for Excellence in Social Service. The award was presented in recognition of His Beatitude’s tireless efforts in social service and outreach, benefitting underprivileged communities across India through numerous impactful initiatives.
The award ceremony took place on 28 November 2024 at the NDMC Convention Centre in New Delhi. The Union Minister for Science and Technology, Shri. Jitendra Singh, presented the award, while Bengal Governor Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, and former Union Minister Dr. Murali Manohar Joshi graced the occasion.
Honouring the Church’s Social Mission
The Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan Foundation Award celebrates His Beatitude’s unwavering commitment to uplifting the economically disadvantaged. Through his leadership, the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church has launched several initiatives focused on healthcare, education, and social development. These programmes aim to restore dignity, hope, and self-reliance among vulnerable communities, embodying the Church’s mission of extending the love of Christ through action.
Cardinal Cleemis shared the stage with other notable awardees, including Maneka Gandhi, former Union Minister and an advocate for environmental and social welfare.
A Legacy of Service
Cardinal Cleemis, the first Cardinal from the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, has always championed compassionate service as central to his mission. His contributions highlight the Church’s dedication to addressing pressing societal challenges while fostering unity and hope.
A Distinguished Ceremony
The Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan Foundation Awards have a reputation for celebrating individuals who bring meaningful impact in their respective fields. In addition to His Eminent Beatitude and Maneka Gandhi, this year’s social service awardees included P. Harish Kumar, Director of Kozhikode Nivedita Vocational Training Centre, and G. Rajamohan, Chairman of Saraswati Vidyalayam.
The journalism category was awarded to veteran journalist P. Narayanan, while Umendra Dutt was recognised for science reporting, and Jeejo John Puthezhath, a special correspondent with Malayala Manorama, received the award for his investigative reporting on health-sector malpractices. In the field of arts and culture, Satyanarayana Raju, a Bharatanatyam artist from Bengaluru, was honoured.
Awards for contributions in the global diaspora category were presented to Naseer V. Koyakutty and Ajit Nair, reflecting the Foundation’s wide-ranging acknowledgment of excellence across domains.
Carrying Forward Dr. Mangalam’s Vision
The Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan Foundation, named after the late journalist and social advocate, aims to continue her legacy by supporting societal betterment. This year’s awardees were selected through a rigorous process by an independent jury, upholding the standards of integrity and service Dr. Mangalam championed during her lifetime.
Cardinal Cleemis’ Acceptance Speech
In his acceptance speech, Cardinal Cleemis expressed gratitude to the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church community for their collective commitment to faith-based service. He reiterated the Church’s mission to foster compassion, unity, and hope in a world in need of healing and reconciliation.
A Testament to Faith and Service
This award is a milestone not only for Cardinal Cleemis but also for the entire Syro-Malankara Catholic community. It underscores the Church’s enduring efforts to bring about positive change in society, inspired by the teachings of Christ. As the community celebrates this recognition, it also renews its collective commitment to continue on the path of service and love for all.
“Faith is not just belief; it is action. In serving others, we serve Christ.” – His Eminent Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos.
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