ICPA–CBCI Award to Honour Fr. G. Arokia Sebastin Babu for Dalit Rights Advocacy

New Delhi, August 5, 2026: The Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) will honour Fr. Dr. G. Arokia Sebastin Babu HGN with its Special Award for his sustained contribution to the cause of Scheduled Castes and Dalit communities, particularly through theological scholarship, writing and advocacy for dignity, equality and justice.

Sponsored by the CBCI Office for Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, the award will be presented during the National Convention of Christian Journalists at Paalana Bhawana, Bengaluru, on September 19.

A scholar, writer and theologian, Fr. Babu has used his academic and literary work to bring theological reflection into dialogue with the lived experiences of Dalit communities. His writings have addressed discrimination, social exclusion and systemic injustice, with particular attention to the experiences of Dalit Catholics.

Rather than treating Dalit concerns merely as a subject of academic study, Fr. Babu has sought to give theological and intellectual expression to the struggles of oppressed communities for dignity, equality and human rights. His work calls the Church and wider society to examine structures that perpetuate discrimination and to promote justice, inclusion and fraternity.

Among his major works are Jesus and Ambedkar, published by ATC Publishers in 2022, and Dangerous Memories of the Oppressed, published by ISPCK in 2025. His scholarly articles and reflections have also appeared in publications including Vidyajyoti Journal of Theological Reflection, Jnanadeepa: Pune Journal of Religious Studies, Journal of Indian Theology and The New Leader.

His writings have explored issues including reservation for Dalit Catholics, the memories and experiences of oppressed communities, the relationship between Jesus and the emancipatory vision of Dr B. R. Ambedkar, and the challenges of synodality in the Indian Church.

Through these contributions, Fr. Babu has encouraged clergy, religious, students, researchers and lay faithful to engage more deeply with questions of caste discrimination, social justice and the dignity of marginalised communities.

His work draws on both the Gospel and the emancipatory thought of Dr B. R. Ambedkar, demonstrating how theological scholarship and public writing can contribute to confronting injustice and giving greater visibility to communities experiencing discrimination and exclusion.

The ICPA instituted its SC/ST Special Award, sponsored by the CBCI Office for Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, to recognise journalists, writers and communicators who use their professional and intellectual resources to highlight the concerns, rights and dignity of marginalised communities.

By honouring Fr. Babu, the ICPA has recognised his sustained effort to bring Dalit concerns into theological, ecclesial and public discourse and to strengthen the Church’s engagement with justice, equality and human dignity.

The award will be presented during the National Convention of Christian Journalists in Bengaluru on September 19.

By Catholic Connect Reporter