Human rights activist, a freelance journalist and an advocate with a special interest for the cause of the poor, dalits, tribal women, children, minorities and Migrants, Sr Sujata Jena, will be conferred with the prestigious award from the Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA).
Sr Sujata Jena, a member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, was chosen for “authentically and consistently being the voice of people’s rights, especially the poor Dalits who are more susceptible to exploitation and injustice,” a statement from the association says.
The award is sponsored by the Office for Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes under the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. It will be conferred on December 1, at the National Convention of Christian Journalists in Bandra, Mumbai.
The Indian Catholic Press Association announced the ICPA Award for the best reportage on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, sponsored by the CBCI Office for Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, for Rev. Sr Sujatha Jena for authentically and consistently being the voice of people’s rights, especially the poor Dalits who are more susceptible to exploitation and injustice.
Sister Jena contributes regularly writes on Dalit issues. “Through the power of reporting and storytelling, (Sister Jena) amplifies the various aspects of Dalits and Tribals, women, children and the homeless, who have been sidelined by the elite, powerful, and societal structures,” says the press release signed by ICPA president Ignatius Gonsalves and secretary Capuchin Father Suresh Mathew.
The association also says Sister Jena’s reports focus voiceless people. “Her deep sincerity and perseverance in highlighting the rights of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes show grit, courage and conviction. Her writings showcase hopes and resilience that the deprived people and communities show despite many challenges, deprivations and exploitation. Her writings have shed light on issues that no secular journalist has ventured to report. It takes both courage and professional excellence to do so.”
Since Covid-19 pandemic she had been actively involved in the safe return of the migrants and continues to work for their rights through advocacy and lobbying through networking with Government administrations and civil society groups.
Presently, she is working as the deputy director of the Excellent IAS Academy, Bhubaneswar, Eastern Indian State of Odisha.
She is the coordinator of the social projects of the Congregation.
Indian Catholic Matters congratulates Sr Sujata on bagging this honour.