Renowned Journalist Jose Kavi bags Prestigious ICPA Journalism Award
KCO Reporter - August 2023
In a resounding acknowledgment of his exceptional contributions to the world of journalism, writer and editor Jose Kavi has been selected as the recipient of the esteemed Louis Careno Award for Excellence in Journalism. The Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) will confer this coveted award on Mr. Kavi during the forthcoming 28th National Convention of Christian Journalists, a distinguished event organized by the ICPA. The convention is scheduled to take place on September 23, 2023, in Kochi.
Mr. Kavi's legacy in the realm of journalism has been characterized by unwavering dedication to the pursuit of truth, setting an inspiring example of crusading independent journalism. His commitment to journalistic integrity and the quest for truth has earned him this prestigious recognition. The award's jury expressed admiration for his pivotal role in upholding the principles of unflinching journalism, highlighting his contributions as an embodiment of relentless dedication to the cause of truth.
With a career spanning four decades, Jose Kavi has made an indelible mark on both secular journalism and reporting within the Christian community. His journey commenced as an in-service trainee journalist at SAR-News (South Asian Religious News), an initiative by the ICPA. Over the years, he transitioned through different phases of his professional life, including prominent roles at UNI, a major news agency of its time, UCAN, a pioneering Catholic News Service, and the acclaimed news portal Matters India. Matters India, which Mr. Kavi launched 11 years ago, is celebrated for its credibility and is recognized as a valuable source of information about the Christian world, as perceived by secular observers.
Notably, during his tenure as India Editor of UCAN (Union of Catholic Asian News), Mr. Kavi played an instrumental role in building a robust network of professional journalists across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Hong Kong. Under his guidance, UCAN-India gained a reputation for contextualizing stories from the Asian region, particularly those related to the "Underground Church" in China. The culture of ongoing training nurtured by Mr. Kavi within UCAN produced a cadre of internationally acclaimed investigative journalists, many of whom transitioned to secular media, carrying with them the ethos of Gospel values.
One of Mr. Kavi's most significant achievements is the founding of Matters India, a pioneering news portal that redefined the landscape of Church media. In a remarkable departure from the status quo, Mr. Kavi ensured that the platform's coverage extended beyond mere accolades for clergy and hierarchy. Instead, the portal earnestly reported on issues ranging from atrocities against the Church and its institutions to the struggles faced by Dalits, Tribals, and marginalized communities. This commitment to highlighting lesser-known incidents and voices has had a profound impact on raising awareness among the public.
Mr. Kavi's personal life is marked by his unassuming nature and his inclination to shy away from the limelight—a rarity among seasoned journalists. He shares his life with Rosamma, Chief Nursing Officer at BLK-Max Hospital, Delhi, and is the proud parent of two children. His eldest, Ashish, is an Engineer, while his daughter Archana Kavi has earned acclaim as an award-winning Malayalam movie actress.
The ICPA's decision to honor Jose Kavi with the Louis Careno Award for Excellence in Journalism is not only a recognition of his exceptional achievements but also a celebration of his unwavering dedication to journalistic integrity, truth, and the betterment of society through the power of media. The award ceremony on September 23, 2023, promises to be a highlight of the 28th National Convention of Christian Journalists, held in Kochi, where fellow journalists, industry professionals, and admirers will come together to applaud his remarkable journey and contributions.
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