The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) on February 9 honoured Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya and the only Catholic Chief Minister in India, in recognition of his distinguished public service and leadership. The honour was conferred during the 37th General Body Meeting of the CBCI, held at St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru.
The CBCI National Award acknowledged Sangma’s committed service in promoting education, environmental responsibility, inclusive governance, and sustainable development, particularly in India’s northeastern region.
In a message read at the award ceremony, Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, Metropolitan Archbishop of Thrissur and outgoing President of the CBCI, together with Archbishop Anil J. T. Couto, Secretary General of the CBCI, expressed their appreciation for Sangma’s leadership. “His vision and dedication toward the holistic growth of society and the empowerment of youth are gratefully acknowledged,” the message said.
The CBCI further noted that Sangma has rendered “distinguished public service as a Catholic Chief Minister in India, giving commendable witness to faith, integrity, and commitment to the common good in public life.”
Responding to the honour, Sangma said he was “immensely humbled and grateful” to receive the recognition at the CBCI National Awards 2026, which celebrate distinguished Catholics for their contributions to mission, faith, education, social service, innovation, leadership, and nation-building.
“I receive this honour with deep gratitude, fully aware that while human effort is limited, God is limitless,” Sangma said. “It is only by His grace, wisdom, and courage that I am able to do what I do. There are still miles to go, but with prayer and purpose, all things are possible.”
The chief minister also expressed his thanks to Church leaders for their encouragement and prayers, naming Cardinal Poola Anthony, Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad and current CBCI President; Archbishop Andrews Thazhath; Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão; Mar Baselios Cardinal Cleemis; George Cardinal Koovakad; and Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil.
Congratulatory messages also came from Church leaders and faithful across the country. Father Deepak Baliarsingh, In-Charge of St. Joseph’s New Mission Centre, Kerubadi, Archdiocese of Cuttack–Bhubaneswar, said the recognition was “a moment of immense pride for Christians in India,” praising Sangma’s inspiring witness to faith, integrity, and commitment to the common good.
The CBCI National Awards are presented annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to society and the nation through service, leadership, and faith-based values.
Established in 1944, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India is the apex body of the Catholic Church in the country, bringing together 257 bishops from 174 dioceses, including the Latin, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara Churches. The CBCI serves as a national platform for coordinating pastoral initiatives and engaging with public issues such as education, healthcare, social justice, and minority rights.
