Priest was awarded Padma Shri for social work

Receiving a Padma Shri award from the Indian government is nothing easy. It is a prestigious award presented by the President of India to distinguished citizens for their immense contribution in various spheres that include art, literature, science, social science etc.

In an example of the immense contribution by the Church people in the country, Fr Joseph H. Pereira, received the Padma Shri on January 26, 2009, Indian Republic day, for being a pioneer in the de-addiction movement.

The prelate in 1981 founded the Kripa Foundation, which had a humble beginning with three patients, a priest, a doctor, and a recovering alcoholic. Today it is known as one of the largest and oldest Non–Governmental Organization working for rehabilitation of Drug Addicts and Alcoholics. It is affiliated with the Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

Fr Pereira now has 48 facilities all over India and six collaborative centres abroad where de-addiction work is carried out.

The guiding philosophy is a reflection of the spirit of service and dedication, enshrined in the work of Mother Teresa, who personally blessed our Kolkata and Vasai centers, says their website.

Today, Kripa is at the forefront in facilitating training in Chemical Dependency, Rehabilitation and HIV/AIDS, and offers a broad spectrum of services to the community, facilitating law enforcement agencies, educational institutions and other academic institutions that are involved in Human Services.

Along with Fr Pereira, superior general of Missionaries of Charity, Sr Nirmala, was awarded India's second highest civilian award - the Padma Vibhushan - for her service to the poor.