The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) on Monday, February 9, honoured Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma with the newly instituted CBCI National Award 2026, recognising his public service, leadership and commitment to nation-building.
Sangma was among 19 individuals who received the award at the 37th General Body Meeting of the CBCI, held at St John’s Medical College, Bengaluru. Presented for the first time this year, the awards honour those whose lives reflect faith in action, intellectual contribution, pastoral leadership and selfless service across clerical, religious and lay vocations. The CBCI said the initiative also aims to encourage future generations to work towards justice, fraternity and human dignity.
The country’s only Catholic Chief Minister, Sangma received specific recognition for promoting education, environmental responsibility, inclusive governance and sustainable development in the northeastern region. The CBCI noted that he 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.”
Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, Metropolitan Archbishop of Thrissur and outgoing CBCI President, along with Archbishop Anil J.T. Couto, Secretary General of the CBCI, praised Sangma’s leadership in a message read at the ceremony. “His vision and dedication toward the holistic growth of society and the empowerment of youth are gratefully acknowledged,” the message said.
Sangma wrote on X that he was “immensely humbled and grateful” to receive the honour. “I receive this honour with deep gratitude, fully aware that while human effort is limited, God is limitless,” he 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 acknowledged the Catholic Church’s contribution in shaping youth, particularly in the Northeast. “This award instituted by the CBCI reinforces in us the belief that the work we are doing holds value and makes a difference and it motivates us to bring out the values that the church teaches us,” he said.
Addressing the challenges faced by churches across the country, Sangma assured continued cooperation and urged Catholic and Christian youth to become leaders not only in politics but across diverse fields.
He thanked several Church leaders for their encouragement and prayers, including 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 came from Church leaders and the faithful across the country. Father Deepak Baliarsingh, In-Charge of St Joseph’s New Mission Centre, Kerubadi, Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, called the recognition “a moment of immense pride for Christians in India.”
The CBCI, established in 1944, is the national body of Catholic bishops in India, representing 257 bishops from 174 dioceses across the Latin, Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara Churches. It coordinates pastoral work and engages with public concerns including education, healthcare, social justice and minority rights.
