The WCDM–DRR Excellence Awards 2022 was announced to Caritas India, the social development arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India working in the field of Humanitarian Aid & Disaster Risk Reduction, Community Health, and Climate Adaptive Agriculture & Food Sovereignty.

Fr. (Dr.) Jolly Puthenpura, the Assistant Executive Director and Fr. Sushil Modi, Administrator of Caritas India received the award from Shri G Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister of Tourism, Culture and Development of North Eastern Region of India.

“This award further cements our solidarity with the poor of our country and gives us a time to consciously continue with the mission of rebuilding lives affected by different disasters,” said Fr. Jolly, Assistant Executive Director of Caritas India after the award.

The award that recognizes excellence in disaster risk was presented at the WCDM–DRR Excellence Awards 2022 at India International Centre, New Delhi on 22nd June 2022. The award was given under the Development of Risk Resilient Infrastructure sub-category Disaster Preparedness for Effective and Efficient Disaster Risk Management (DRM).

The award committee appreciated Caritas India for rendering selfless service and bringing innovation in managing natural and man-made disasters including pandemics and biological disasters and in mitigating their impact on society. The award was given under the “Pandemics, Biological Disasters” subcategory of Efficient and Exemplary Disaster Management (during disasters).

WCDM–DRR Excellence Awards 2022 is conferred to those scientists, researchers, policymakers, practitioners and responders at different stages of DM and Pandemic cycle, who have excelled in their field by way of bringing in new practices, improving the existing one, upgrading the tools and skills of practitioners and innovating the new areas, besides those who during emergencies have displayed exemplary valor and courage to reach, rescue and save lives, livestock and properties.

Caritas India has been working with communities across the country for almost six decades. By combining years of experience, local wisdom with modern technology, Caritas India has been building resilience among communities at risk of climate crisis and disasters. This award recognizes Caritas India’s efforts in adopting a multi-hazard approach and its commitment to responding in climate emergencies.

Since its inception, Caritas India has been engaged in emergency and disaster response to support the most vulnerable section of society through its immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Caritas India has conducted one of the biggest humanitarian responses at the Pan India level. The magnitude of the response can be measured by the fact that in the second wave of Covid-19, the organisation has reached out to over 2.5 crore population with its humanitarian support.