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Salesian Priest Fr. Dr. Josekutty Thomas Receives CBCI National Award for Biblical Scholarship and Digital Evangelization
News written by: Fr. Santosh Mundu, sdb, IND
Fr. Dr. Josekutty Thomas, SDB, a Salesian priest of the Province of Dimapur, was honoured with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) National-Level Award 2026 for his outstanding contribution to biblical scholarship and digital evangelization. The award was jointly conferred on Fr. Josekutty and Dr. Thomson Philip Vadakeyil of Eloit Innovations, India, for their collaborative work in developing and promoting the BibleOn mobile application and website.
The award ceremony was held at St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru, as part of a national CBCI event recognizing individuals who have made notable contributions to the Church, society, and the nation.
Fr. Josekutty has played a pivotal role in the publication and wide dissemination of Sacred Scripture through the BibleOnplatform, significantly enhancing access to the Word of God across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Under his leadership, the Bible has been made available in 45 languages, including 18 languages of Northeast India. He has also spearheaded the preparation of audio versions of the Bible in several regional and tribal languages, extending its reach among diverse communities.
The BibleOn application was inaugurated by Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, then Rector Major of the Salesians, during his October 2022 visit to Shillong. An upgraded hybrid version of the application, featuring enhanced digital tools and user-friendly interfaces, was released in 2024.
A scholar and researcher, Fr. Josekutty has authored books and published academic articles on the history of the Catholic Church in Northeast India and the cultural heritage of tribal communities, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh. His research on the challenges of translating the Bible into tribal languages has contributed significantly to the fields of biblical translation and contextual theology.
His pastoral and cultural initiatives include preparing hymnals and prayer books in local languages, recording hymns in indigenous languages, and producing videos and documentaries in English and various tribal languages of Arunachal Pradesh. Extending his mission to education, Fr. Josekutty holds a PhD in Education with a specialization in the Preventive System of Don Bosco. He has been instrumental in establishing five ICSE schools in some of the most remote regions of Northeast India, promoting holistic human development rooted in Gospel values and the Salesian charism. Earlier, he was also honoured with the Creative Bible Ministry Award by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India.
The CBCI National Awards 2026 honoured 19 individuals for exemplary service. Among the awardees was Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, recognized for his inclusive leadership and commitment to human dignity and development. Addressing the gathering, he underscored the Church’s role in engaging social concerns, encouraged youth leadership, and acknowledged the Church’s contribution to nation-building through education and service.
Cardinal George Koovakad, who was present at the ceremony, lauded the Indian Church for its initiative in recognizing individuals who have excelled in diverse fields and rendered dedicated service to society.
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