Reshel Bretny Fernandes bags J. Maurus Award

Mangalore, August 22, 2025: Reshel Bretny Fernandes, a youthful writer and eloquent speaker from Mangalore, has been selected for the prestigious J. Maurus Award for her insightful and thought-provoking book Bharat @ 2047: Role of Youth, published by Taneesha Publishers.

 The award recognises outstanding literary contributions that uphold human and social values, celebrating Reshel’s profound vision of the youth as the torchbearers of national transformation.

Bharat @ 2047 is a testament to the limitless potential of Bharat’s young generation and its resilient spirit. Reshel, the first young author to explore this significant theme, takes readers on an inspiring journey toward “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, envisioning youth as the guiding force of change. Drawing insights from stalwarts such as Sardar Patel, Aurobindo Ghosh, Dattopant Thengadi, and Swami Vivekananda, she presents a vision marked by optimism, courage, and persistence.

The book addresses a wide spectrum of themes including culture, manufacturing, sustainable development, social justice, science, innovation, and leadership, and offers a roadmap for young people to shape a just, inclusive, and progressive nation. It underlines how innovative thinking and youthful optimism can bring about positive change in society.

Instituted by the Society of St Paul in collaboration with the Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA), the J. Maurus Award honours the legacy of Fr. J. Maurus, the Italian missionary whose writings, translated into several languages, continue to inspire readers worldwide with their emphasis on human values, social issues, and spiritual wisdom.

Reshel’s passion for writing began in childhood and has blossomed into a remarkable literary journey. In addition to Bharat @ 2047, she has authored three other books: The Environment Bond of Coexistence, Light of Education Brightens World, and Essays on Collective Topics. With over 150 achievements and several prestigious national and international awards to her credit, her contributions have been acknowledged by eminent dignitaries including the President of India and the Prime Minister of India. She is currently pursuing her LL.B. at SDM Law College, Mangalore.

The J. Maurus Award will be formally conferred on Reshel Bretny Fernandes during the 30th National Convention of Christian Journalists, organized by the ICPA, to be held in Pune on Saturday, 20 September 2025.

By Fr. Suresh Mathew & Ignatius Gonsalves

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