As reported by Vatican News, under the leadership of Monsignor Rayarala Vijay Kumar, Bishop of Srikakulam and President of the Conference of Bishops for Tribal Affairs, the Tribal Biblical Conference took place in India. The event, attended by over 30,000 faithful, was graced by the presence of Cardinal Anthony Poola, Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad, and included a special prayer for the Pope.
During the conference, the Maria Ausiliatrice Award—the highest honor bestowed by the Diocese of Srikakulam—was awarded to Sir Dustin Plantholt, journalist, and Sir Gabriele Pao-Pei Andreoli, academic lecturer, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and President of the Institute for Advanced Studies and Cooperation. This prestigious recognition honors their outstanding dedication to supporting faith communities and fostering spiritual growth on a global scale.