In a poignant tribute, Father Stan Swamy, the Jesuit priest who passed away in custody on July 5, 2021, was posthumously awarded the Father Salvador Memorial Award by the Bombay Catholic Sabha. The award was presented during ‘Sabha Day 2025’ held at St Andrews Auditorium, Bandra, on Saturday.

The Archbishop of Bombay, John Rodrigues, graced the event as guest of honour, highlighting the solemnity and significance of the occasion.

Fr. Swamy was arrested on October 8, 2020, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act by the National Investigation Agency. He was accused of involvement in the 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence and alleged links to the banned CPI (Maoist). Despite suffering from Parkinson’s disease, his repeated pleas for medical bail were denied. He died in custody, sparking widespread outrage and raising questions about the treatment of ailing prisoners.

In November 2021, the Jesuit community moved the Bombay High Court seeking to clear his name and restore his reputation. The posthumous award stands as a moral gesture of recognition for his lifelong dedication to social justice and the rights of the marginalised.

Father Stan’s legacy continues to inspire many who advocate for human rights and the dignity of the oppressed.