Media Release
Mangaluru, Sept 10: Reshel Bretny Fernandes, a dynamic young author and articulate speaker from Mangaluru, has been awarded the prestigious J Maurus Award for her thought-provoking and visionary book Bharat @ 2047: Role of Youth, published by Taneesha Publishers.
The award, instituted by the Society of St Paul in collaboration with the Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA), honours exceptional literary works that uphold human and social values. Fernandes has been recognised for her compelling vision of youth as the architects of a developed and inclusive India by 2047.
In her book, Reshel highlights the pivotal role of the younger generation in shaping a “Viksit Bharat”, offering a roadmap to national progress through innovation, leadership, and cultural rootedness. She draws on the philosophies of stalwarts such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Sri Aurobindo Ghosh, Dattopant Thengadi, and Swami Vivekananda to present a narrative that is both aspirational and deeply grounded.
"Bharat @ 2047 is a testament to the limitless potential of India’s youth and their resilient spirit,” the award committee noted. “Reshel’s work captures the optimism, courage and persistence required to achieve transformative change in the nation,” the committee noted.
The book covers a wide spectrum of contemporary themes including culture, manufacturing, sustainable development, social justice, science and innovation, and leadership. It challenges young readers to take charge of India’s future and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
At just 20, Fernandes is the youngest author to explore this ambitious national theme at such depth. Her journey as a writer began in childhood and has since evolved into a prolific literary path.
Apart from Bharat @ 2047, she has penned three other books: The Environment Bond of Coexistence, Light of Education Brightens World, and Essays on Collective Topics. Her work has earned her over 150 distinctions, including several national and international awards. Her achievements have been acknowledged by eminent personalities including the President of India and the Prime Minister.
Currently pursuing her LL.B. atSDM Law College, Mangaluru, Reshel continues to balance academic rigour with a strong commitment to writing, public speaking, and social thought leadership.
The J Maurus Award, named in honour of Fr J Maurus, an Italian missionary and renowned writer, celebrates literary contributions that reflect human dignity, ethical consciousness, and spiritual wisdom. Fr Maurus’s works—translated into multiple Indian languages—continue to inspire generations across the country.
Reshel Bretny Fernandes will be officially conferred with the award during the 30th National Convention of Christian Journalists, organised by the ICPA, to be held in Pune on Saturday, September 20.
The literary community and education circles have lauded the announcement, seeing it as a recognition not just of Fernandes’s personal talent, but of the growing voice of youth in India’s intellectual and civic discourse.