New Delhi, 18 July 2023: A significant meeting of Delegates of Social Communication from various provinces was held at the Don Bosco Provincial House in New Delhi from 12th to 15th July 2023. The meeting commenced on the 12th with a grand inauguration ceremony attended by prominent personalities, including Fr Davis Maniparamben, the Provincial of Delhi, Mr AJ Philip, a senior journalist, and columnist, Fr Harris Pakkam, the director of ANS, Fr Ernest Rosario, the South Asia Delegate for BOSCOM, Fr John Parankimalil, the Secretary of SPCSA, Fr Patrick Lepcha, South Asia delegate for Youth Services, and Social Communication delegates from different Salesian Provinces. The event also witnessed the participation of young representatives from various Salesian Provinces.
The meeting was unique as it marked the launch of the ‘VOICES: Giving voice to the voiceless’ Project, initiated by the Dicastery Social Communications in Rome. This project, which aims to listen to the unheard voices of today’s youth on pressing social issues and devise collective solutions, will be implemented across all Regions of the Congregation. It began its journey in the South Asia Region, focusing on four core concerns: unemployment, digital addiction, substance addiction, and migration.
During the inaugural session on the morning of 12th July, the VOICES Project commenced its work, dividing the youth participants into four panels to discuss the assigned topics. One of the young representatives, Rahul Bora, eloquently spoke about the perils of Digital Addiction. He emphasized that many young people fall into the trap of seeking temporary validation through likes and views on social media platforms, leading to a superficial sense of satisfaction. Rahul also pointed out how digital addiction negatively impacts real-life human relationships, as young individuals increasingly turn to virtual friends during times of difficulty instead of seeking support from their physical surroundings, such as parents and educators.
The following day, 13th July, the participants enjoyed a sightseeing excursion to the Taj Mahal and India Gate, adding a cultural touch to the event. On 14th July, Fr Harris Pakkam, the director of ANS, delivered a session on ANS and encouraged all attendees to share news from their respective provinces. He highlighted the role and functioning of ANS, encouraging collaboration to strengthen the platform. Additionally, he shed light on the upcoming Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival.
The final day, 15th July, featured the Executive Council Meeting of BOSCOM, which was graced by the presence of Fr. Vincent Kunnathettu SDB, Secretary to the Regional of South Asia, Fr John Parankimalil, the Secretary of SPCSA, and Fr. Don Bosco Lourdusamy, the Provincial In-charge of BOSCOM. During the meeting, Fr. Robinson, the Director of NISCORT, delivered a keynote address on “Human Creativity Vs Artificial Intelligence: Is AI our Partner or Problem?” He explored the potential of AI in opening new possibilities while urging caution regarding its ethical implications.
The discussions during the Executive Meeting centered on making social media centers more effective, self-sustaining, and productive. The meeting received an online address from Fr. Biju Michael, the Regional Councillor of South Asia, who appreciated and encouraged media ventures in the respective provinces. In the later part of the day, various province delegates shared updates on the Social Communication sectors of their regions. The meeting concluded with a discussion on the Annual Plan of BOSCOM, led by Fr Ernest Rosario, the South Asia Delegate for BOSCOM, followed by a heartfelt vote of thanks proposed by Fr. Pradeep Ekka of Guwahati province.
The meeting of the Delegates of Social Communication and the inauguration of the ‘VOICES’ Project marked a significant step towards amplifying the voices of the voiceless youth and addressing the societal challenges faced by the younger generation. As the project takes root in the South Asia Region, the participants left with renewed enthusiasm and determination to bring about positive change through the power of communication and collective action.
(IND Webmaster and Fr Santosh Mundu SDB)
