The VOICES: Giving voice to the voiceless, an innovative project from the Dicastery of Social Communication, Rome, was inaugurated at the South Asian level at the Don Bosco Headquarters, Delhi, on July 12, as a concrete response to the proposals of Pope Francis’ Global Education Pact, Synodality and the Rector Major’s Programmatic proposals giving priority to communication at the service of the young in their precarious situations.

During the VOICES event, several young individuals opened up about their experiences with substance addiction, highlighting its pervasive presence across various regions. Their stories underscored the need for effective measures to tackle addiction and promote rehabilitation programmes. John Melwin, a music teacher from Hyderabad, recalled the sad story of his cousin-brother who became an addict. He opined that youngsters use drugs to charge their passion. Anoopraj, Coordinator of the DREAM Project (Drug Rehabilitation Education And Mentoring) in the state of Kerala, projected that there are 60 million drug addicts in India in the age group of 10-15 years. Citing case studies, he stated that the reasons for drug abuse are depression, behavioural personality disorders, physical issues, anti-social engagements and different kinds of physical abuse that demand ways to overcome such trauma.

A video presentation of Dilip Nandhanan from Trichy, Tamil Nadu, disturbed the participants as he shared his plight with drug usage, relapse and rehab. Anmol Kajur, a student of Political Science and Aman Yakka, both from Jharkhand, presented various sides of drug abuse. Father Dickson Eugene, a communication delegate from Bangalore Province, coordinated the discussion. Quoting a UN research study, he said that substance addiction has grown by 70%, and the age group is below 25 years. The participants suggested a comprehensive approach involving education, awareness campaigns and accessible treatment options as crucial to combat the issue.

Unemployment emerged as another concern discussed at VOICES. Young speakers shared their struggles in finding suitable job opportunities, expressing their frustration and anxiety over the scarcity of employment prospects. Presenting the theme, Father Arvind Khalko, a delegate from Kolkata Province, indicated that 15.39 million are affected post-covid. Viman Fernando from Sri Lanka narrated the scenario of unemployment. He pointed out that the irrelevant education system, lack of skill enhancement and knowledge and slow economic growth have led to unemployment in Sri Lanka. Kishan Kisku hailing from an agricultural background in Bengal, said, “Poor education is the root cause of unemployment”. Adani Chamikho from Guwahati tabled several reasons for unemployment as the high population rate, geographical remoteness and connectivity challenges, skill gaps and mismatched education, insurgency and political instability affecting economic development, fewer trade opportunities and migration of skilled youth.

Ronald Roy, a job placement officer from Kolkata, described the mindset of young people leading to unemployment. He said that young people unable to meet the targets demanded at the workplace drop out of jobs. With only a meagre salary offered, many migrate to greener pastures and in addition, the machine is replacing humans in the industry. The young speakers called for government initiatives to boost job creation, improve skill development programmes and bridge the gap between industry requirements and the skill sets of young job seekers.

In an increasingly interconnected world, digital addictions have emerged as a significant challenge faced by the younger generation, said Br Aleister D’Souza, a delegate from Mumbai Province, introducing the theme. VOICES listened to the young people entranced by the endless streams of notifications, messages and entertainment, often leading to addictive behaviour. Sherwin Mark from Chennai related digital addiction to depression. Meanwhile, Vancouver Shullai, a young teacher from Shillong, said, “We have fallen in love with ourselves”. He further said that young people are afraid of solitude, being alone. Technology provides a sense of freshness for youngsters. For them, free time is phone time and not the playtime of yesteryears. Rahul Bora from Dimapur highlighted the destructive nature of technology in relationships. Many are into a superficial friendship, he said. Leander Viegas from Mumbai pointed out that ease of access and instant rewards cause digital addiction. It leads to a constant need for validation, fear of missing out (FOMO), anxiety arising from comparisons, decreased attention spans, sleep disorders and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

The younger generation who look for a sense of accomplishment and validation through digital platforms requires good and positive acknowledgement through art, games etc., said Vancouver.

VOICES was all-ears on the theme of Migrants. The allure of new opportunities in other parts of the country and outside often outweighs the potential disadvantages, said Olibha Kerketta from New Delhi. Several factors lead to migration: unemployment, low wage, a corrupted system, poverty, and lack of social security, she added. Sruthi Menon, Coordinator for the KISMAT Project (Kerala Interstate Migrants Alliance for Transformation), an initiative of the Salesian Province of Bangalore, presented a whopping population of 3.15 million migrants in Kerala. “Young migrants face the challenge of adapting to a new culture, language and social system. The financial constraints, discrimination, cheating and theft can be overwhelming”, she said. At the same time, migration has become an appealing option for young individuals seeking better economic prospects or fleeing challenging socio-political conditions, she added.

Deepak Tirkey, a migrant who settled in Chennai, described the poor living conditions, often huddled in a small room with 8 to 10 labourers and unhygienic sanitation facilities, more hours of work, gender discrimination in wages, no education facility for children of migrant labourers and denial of maternity benefits. “Though some support systems are in place to aid young migrants in their integration process, like KISMAT Project in Kerala, the issues are big”, said Father Ashok Kujur, a delegate of communication in the Province of Delhi, in conclusion to the presentation on Migrants.

The event also provided a platform for participants to propose potential solutions and strategies to address these challenges. Father Harris Pakkam, Director of ANS, Rome, and in charge of the Social Communication sector in the South Asia region, leading from the front, said, “The voices we heard disturb us. How do we respond to their cries?”. He classified the four themes into two levels: Migrants and Unemployment at the societal level and Digital and Substance Addiction at the personal level. As part of drawing up the right strategies to accompany young people in their vulnerable situations, a few lines of action were voiced for further discussion and ratification during the meeting of the communication delegates.

In conclusion to the event, the participants were presented with certificates by Father Davis Maniparamben, Provincial of Delhi Province, and a prayer service thanking the Almighty.