Setting the conference in perspective, the chief editor of BOSCOM South Asia online news services, Father Bastin Nellissery, said, “The digital era has reshaped how people interact, learn and engage with information, compelling the Salesian ministry to adopt its methods to effectively reach and connect with the audience, especially the young people”. Speaking at the inaugural function, Father Jose Koyickal, Provincial of Bangalore Province, said communication is part of Salesian identity and a culture to encounter the young. During the presidential address, Dr Anil Pinto, Registrar of Christ University, Bangalore, focused on digital literacy in early education to develop critical thinking, responsible media usage, online safety, empathy and social responsibility.

While delivering the keynote address, Father Don Bosco Lourdusamy, Provincial in charge of BOSCOM and the Provincial of Chennai Province, spoke on the need for interconnectedness and dynamic relationships in the digital communication scenario. Communication should lead to union with God and advocate pastoral charity, he said. In an online communication from Rome, Father Santos Gildasio, Social Communication councillor, stressed on communication that promotes peace, solidarity and togetherness. The Regional Councilor for South Asia, Father Biju Pulianmackal, addressing the gathering from Sri Lanka, said the communicator should immerse in the context and acquire knowledge and wisdom to inspire, inform and educate the young like Don Bosco.

The three-day conference had experts from the theatre, digital faith ministry, artificial intelligence, digital art merchandise ministry, online music ministry and branding services. Father Ernest Rosario, BOSCOM South Asia Delegate, felicitated the guests and members of the conference. Hosted by the Salesian Bangalore Province, the conference was steered by Father Dickson Eugene, the Bangalore Province Communication Delegate, and the commission members.

As a constructive step towards digital integration, the assembly proposed to collaborate with young people who are into digital ministry and formulate a resource kit for digital well-being for Salesians, teachers and students.

BOSCOM honours Media trailblazers

The BOSCOM General Body Assembly honoured two Salesian media trailblazers, Father CM Paul and Father Michael Makri.

Father Paul was felicitated as the senior and trailblazer of communication in India, his lifetime contribution to communication and at present as editor of South Asia Podcast through audio and video platforms. Father Paul's illustrious journey includes being the first non-Italian director of the Salesian News Agency (ANS) in Rome, where he steered for three years, overseeing 20 bureaus worldwide. A visionary in education, Father Paul is the founder and Head of the Department of Journalism at Don Bosco University Guwahati and Salesian College Sonada, leaving an enduring impact on journalism and media education. He is the founder director of Radio Salesian 90.8 FM, Salesian TV on YouTube, and the Salesian News Asia Pacific Podcast.

Father Ernest, on behalf of BOSCOM, felicitated Father CM Paul. “When you stand up and contribute, you may be silenced. But that does not mean it's over. The providence will work if your effort is honest and clear.  Use our failures as stepping stones to success,” said Father Paul on being honoured.

Father Brian felicitated Father Michael Makri for his contributions to the Salesian world of communication. Father Makri is the Managing Director and Editor-in-chief of Don Bosco Media Network based in Shillong.