The Sisters of Cumta and Auxilium Convent greeted the participants with scarves and cheerful smiles—an expression of the unity and joy that would mark the days ahead. The seminar opened with a prayer to the Holy Spirit, followed by an uplifting message from Sr. Majella Anto, FMA. She urged the coordinators to “share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts,” reminding them that in an age of divisive communication, FMAs are called to embody empathy, peace, and the Salesian spirit of H.O.P.E.

A key highlight of Day 1 was an engaging and thought-provoking session by Fr. C. M. Paul, SDB, veteran journalist, educator, and Vice Principal of Salesian College, Siliguri. Drawing from global experiences in media and communication, he emphasized the importance of cultivating Digital Wellness. He cautioned that while digital tools have immense power, they can distance individuals from their inner lives when used without awareness. Addressing themes such as Artificial Intelligence, digital overload, and the urgent need for digital detox, he described detox not as a withdrawal but a “redirection”—a deliberate reclaiming of silence, nature, and human presence amid online noise.

The seminar’s second day shifted focus inward with a powerful session on mental wellness led by Fr. Preetam Barla, SDB, a seasoned psychologist known for his compassionate approach. Introducing the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, he guided participants into a deeper understanding of mindfulness across the physical, spiritual, and energy dimensions.

Addressing the increasingly common experience of loneliness, he offered practical tools for restoring inner harmony. Through sound-based exercises—AHA from the navel, E from the chest, and OOU from the throat—participants explored ways to activate and balance internal energies. A series of transformative breathing techniques followed, including Box Breathing, Waterfall Breathing, Nadi Shodhana, Kapalabhati, Bhramari, and Candle Blowing, each designed to calm the mind and nurture focus.

Fr. Preetam also introduced Psycho-Geometry, helping participants understand their personality traits through shapes such as squares, circles, rectangles, and zigzags. Insights from the Johari Window encouraged self-awareness of one’s open, hidden, blind, and unknown selves. A reflective exercise asked each participant to identify a personal challenge and rate its intensity, followed by the creation of a “Tree of Life” that mapped maternal and paternal influences, unconscious motivations, and future aspirations.

Before closing his session, he taught simple daily exercises involving hand gestures, finger pressure points, and gentle relaxation techniques to help maintain holistic well-being.

The group also visited Salesian College, Sonada, and St. Teresa’s Parish, spending meaningful moments with the Holy Cross Sisters, where they observed firsthand their dedication to education and pastoral service. A heartfelt Thanksgiving prayer service expressed gratitude to the host community and the Provincials of the seven provinces, enriched by a poignant reflection from Pope Francis on communication as a path of clarity, compassion, and communion.

The seminar concluded with a serene trip to the stunning landscapes of Darjeeling. Amid rolling hills, tea gardens, and sweeping mountain vistas, the participants found moments of peace and renewed strength—capping a transformative gathering that deepened bonds and reaffirmed their mission of hope-filled communication.