The tranquil campus of St. Mary’s Hill, Kurseong, became a hub of reflection, learning, and sisterly communion as the FMA Province Media Coordinators convened for their annual Social Communications Seminar from November 13th to 15th, 2025. Focused on Digital Well-being, Mental Wellness, and planning for the 2025–2026 academic year, the gathering brought together Sisters committed to communicating hope and healing in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

On the bright and promising morning of November 8, the AMAR Media Festival 2025–26 came alive with colour, creativity, and youthful energy at St. Mary Mazzarello Youth Centre, Wadala. With the inspiring theme "Hope in Your Feed, Kindness in Your Clicks," the festival brought together students from Standards VIII to X across ten schools from the Gujarat and Maharashtra regions. Each school was represented by ten enthusiastic students, accompanied by a teacher and a sister.

Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra (BGVK), Kedgaon, organized an awareness session on “The Usefulness and Impact of Social Media” on November 1, 2025, at the BGVK Training Hall. The session, attended by 25 teachers from the Remedial Education and Development Project, which is active across 25 villages in Ahmednagar, aimed to equip educators with insights to promote responsible and balanced social media use among students.

Salesian College Sonada witnessed a leadership transition as Fr. C.M. Paul, founder-director of Radio Salesian, formally announced the appointment of Fr. Pritam Barla as the new Director of the college’s community radio station. The announcement was made on 28 October following the official appointment by Fr. Dr. Joseph Pauria, Provincial of Kolkata Salesians and President of the College Governing Body.

In a bold step toward digital evangelization, the Salesians of Don Bosco in the INB Province gathered for a transformative Media Seminar focused on equipping religious communicators to become “digital disciples.” Led by Fr Arockia Selvakumar SDB, the seminar emphasized the urgent need to move beyond passive media consumption and embrace content creation as a mission tool.

Following the heartfelt “A Legacy of Love,” the South Asia Region releases “A Legacy of Grace,” the newest episode in the Salesian Mission 150 Years series. Now streaming on YouTube, the sequel journeys deeper into the struggles and faith of Salesian Family Missionaries in Sudan and South Sudan, revealing how divine grace sustains them amid war, famine, and loss. Produced by BOSCOM, Missionary Animation, and Salesian Family South Asia under the SPCSA, the video is a powerful testimony of resilience, trust, and God’s loving presence in suffering.

The much-anticipated new website of the Bosco Institute of Research and Development for Youth (BIRDY) was officially inaugurated by Fr. Biju Michael, SDB, the Regional Head of Don Bosco South Asia, during a special session of the Leaders Meet. The event brought together key leaders and stakeholders of the Salesian community, underscoring the initiative’s importance in advancing youth development and digital outreach.

Salesian College Autonomous, Sonada, opened its doors on August 19 to delegates from twelve Salesian provinces of South Asia for the annual BOSCOM Executive Meet, running through August 21. Themed “Artificial Intelligence in the Salesian Mission,” the three-day gathering sets the stage for reflection, dialogue, and strategic planning on the role of AI in education, communication, and pastoral ministry.

Don Bosco IMAGE Film School, Kochi, launched its new academic year with cinematic flair, inaugurating the Film School in a star-studded function graced by acclaimed Malayalam actor, director, playwright, and screenwriter Joy Mathew and popular South Indian actress Aparna Das, known for her roles in Manoharam, Priyan Ottathilanu, and Beast.

In an inspiring step towards shaping the leaders of tomorrow, Salesian College Sonada, in collaboration with Project Missio, hosted a Youth Leadership Animation Programme themed “Leaders in the Digital World” on July 20. The event brought together around 70 enthusiastic young participants from 26 youth centres across the region.

The historic Marian shrine of Bandel Church, which has stood sentinel on the banks of the Hooghly River since 1599, became the site of a unique spiritual and musical homecoming on Saturday. Baul Samrat Sanajit Mandal, a pioneering figure in Bengali Gospel folk music, returned to his roots to reimagine two iconic devotional tracks—Kaatar Mukut(Crown of Thorns) and Dhike Dhike Shona Jai (Heard All Over)—in a special music video shoot organized by the Song of Gospel YouTube channel.

Reimagining catechesis in the digital age, the Don Bosco Catechetical Centre, Deepagam, in Kilpauk, hosted a one-day seminar on “Catechizing with Artificial Intelligence.” The event brought together 62 Sunday Catechism teachers from parishes across Chennai on June 15 to explore the transformative role of AI in faith formation.

In the bustling world of media and communication within the Salesian family, Fr Harris Pakkam stands out as a dynamic force, orchestrating the smooth and effective flow of information like a well-oiled engine. Currently, the Director of AGENZIA INFO SALESIANA (ANS) in Rome, Fr Harris, played a pivotal role in the dissemination of news and video content during the Salesian General Chapter (GC29), a task he undertook with precision for two months. Armed with a degree in Social Communication from the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS), Rome, his journey includes key roles such as Director of DBICA, Chennai, and a tenure at the Dicastery for Communication in the Vatican. Known for his visionary leadership and creative drive, he has also been an efficient organizer of the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival (DBGYFF), fostering global youth engagement through the lens of cinema.

Joining him in this engaging tête-à-tête is Dr Bastin Nellissery SDB, the Chief Editor of Don Bosco South Asia. A sharp and insightful communicator, Dr Bastin brings his wealth of experience and editorial acumen to the conversation, ensuring that Don Bosco's voice continues to resonate across the South Asian region.

Marking Transgender Day of Visibility, DBMedia Network Chennai has released the acclaimed documentary TRANSCENDER, which chronicles the inspiring journey of K. Prithika Yashini, India's first transgender police officer.

The General Councilor for Social Communication, Fr. Santos Gildasio, speaking to the media at the GC29 venue aired his views on Artificial Intelligence and the Salesian approach. He described AI as “Humanity’s greatest revolution.”

Watch the full video interview | View PDF text in English

Click and Voice your Reflections and Insights.
Stay Connected.

View Comments on GC29 News