SIGNIS India Assembly Studies New Media for New Generation

February 19, 2013: The India chapter of the world association of Catholic communications- Signis India- held its annual assembly, 16 -19 February in the South Indian city of Secunderabad. The event was attended by Signis World President and General Secretary and some 100 members representing 13 Signis regions in India.

The seminar studied the theme: “new media for a new generation”. Jesus Youth Leader Donny Peter in his keynote address showed how the new media can be effectively engaged in the mission of the Church. Chairman, CBCI Office for Social Communications, Bishop Chacko Thottumarickal urged the Catholic communication professionals in the country to become more committed to and involved in the mission of the Church and in the proclamation of the Good News of Christ.

Signis World Secretary General Mr Alvito DeSouza, Pontifical Mission Society National Director Faustin Lobo and CBCI OSC Secretary Fr George Plathottam spoke on Signis project writing and sharing of resources and talents. DeSouza highlighted the significant contribution made by Signis India to policy making and leadership in the Signis world during the last eight years. "Signis India's vibrancy has led the way in ideas, new initiatives and curative practice," said DeSouza. He added, "the process and methodology used in the initiatives undertaken in India has thrown new light for Signis to go forward," "Signis is not a funding agency," insisted DeSouza clarifying to members that "Signis duty is only to process and screen media projects for the Pontifical Commission for the Proclamation of the Peoples which subsidizes media activities in select countries. DeSouza further requested Signis India to develop a media project monitoring and evaluation system with the help of PMS (Pontifical Mission Society).

In addition to rich inputs on the theme, the assembly heard media activity reports of 13 Signis regions, Several national and regional projects and activities of the members such as the Hindi film Khristayaan. The national reports highlighted the various activities of the CBCI-OSC and national training institute, NISCORT, especially the formation of Media Research Group, Art.i, formation programs for seminaries and efforts to form media clubs in seminaries, national forum of tribal and folk media, and community radio.

The National Seminar on :New Media for New Generation (Website, Mobile Media, Social Media) which started on 18 February afternoon concluded on 19 Feb.