News

Report by Mr Sumit Dhanraj, Indore.
Pics: Austine Crasta, Bangalore

Chennai. 20, Feb. 2017: Signis India National Assembly 2017 and Seminar on "Communicating Hope and Trust in our Times" began from 20th February, 2017. Participants from all over India gathered together for this grandiose event at DBICA -Citadel, Chennai. The event is going to continue till 23rd February.

The programme started with the Holy Mass presided over by Vicar General of Mylapore arch Diocese Rev. Fr S.J. Anthonysamy. He spoke in his special address on the importance and communicating role of Media. He said, "Media guides the world and shapes the world." He while talking to group of religious participating in the seminar highlighted that the holy Bible is Media per se. He said that we see in the Old Testament, God the Father speaking to people of God and in the New Testament, its Jesus Christ. This is the true example of communication. "Jesus communicates the value of hope and trust", he added.

The inauguration session had the presence of World Signis President Mr. Andujar Gustavo from Cuba. His message centred on the importance of promoting stories of hope and trust on the special occasion of 51st Communication Day this year. He highlighted on the Pope Francis' World Communication message. He also said that Signis is its members. They make it active and alive.

Mr. Sasi Kumar, Chairman of Asian College of Journalism and Founder, Asianet in his keynote address spoke on the essential function of Media. He talked about the truthful representation of news by media. The seminar participants were enlightened by him as he shared about organized religion and mainstream media. He also asked group to draw a line between "Popular and Populist". He explained various issues in a simple manner namely; cultural relativism, agenda setting by media, dominance of religion, identity politics etc. He asked participants to be thinking communicators in future. He drew everybody's attention to take the road less travelled.

The event is going to continue with enlightening programmes, talks and cultural extravaganza.