News

Report by:
Sumit Dhanraj, (Freelance Journalist & Media Trainer)
SIGNIS MP & CG Region, India

Indore: Signis India National Assembly 2019 was held at Prerana Sadan, Indore, Madhya Pradesh from 19th to 22nd February, 2019. The theme of the assembly was “Media for Promotion of Peace and Truth” in the society and world at large. It had the presence of 104 delegates from different regions of India. Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh region was the local host of the SINA 2019 at Indore.

The assembly started with welcoming of guests, officials and delegates with traditional Bhilli dance by the youth of Sadbhawana Communication, Jhabua and wearing of Safa. The inaugural Eucharistic celebration was officiated by Bishop Chacko Thottumarickal SVD of Indore, Bishop Durai Raj SVD of Khandwa and Bishop Sebastian Vadakel of Ujjain. Fr. Theodacious Dcruz from Trivandrum Archdiocese, Member of Signis Kerala Region was felicitated for his great initiative and selfless service during the ‘Okhi cyclone’ flood in Kerala.

The inaugural function began with lighting of the lamp and garlanding of the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of our nation by dignitaries. Cultural presentation of Malwa was done by Indore Akashvani artist Santosh Joshi and team. The members of Local organsing team welcomed Bishops, Provincials, Signis Board members and delegates to SINA 2019.

The keynote address of the assembly was delivered by Bishop Chacko Thottumarickal SVD (Bishop of Indore). In his address he said that UNDA & OCIC merged to form new organization that is SIGNIS. It focuses on the area of Communication. Jesus said that I am the truth, the way and the life. We are all at the service of the truth making use of media. On the other hand Jesus said that I bring you peace and elsewhere he said that peace be with you. Truth and Peace are integrally related to the life of Jesus and therefore to life of us all. If we are disciples of Jesus then we are committed to truth and we are committed to the promotion of peace, mentioned Bp. Chacko.

Fr. Stanley Kozhichira (Signis India President) in his address said, “If you and I want to be the agents of promoting peace and truth, we need to be vigilant about our social media habits. One of the major mistakes that we make in our social media activity is, forwarding a message without even verifying its veracity.” He mentioned that we are facing challenges in our times, against the truth, against peace. Are we to submit ourselves to be lost in this rat race of breaking news, or to wait for the truth to set us Free?, asked Fr. Kozhichira.

We are proclaiming Jesus alive as Signis members and a Christian, when we promote, Peace and Truth, through any form of Media, especially through our human networking and communication. From Network communities to Human Communities, which is the theme of the Pope’s communication day message again reflect the need to build communities of peace and truth, he added.
The first session of the day dealt with the topic “Media for Promotion of Peace and Truth” by Mr. Melwyn Williams from New Delhi who elaborately explained various aspects of Media. He said, “Media being the watchdog of the society should be avowedly alive to the need of sensitizing the members of the society to the cherished human values of service and sacrifice for betterment of the society.”

Ms. Yogita Yash Rawat from Bhopal talking on “Networking community to Human Community” spoke on building networking amongst family, people, community and society. During the second session she emphasised more on human relationship and the networking human beings do in community. She said that social media should help us to do proper networking and build us as society rather than damaging our human community into isolated individuals.

Cultural night kicked off with welcome dance by Prerana Communication dance team, Indore; Nimadi melody songs by Fr. Norbert Herman SVD of Satprakashan team, Indore; Dance-drama on the history of Christianity in Madhya Pradesh by Navchetna team, Bhopal; Musical performance by Sr. Pushpanjali of Sadhana Sanchar, Bhopal and Bhilali cultural dance by Red Church Indore.
The Chief Guest of the Cultural evening was Dr. John M. Chacko, Chairman and Managing Director, Laurels School & Management Institutions (P) Ltd. Indore. He stressed on the need of using Media for the promotion of Truth and peace during his address. Media Awards in the field of Communication and Media were given to Mr. Bapu Parmar, Sr. Pushpanjali SSpS, Fr. Clarence Srambical SVD, Mr. Dilip Bose, Fr. James M L CMI and Mr. Amit Mandloi for their noble service.

“The need of Networking in the Church” subject was discussed in the third session by Dr. Shaison P. Ouseph from Mumbai, who shared his ideas on the very aspect of networking. Focussing on the collaboration and sharing in the Church by communicators, writers, journalists, media persons, trainers and film makers he asked the Signis fraternity to reflect on the support and help we give to one another. Various possibilities of Networking were shared in group discussions and the reports of the same were presented to the participants.

A half-a-day pilgrimage was arranged to Udainagar on the second day via Red Church to pay homage to Blessed Sr. Rani Maria. Fr. Stanely presided over the Holy Eucharist at Udainagar.
Third day was an outing day to Mandavgarh to visit the ancient architecture of Afghan heritage. Delegates also visited Rajwada Palace and the taste of Indore Sarafa. Fourth day was a Business day with meetings, regional report presentation, assessment and project evaluation. Thus a very fruitful SINA 2019 came to an end with a high note.

• click here to read Statement of Signis India National Assembly- 2019