News

Report by : Sumit Dhanraj, (Communication & Media Trainer),Indore

Indore, Madhya Pradesh: The Digital Media Workshop was jointly organized by SIGNIS India and Catholic Diocese of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India in collaboration with Youth and Vocation Commission, Indore at Satprakashan Sanchar Kendra (A complete Media House) from 13th to 16th January, 2022. Twenty youth from different parishes, schools, colleges, working young media professionals and religious nuns were present for the workshop from the diocese.

His Grace Rev. Bishop Chacko Thottumarickal SVD (Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Indore) was the Chief Guest of the inaugural session. He spoke to youngsters about the role of youth in the Digital Church in his keynote address. He said that the youth should use Digital Media and Social Media diligently. He inspired the youth about the importance of digital media platforms and asked them to use these online channels for faith communication.

The workshop began with the word of God, a prayer and a hymn to the Holy Spirit by Fr. Rajesh Jamra SVD. The lighting of the lamp was done by dignitaries. The Chief Guest and guests were introduced and welcomed with a bouquet of flowers and a memento was presented to all. Participants were given warm welcome and workshop kits. Fr. Sumit Tahir (Director, Youth and Vocation Commission, Indore) inspired the youth to learn the concepts and praxis of Digital Media actively. Ms. Deepti Kamble emceed the inaugural session wonderfully.

Digital Media Workshop Coordinator, Mr. Sumit Dhanraj (Communication and Media Trainer) introduced the participants to digital and social media. He also took sessions on advantages and disadvantages of Digital Media, how to counter fake news on Social Media, article writing and blogging for digital platforms and ways to support young people in the Digital Age.

Ms. Priyanka Damor (News Presenter with Radio Veritas Asia) shared about the online channels for the Digital Media especially; Online Radio, Online TV and YouTube. She gave insight on drafting news items and tips on reading the news for online platforms.

Fr. Anthony Swamy SVD (Assistant Director, Satprakashan Sanchar Kendra) took interactive sessions on Social Media content creation wherein he taught participants to create content for the digital platform. He helped youth to practise designing cards, resume, newsletter and editing photos and videos through Apps like Canva, PickU, Picsart and KineMaster. The trip to Studio and Museum of Satprakashan Sanchar Kendra (A complete Media House) was made to gain knowledge, experience and have exposure to the world of gadgets and cameras.

The participants learnt about Photography and Videography from Mr. Akash Jangra (Video Editor and Filmmaker). He taught them short film making, camera shots, angles and movements with a smartphone. The youngsters eagerly learnt smartphone utilization, its features and apps from him.

Sr. Ganga Rawat SSpS (Freelance Journalist) taught about the writing skills, mobile journalism, report writing and did career guidance for the participants of Digital Media Workshop. The participants were given report writing and article writing exercises by her during the sessions. It gave young professionals confidence and a chance to improve their writing skills.

Fr. Sumit Tahir (Director, Youth and Vocation Commission, Indore) engaged youth in an interactive session on use and abuse of social media. They discussed elaborately on the various aspects pertaining to youth and social media. The reports of the group discussions were shared with the participants to broaden their horizon.

The students were divided into four groups for the group discussion and activities. Practical sessions and inputs gave them hands-on knowledge about the technicalities of using smartphone cameras, shooting, photography, videography and editing. These group activities elated the mood of the participants. These dynamics brought out their hidden talents and creativity during the short time of the workshop. The practical sessions were appreciated by the participants.

The concluding session marked the presence of SIGNIS M.P. & C.G. President, Dr. Fr. Babu Joseph Karakombil SVD (Director, Satprakashan Sanchar Kendra) and SIGNIS M.P. & C.G. Secretary, Rev. Fr. Joby Anand (Founder Director, Atmadarshan TV) for the felicitation ceremony. Dr. Fr. Babu Joseph Karakombil SVD emphasized on the need for youth leadership in the Church using digital media. He asked participants to take a stand for right issues and become the voice of the Church. Rev. Fr. Joby Anand asked participants to be creative in using social media and create their unique identity on the digital platform. He also motivated youth to have the charisma to proclaim the Good News digitally and voice out their speech against injustice done in the society on the social media platforms.

We would like to thank the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith for its financial support for the workshop. At the end of the workshop, digital youngsters were formed by SIGNIS India and Catholic Diocese of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. Dignitaries and resource persons were felicitated during the award ceremony by a memento. Simultaneously, the participants were given a certificate of participation. Lastly, the “Digital Media Workshop” ended with a high spirit of building collaborative and networking communities through the proper use of Digital and Social Media.