Tirupattur: In a groundbreaking academic achievement, Fr. Nidhin George Kaitharan SDB of the Sacred Heart Province, Bangalore, has made history by successfully defending his Ph.D. thesis titled “Youth Nightlife and Wellbeing: An Empirical Study of Youth in South India” at Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur, on October 13. His research, hailed as one of the most comprehensive studies of its kind in India, surveyed over 2,400 young participants, offering deep insights into how contemporary nightlife and the digital revolution influence the emotional, social, and psychological wellbeing of young people.
Spanning three years of rigorous fieldwork and analysis, Fr. Nidhin’s study investigates the interplay between lifestyle trends, technology use, and mental health outcomes among urban and semi-urban youth. By mapping behavioural patterns related to late-night socializing, social media engagement, and digital entertainment, the research reveals the dual impact of modern youth culture its potential for connection and creativity, and its risks of isolation, anxiety, and sleep disruption.
Fr. Nidhin’s pioneering contribution has already received national recognition. He was honoured with the Best Research Award (2024) and has authored nine publications in internationally reputed journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. His work has been presented and applauded at leading academic institutions including Auxilium College, Katpadi, VIT University, and Andhra University, where scholars lauded his evidence-based approach and holistic understanding of youth issues.
More than an academician, Fr. Nidhin George Kaitharan embodies the Salesian mission of Don Bosco, integrating scholarship with service to young people. A certified mental health practitioner with a diploma from NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences), he has been actively involved in counselling, youth formation programmes, and wellbeing initiatives across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Speaking after his successful defense, Fr. Nidhin expressed that the study was born out of a deep pastoral concern for the youth. “Our young people are navigating a world of unprecedented connectivity and loneliness at the same time. Understanding their rhythms, choices, and struggles is vital to guiding them toward holistic wellbeing,” he said.
His findings underscore the importance of balance and digital literacy, encouraging educators, parents, and Church leaders to engage meaningfully with the realities of contemporary youth life. The research calls for creating supportive ecosystems that nurture both spiritual and psychological growth in the digital age.
With this milestone, Fr. Nidhin’s work not only advances youth studies in India but also charts a compassionate path forward for educators, counsellors, and faith-based organizations seeking to accompany young people in the complexities of modern living. His scholarship stands as a testament to the enduring Salesian commitment to empower youth to thrive body, mind, and spirit.