Dabra: The Communication Commission of the Council of Bishops of Madhya Pradesh (CBMP), in collaboration with SIGNIS MP & CG, hosted a two-day regional assembly at the Infant Jesus Shrine in Dabra, bringing together nearly 80 participants from across Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The assembly centred on promoting ethical, responsible, and hope-driven communication in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The event was inaugurated by Bishop Joseph Thykkattil of Gwalior, accompanied by prominent Catholic media leaders including Fr. Biju Alappat (CBCI), Fr. Anthony Swamy SVD, Mr. Sumit Dhanraj (SIGNIS India), keynote speaker Fr. Walter D’Souza, and resource person Fr. Dominic Veigas SVD. The programme was coordinated by the Communication Office of the Gwalior Diocese.
A special moment of the gathering was the honouring of two veteran media professionals. Mr. Abel Extros of the Gwalior Diocese and Mr. Alwaris of the Indore Diocese received Lifetime Achievement Awards, celebrating forty years of dedicated service in media and communication.
In his opening address, Bishop Thykkattil lauded the contributions of Catholic media workers and urged them to act as “agents of hope and love”, particularly in times marked by misinformation and societal tension. He encouraged communicators to infuse their work with compassion, mercy, and hope, ensuring their words and messages build bridges rather than barriers.
Focusing on the theme of the 59th World Communications Day “Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts”, Fr. Walter D’Souza reminded participants that communication should prioritize people over words. He cautioned against the destructive use of language and underscored the importance of messaging that uplifts, transforms, and inspires.
Fr. Dominic Veigas SVD led a practical session on cybersecurity and digital safety, providing guidance on preventing cyber fraud, staying vigilant against online threats, and understanding legal frameworks when working with minors.
Fr. Biju Alappat highlighted the challenges posed by the rapid spread of misinformation, calling on media personnel to maintain empathy, integrity, and balance in digital storytelling. Later, Fr. Cyril Victor (CCBI) joined online to explore the impact of digital platforms and algorithms on user behaviour and information access.
The assembly also offered hands-on digital training. Fr. Anthony Swamy SVD introduced participants to AI-powered tools such as Canva, ChatGPT, Suno, and ElevenLabs, while Mr. Amit of Gwalior Dhwani demonstrated creative applications including ScripAI and Ideogram. Mr. Sumit Dhanraj encouraged greater youth involvement in SIGNIS India’s media initiatives.
The assembly concluded with a collective affirmation to foster communication that is truthful, compassionate, and hope-filled, reaffirming Catholic communicators’ shared commitment to ethical practices and the positive transformation of society.