India: Regional Communication Assembly Highlights Commitment to Ethical, Hope-Filled Communication

The Communication Commission of the Council of Bishops of Madhya Pradesh (CBMP), Central India, and SIGNIS MP&CG convened a two-day regional assembly at the Infant Jesus Shrine in Dabra on November 15.

Hosted by the Diocese of Gwalior, the event brought together around 80 participants from across Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, marking a significant moment of reflection, training, and recognition in the field of social communication.

The assembly opened with a warm welcome ceremony, graced by Bishop Joseph Thykkattil of Gwalior, who served as the chief guest. Among the distinguished dignitaries were Fr. Biju Alappat, Secretary for Social Communication of the CBCI; Fr. Anthony Swamy SVD, Regional Secretary for the Communication Commission of CBMP and SIGNIS; Mr. Sumit Dhanraj, Vice President of SIGNIS India; keynote speaker Fr. Walter D’Souza; and resource person Fr. Dominic Veigas SVD. The programme was coordinated by Fr. Sanu Alankal, Communication Director of the Gwalior Diocese.

A notable highlight of the assembly was the felicitation ceremony recognizing individuals who have dedicated their lives to advancing media and communication. Mr. Abel Extros from the Diocese of Gwalior and Mr. Alwaris from the Diocese of Indore were awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards for completing 40 years of distinguished service in the field.

In his address, Bishop Joseph Thykkattil lauded the work of media personnel across the region and urged them to remain compassionate, merciful, and hope-oriented in their communication efforts. He emphasized that communicators must be “agents of hope and love” in a world often fragmented by misunderstanding and misinformation.

Keynote speaker Fr. Walter D’Souza drew inspiration from the 59th World Communications Day message, “Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts.”

He highlighted that communication should always prioritize people over words, stressing the ethical responsibility to avoid weaponizing language. His talk called for a renewed commitment to thoughtful, humane, and transformative communication practices.

The second session, led by Fr. Dominic Veigas SVD, delved into the crucial topics of cybersecurity, cyber frauds, and cyber laws. He educated participants on how to safeguard themselves from hacking attempts and underscored the legal sensitivities involved in photographing or filming minors. His session served as a timely reminder of digital responsibility in an increasingly connected world.

Representing the CBCI, Fr. Biju Alappat addressed the contemporary challenge of misinformation. He explained why and how misinformation spreads and emphasized the role of media professionals in countering falsehoods. He appealed for empathy, emotional balance, and integrity when telling stories on digital platforms.

After lunch, Fr. Cyril Victor, Secretary for the Communication Commission of the CCBI, joined online to speak about the subtle ways digital platforms shape user behaviour. He cautioned that search engines and AI systems often predetermine what individuals read or view, calling for critical awareness in digital consumption.

Regional Secretary Fr. Anthony Swamy SVD conducted a practical session introducing participants to modern AI tools, including Canva, ChatGPT, Suno, and ElevenLabs. His workshop covered professional design techniques and allowed participants hands-on practice to strengthen their digital skills.

Adding to the technological dimension, Mr. Amit, a young contributor to Gwalior Dhwani, introduced participants to emerging platforms like ScripAI and Ideogram, offering insights into the evolving landscape of creative AI. Mr. Sumit Dhanraj further shared the vision of SIGNIS India and encouraged increased youth involvement in the organization’s mission.

The two-day assembly concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Sr. Pushpanjali SSpS, acknowledging the contributions of organizers, resource persons, and participants.

The assembly was a call to commit to being communicators who spread hope, truth, and compassion on every platform they touch. Together, let all build a media culture that uplifts, inspires, and serves humanity with love.

The CBMP Communication Commission and SIGNIS MP&CG Regional Assembly 2025 served as a powerful reminder of the transformative role communication plays in society. Through meaningful discussions, hands-on training, and inspiring messages, the assembly reinforced the collective commitment to ethical, compassionate, and hope-filled communication. It also stood out as a meaningful convergence of faith, technology, ethics, and media, reaffirming the shared mission to foster truthful, compassionate, and hope-driven communication across the region.