The communication Sunday programme was jointly organized by SIGNIS West Bengal, Commission for social communication Archdiocese of Kolkata and Regional Communication commission West Bengal Bishops council. The venue was the Archbishops house, Kolkata. The theme treated was: Children and the Media, A challenge for Education (with a concern to BPO – Business Process Outreach – Call Centres). The seminar commenced at 4 p.m and went on up to 7 pm. Rev. Fr. Robin Gomes was the main coordinator of the programme.
The programme began with a short prayer. Fr. Robin speaking on the media said that media gives good news to the world. We are the preachers of the good news. The church promotes and proclaims the good news. So we shouldn’t be bothered about the bad news the media offers. Then he went on exposing the development of the media through the centuries. Since 1966 communication day has developed a lot and this is the 41st communications day. The present year’s theme challenges us on the following points:
n Children are exposed to media without guidance,
n Media is not yet in our syllabus system,
n Training and awareness is gravely lacking and media is not at fault,
n The media are gifts of God
n Media promotes too much entertainment, violence, and anti-social behaviour which a child imitates.
The reality is that the teachers and the church leaders don’t give sufficient guidance. Then he cited some refreshing news of the new initiatives of the archdiocese on the various commissions specially on the media. There are 10 commissions which will cover up the whole area of our life. He questioned us asked us if we could effectively influence the world by giving the good news hopeful ends and real loving relationships. Those who walk through the challenges of the media shall be victorious.
Rev. Fr. P.C. Joseph director of Citra Bani spoke on, “How much we are able to face the challenges of the media”. He spoke on awareness, understanding and lack of interest.
The following themes were discussed:
­ How parents, teachers and students can be partners in media Education,
­ Where we as church should move into?
­ How faith formation, social communication and inter religious dialogue are inter connected?
­ The faring of the print medium “Herald” in the archdiocese
­ BPO – call centers – personal experience
Mr. Rahul, Mini Joseph, Fr. Sunil Rosario, Ruth Joseph, Sr. Usha of Brahma Kumaris Sunil Lucas and Priya Gomes enlightened us on how the mass media can be used in the schools.
The above topics were very interesting and gave us upto date information.
There were over 100 participants and all participated actively. The audience – participation – section added colour to the programme. Everyone participated in it responsibly and they gave their valuable contribution by giving the practical opinions for the training of the children to use the media. Many suggested to have a systematic study programme in our schools. The Archbishop concluded his message saying that the communication, communicator and the audience become one and we are commissioned by Jesus to communicate his message to all. Christ is the communicator.
The presence of the Brahma Kumaris added colour to the programme.
We as Daughters of St. Paul shared our experience, explained how our productions respond to the apt needs of the people with relevant themes. We shared it with a power point programme.

Srs. Priya & Jenet