Workshop on 'Narrative in the Digital Age'

Hosted by Madha TV and SIGNIS Tamil Nadu!

A two-day workshop on “Storytelling in the Digital Age” was held on 16-17 February 2024 at Sathangai Academy, Madurai organized by Madha TV in collaboration with SIGNIS Tamil Nadu.
'We have designed this program primarily for the youth to actively participate on social media as a voice of the Church defending our faith and sharing the messages of peace,' said Fr David Arockiam, CEO of Madha TV and Secretary of SIGNIS India during his address.
“Nowadays, social networks, although they convey good messages, contain a large amount of unwanted information and useless messages as well. Some religious fundamentalists misuse this platform to achieve their agenda. It is time for us to respond to these challenges correctly and ethically through our
messages of peace and harmony,” added Fr. David Arockiam.

This workshop is one of the five workshops planned for the five zones of Tamil Nadu State. The first two workshops were held in Chennai and Salem and attracted 80 young people from six dioceses of Tamil Nadu.

'Content creation and curation, Digital storytelling platforms and tools, Proactive online media, engagement and cyber activism' were the four main areas around which the sessions were developed. planned for the workshop.
'Audiovisual content creation, podcasting, graphic design, video editing software, critical cyber engagement, positive online presence and response to cyber threats, allowing audience to participate and initiate action offline' were topics discussed in detail during the workshop.
Participants wrote scripts and produced group programs, which were carefully screened and evaluated by all members.
The workshop specialists include Mr. Rabbi Bernard, a well-known journalist personality, Fr. Martin, the Secretary of the Youth Commission of the Episcopal Conference, Mr.
Alex, a social media expert, Fr. Jackson, Fr. Arulanandam, Fr. Michael, Mr. Leo Paul, Dr. Magi and Fr. Jenith Sekar.
“The two-day program enlightened and motivated us all to immerse ourselves in social media. with messages of peace and social justice,” said one participant.
“In this workshop we learned how to manage social networks effectively,” said another participant.
“We now know how to respond to negative campaigns that affect our community spirit and human dignity. We have to make noise, otherwise we can disappear' said another participant.

During the certification ceremony, Fr David Arockam said: "There will be an advanced level training for those chosen from these groups. They would be our formators to train others. I
I am happy that the army of young social media warriors is developing well to meet the requirements. challenges posed by antisocial elements. It is time for us to prepare to respond to the challenges firmly.'
He also thanked Fr Arulanandam, Fr Michael, Mr Peter, Dr Magi and especially Fr Jenith Sekar for coordinating this workshop with great success. – Dr. Magi
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