Social Media Workshop for Young People!

A two-day workshop on 'Storytelling in the Digital Age' for 45 youth was held on 12-13 April 2024 at Kaviri Communications Centre, Trichirappalli, Tamil Nadu, organized by Madha Television. The goal of the program was to form a committed and socially responsible group of young media warriors in the digital age.

Participants were exposed to the art of content creation, the art of storytelling, the short film production process, cyberactivism, and pastoral reflections on engaging with social media during the program.

The two days witnessed fruitful discussions, production of short videos on social issues and group activities that generated excellent content for social media.

“When you use the Internet constructively for building communities and raising awareness among people about social issues, you are engaging in cyber activism,” said Rev. Dr. Innocent, who spoke on cyber activism. "We need to use social media to fight for human rights, mobilize people and be responsible citizens," he added.

Decoding the Vatican document ' Towards Full Presence: A Pastoral Reflection on Engagement with Social Media', Rev. Dr. Jenith Sekar, Technical Director of Madha TV and also Program Coordinator, stimulated young minds through her deep reflections. Citing the document, he said: "Social media can be seen as another 'road to Jericho'. Social media is not a tool but a space. We need to foster a sense of community, be attentive to the values, experiences, hopes, joys and shared sadness in the digital space.”

'Today we have a great opportunity to express our inherent sense of brotherhood, to be good Samaritans who bear the pain of other people's problems rather than stirring up further hatred and bitterness. We have to decide if we are good Samaritans or indifferent spectators,' he added.

The four general areas Dr. Jenith addressed were: "The dangers of the digital highway, how to be a caring neighbor, how to spread the Good News on the Internet, and the Jesus Way in the Internet Age."

The short films produced by the participants were screened in the presence of Most Rev. Dr. Arockiaraj, Bishop of Tiruchirapalli, who praised the youth for their creativity and presented them with certificates.

Upon hearing their plan of action, both short and long term, he said: 'I am deeply moved by your concern for the Church and its mission. Whenever you promote human values, you are sharing Jesus with others.

The resource team included Fr David Arockiyam, the CEO of Madha TV, Mr Rabi Bernard, Ms Anu, Fr. Jackson Louis, P. Arulanand, Mr. Savari, Mr. Leo Paul, p. Alejandro, P. Deepan, Mr. Peter and Dr. Magi. The Director of the Kaviri Communication Center, Fr. Deepan, the local host, created the necessary environment for deep learning and made the experience memorable for everyone.

Dr Magimai