A seven-day Media & Communication Workshop titled “Media for Mission: Critical and Creative Use of Media” was organized by the Jesuit Conference of South Asia in collaboration with the Karnataka Jesuit Province at St. Joseph’s University on 01-07 May 2026. The workshop brought together 11 Jesuit scholastics from seven provinces to explore the evolving role of media in promoting faith, justice, dialogue, and ethical communication in today’s digital world.

The program was envisioned by Fr. Vernard SJ, JCSA Communications Coordinator and coordinated by Fr. Pradeep Antony SJ and Fr. Arul Antony SJ of Karnataka Province. Through sessions on journalism, photography, filmmaking, sound design, script writing, social media engagement, and artificial intelligence, participants gained practical skills and a deeper understanding of responsible communication.

The workshop began with media literacy and journalism sessions led by Dr. Parinitha Shinde, emphasizing truth, critical thinking, and ethical reporting. Visual storytelling and photography sessions by Mr. Jenil George encouraged participants to observe reality with empathy and creativity. An exposure visits to Bannerghatta National Park allowed scholastics to practice wildlife and nature photography.

Further sessions on audio-visual editing, sound design, and filmmaking were conducted by Mr. Shabin and Ms. Shubha Das, while Dr. Marudhu Pandian introduced participants to script writing techniques using examples from popular films. Social media engagement and mobile filmmaking sessions by Mr. Suhas Srinivas highlighted the growing importance of digital communication and creative online engagement.

A major highlight of the workshop was the session on Artificial Intelligence, which explored the ethical and effective use of AI in education, communication, and digital ministry. Participants appreciated how the workshop equipped them not only with technical abilities but also with a renewed vision of media as a meaningful apostolic mission.

The workshop concluded with a strong call for greater media literacy and digital engagement among Jesuit scholastics. Participants recognized that in the modern world, media is not merely a tool but a powerful ministry that shapes narratives, culture, and social consciousness.

Reported by Sch. Romero Rezin SJ (DEL)