Guwahati, February 27, 2026: The BOSCOM South Asia General Body Meeting 2026 concluded at Siloam, near Umiam Lake (Barapani) in Meghalaya, with a renewed commitment to foster communion-centred communication and to build safe, hope-filled digital environments for young people.
The three-day assembly (February 25–27) brought together representatives from Salesian Provinces across South Asia. The meeting opened with the Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Fidel Maria Orendain, SDB, General Councillor for Social Communication, who also delivered the presidential address.
Reflecting on the Gospel’s “sign of Jonah,” Fr. Orendain stated that in the Salesian context the authentic sign is not virality but integrity—coherence between proclamation and life. Emphasising the pastoral dimension of communication, he noted that the measure of mission is not how many follow, but whether young people feel genuinely accompanied.
Fr. John Zosiama, SDB, Provincial of the Shillong Province, welcomed delegates and highlighted the region’s cultural diversity and youthful vitality. Fr. Ashley Miranda, SDB, Provincial-in-charge of Social Communication, and Fr. Ernest Rosario, SDB, South Asia Communication Delegate, guided the thematic sessions and business deliberations.
Centred on the theme, “Media as Mission: Building Safe and Hope-Filled Digital Spaces for the Young in the Spirit of Don Bosco,” discussions examined challenges posed by artificial intelligence, algorithm-driven influence, misinformation, and online vulnerability. Fr. Kampan Chinnam, Director of NESCOM, cautioned that digital platforms often shape young minds before faith formation reaches them, urging responsible and value-driven engagement.
In an online message, Fr. Biju Michael, SDB, Regional Councillor for South Asia, encouraged communicators to engage emerging technologies with discernment, ensuring that pastoral outreach remains rooted in prayer and lived faith.
Delegates ratified a regional manifesto and finalised action lines for 2026–2029. It was also resolved that the BOSCOM General Body Meeting will henceforth be held once every three years to strengthen continuity and implementation.
The assembly expressed appreciation to the Shillong Province for hosting the first-ever BOSCOM General Body Meeting in Northeast India. Special recognition was given to Fr. Michael Makri, SDB, in charge of Don Bosco Media Network, for meticulously organising the event and ensuring its smooth coordination. Participants acknowledged his leadership and the hospitality of the Salesian community at Siloam.
Founded in 1993, BOSCOM (Bosco Communication) coordinates social communication initiatives of the Salesians of Don Bosco in South Asia, promoting formation and collaboration across print, broadcast, and digital media, with particular concern for young people, especially the poor and vulnerable.