Media Awareness Seminar Equips St. Joseph Sevika Sanstha Sisters in Rourkela

Odisha, February 23, 2026 — In response to the expanding influence of digital media and concerns over its misuse, a one-day media awareness seminar was organised for members of the St. Joseph Sevika Sanstha (SJS) on February 21 at Nuagon in Rourkela. The programme aimed to strengthen responsible media engagement among religious women serving in socio-pastoral and educational ministries.

Twenty-one sisters, most of whom work at the grassroots level, participated in the seminar. The sessions were led by Sr. Tessy SSpS, Secretary of the Indian Catholic Press Association, who addressed both the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging communication technologies. She emphasised the need for ethical digital engagement while highlighting patterns of media misuse affecting communities.

Founded in Indore in 1965, the St. Joseph Sevika Sanstha is an indigenous congregation dedicated to the upliftment of the poor, particularly among Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities. The congregation operates across several Indian states through educational, socio-pastoral, and community empowerment initiatives.

Participants described the seminar as timely and relevant to their mission contexts. Sr. Jacinta Tete, Regional Leader of SJS, observed that such initiatives help sisters remain vigilant and informed amid increasing instances of media misuse among rural youth.

Discussions also highlighted the paradox faced by sisters serving in remote regions, where limited digital connectivity coexists with a growing cultural influence of online media. Sr. Mariam, attending a mass media session for the first time, described the experience as “a real eye-opener.”

A practical journalism component encouraged participants to document grassroots initiatives that often remain unreported. Sr. Prabha noted that the training would help her guide rural youth who are increasingly drawn to short-form digital content at the expense of long-term goals.

The seminar also prompted reflection on personal media habits, acknowledging that excessive digital use is gradually affecting even religious communities. Organisers said the programme marked a significant step in promoting responsible media engagement within the congregation’s pastoral and social outreach.

By Sr. Rasmita Tete SJS