Religious Sisters Trained in Digital Media and AI for Mission in Pune

PUNE, October 6, 2026: Twenty-nine religious sisters from 21 congregations gathered at Ishvani Kendra, Pune, for a five-day workshop on digital media and Artificial Intelligence, exploring how emerging technologies can strengthen their mission and outreach.

The workshop, titled “Create, Capture & Innovate,” was organised by St. Xavier’s Social Service Society in collaboration with the Amrat Talitha Kum India Network. All the participants are members of the network. The programme was held from September 29 to October 3.

The training combined practical instruction with discussions on the growing role of digital communication in mission. Resource persons Fr Edvin Vaz, SVD, Fr Anil Paul, SVD, and Fr Nicholas, SVD, guided the participants through hands-on sessions, enabling even those with limited experience in digital tools to gain confidence in using them.

The programme covered smartphone photography and visual storytelling, graphic design using Canva, short-film production with smartphones, video editing through Filmora, and the creation of AI-generated animations and videos using Canva. Practical exercises allowed the participants to apply each skill during the workshop.

Beyond technical training, the workshop encouraged the sisters to consider digital media as a means of reaching wider audiences, raising awareness, sharing stories and bringing social concerns into public discourse.

The gathering also provided an opportunity for participants from different congregations and ministries to exchange experiences and explore ways in which digital communication could support their diverse apostolates. Peer learning and sharing formed an integral part of the programme.

At the conclusion of the workshop, the participants expressed their intention to apply their newly acquired skills in anti-trafficking campaigns, social work documentation, awareness programmes, parish activities, formation, advocacy and social media outreach.

The programme also challenged the participants to explore creative ways of communicating hope, awakening social awareness and amplifying the voices of people who are often unheard.

Returning to their respective communities, the sisters said they were better equipped and more confident to “create, capture and innovate” in the service of their mission.

The participants expressed gratitude to Sr Jyoti BS, Founder-President; Sr Meera RGS, National President, and her team; as well as Fr Mathew and the community at Ishvani Kendra for their hospitality and support.

By Sr. Bensy, FMM

Delhi Coordinator

Amrat Talitha Kum Network