Fr. Martin Sadiq Appointed NISCORT Director

GUWAHATI, September 18, 2026: Fr. Martin Sadiq, a priest of the Diocese of Jalandhar with more than two decades of experience in Catholic media, has been appointed Director of the National Institute of Social Communications, Research and Training (NISCORT), the media and communication institute of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI).

The appointment was announced by CBCI President Cardinal Anthony Poola on September 17 during the CBCI Standing Committee meeting in Bengaluru. Fr Sadiq is expected to formally assume charge after October 15.

The CBCI also announced the appointment of Fr. Nysson Luka as Director of the National Biblical, Catechetical and Liturgical Centre (NBCLC) and Fr. Robinson Rodrigues as CBCI Public Relations Officer.

Fr. Sadiq, ordained a priest in 1998, has served in priestly ministry for 28 years and has more than 24 years of experience in Catholic media. His areas of work have included journalism, broadcasting, filmmaking, photography and digital communication.

He served as Chief Executive Officer of Prarthana Bhawan Broadcasting Pvt. Ltd. from 2019 to May 2025 and as Director and Executive Secretary of Sat Sewa Sanchar, the Diocese of Jalandhar’s Commission for Mass Media and Communication, from 2016 to 2026. He also served as Chief Editor of the diocesan weekly Sada Zamana.

Fr. Sadiq holds a PhD in Social Sciences/Communication from the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), Rome; a Licentiate in Institutional Social Communication from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome; and a Master’s degree in Corporate Social Responsibility from LUMSA University, Rome.

He has also served in pastoral ministry in Germany and in priestly formation at seminaries in Jalandhar and Amritsar.

Experience in Catholic communication

Fr. Sadiq has been associated with SIGNIS, the international Catholic association for communication. He has served as Vice-President of the SIGNIS North India Region since 2022 and as Regional Media Secretary from 2023 to 2026.

In April 2026, he organised the SIGNIS India National Assembly in Jalandhar. His academic and professional interests have also included the protection of children and young people in the digital environment.

His appointment brings a priest from the Diocese of Jalandhar to the leadership of a national Catholic media and communication institution, reflecting the participation of locally rooted clergy in wider responsibilities within the Church in India.

Focus on practical and digital media formation

Fr. Sadiq takes over NISCORT with proposals for strengthening practical media education, digital evangelisation, Artificial Intelligence and professional formation.

His proposed three-year strategic implementation plan for 2027–2030 includes a Student Production House focusing on short films, documentaries, digital journalism, podcasts, live broadcasting, photography and digital content.

The proposals also include an AI and Media Innovation Lab, a NISCORT Creators Network, stronger partnerships with the media industry, internships and professional masterclasses.

For priests, religious and diocesan communication personnel, the proposed programmes include training in public relations, crisis communication, media relations, digital evangelisation, social media, content production and media ethics.

The new leadership comes at a time when Catholic communication ministries are increasingly addressing the opportunities and challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence and digital media.

Fr. Sadiq’s appointment is expected to bring his experience in journalism, broadcasting and digital communication to NISCORT’s efforts to strengthen professional media formation and communication for the Church in India.

Courtesy: NESCOM

Photo Courtesy : NESCOM