National Pro-Life Summit brings 400 Loyola College students together to discuss human dignity

Chennai, July 22, 2026: Around 400 students participated in the National Pro-Life Summit 2026 at Loyola College on July 21, where speakers called on young people to recognise the dignity of every human person and promote the protection of human life from conception to natural death.

Held at De Nobili Hall under the theme “Protecting the Sanctity and Dignity of Human Life,” the summit was jointly organised by the Loyola College Pro-Life Club, Madras Social Service Society (MSSS) and the Pro-Life India Foundation. Vox Ecclesiae, the Archdiocesan Commission for Social Communications, was the media partner.

Br Milagres of Human Life International, Goa, opened the summit by sharing experiences from his years of pro-life ministry. He urged students to recognise the dignity of every human person and respond to threats against life with compassion and commitment.

Fr Victor Ramesh, Executive Director of MSSS, spoke about the organisation’s work among poor and marginalised communities. He stressed that the protection of human life must be accompanied by compassion, justice and service to those in need.

He also invited students to participate in the 5th National March for Life, scheduled for August 9 at 2 p.m. at Stella Maris College, Chennai, and encouraged them to become active advocates for human dignity and the sanctity of life.

Dr Sujata addressed the bioethics of abortion, combining medical perspectives with ethical reflection. She explained the development of the foetus and presented scientific arguments concerning the humanity of the unborn, inviting students to reflect on the ethical responsibility involved in protecting human life.

Fr Louis Arogyaraj, Principal of Loyola College, told the students that academic excellence and professional success should be accompanied by respect for human dignity and a commitment to compassionate service.

The afternoon session featured Mrs Vasantha Peter, Project Coordinator of Crisis Pregnancy Helpline India, who spoke about her experience counselling women facing crisis pregnancies. Through real-life cases, she explained how counselling, emotional support and practical assistance can help women facing difficult circumstances make informed choices.

Her interactive session prompted students to raise questions about the beginning of human life, crisis pregnancies and ethical decision-making.

In his closing address, Sebastian Aashish, Founder of the Pro-Life India Foundation, urged students to become ambassadors for life by promoting respect for every human person and speaking on behalf of those unable to speak for themselves.

The participants subsequently took a pledge expressing their commitment to uphold and defend the sanctity of human life.

The summit brought together students, medical professionals, educators, social workers and clergy for discussions on human dignity and the protection of life. With around 200 students attending each session, the programme reached nearly 400 young people and sought to inspire them to become compassionate leaders committed to building a culture that respects and values every human person.

By Catholic Connect Reporter