SIGNIS India’s SINA-2025 Inaugurated in Hyderabad with Grand Celebrations

Hyderabad, February 18, 2025: The SIGNIS India National Assembly (SINA-2025) was inaugurated today at the Montfort Social Institute, Hyderabad, under the theme "Human Communication in the Digital World for a Culture of Peace." The event brought together distinguished Church leaders, media professionals, and communication experts to discuss the role of digital communication in fostering a culture of peace.  

The assembly began with an Inaugural Mass celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Anthony Poola, setting a spiritual tone for the proceedings. This was followed by an inaugural program featuring a prayer dance and a welcome address by Most Rev. Dr. Jaya Rao Polimera, Chairman of Amruthavani and Divyavani Social Communications.  

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Stevenson, former Dean of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Osmania University, Hyderabad. His address provided insightful perspectives on the evolving landscape of digital communication and its implications for faith-based media.  

A major highlight of the event was the SIGNIS India Lifetime Achievement Awards, which recognised outstanding contributions to media and communication within the Church. The award recipients were:  

1. Fr. S. Joseph – Agra Region  

2. Mr. M.D. Vincent – Andhra-Telangana Region  

3. Ms. Chandona Rosario – Bengal Region  

4. Mr. Frank Krishner – Bihar Region  

5. Mr. Nirmal Raj – Karnataka Region  

6. Fr. Raphael Kootumghal Antony – Kerala Region  

7. Fr. Joby Anand – MP & Chhattisgarh Region  

8. Mr. Anand Prakash Lal – Northern Region  

9. Fr. Joseph Manickathan – North-East Region 

10. Fr. Saji Joseph Karatangal – Odisha Region  

11. Dr. Magimai Prakasam – Tamil Nadu Region 

12. Fr. Ashok Vaghela SJ – Western Region  

Another key moment of the event was the SIGNIS BELLS Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions in media production. Fr. David Arockiam, Secretary of SIGNIS India, announced the winners, congratulating all participants and encouraging greater involvement in the future. The winners of SIGNIS BELLS 2025 were:  

- First Place: SB008 – Trichy Kaviri Communications  

- Second Place: SB013—Mary Did You Know  

- Third Place: SB001 – Kovai Jeeva Jothi  

The event also featured the SIGNIS India Awards and the SIGNIS Bells Prize Distribution, celebrating exemplary works in faith-based media. The day's proceedings concluded with a Jubilee Dance, marking a moment of joy and unity among the attendees.  

SINA-2025 continues to serve as a significant platform for fostering meaningful dialogue and innovation in digital communication, reinforcing the Church’s commitment to ethical and responsible media practices.

By Fr. Ritchie Vincent