SYNC Movement Graduates 18 Youth Leaders to Promote Ethical Digital Engagement

MADURAI, July 10, 2026: Eighteen young people were commissioned as ethical digital communicators during the second annual graduation ceremony of the SYNC (Synergising Youth Network for Change) movement, held on July 6 at the Pillar Centre in Madurai.

The ceremony took place during the general body meeting of the Tamil Nadu Bishops' Council (TNBC) and was attended by bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful. Organisers said the programme aims to form young Catholics who can promote truth, justice and social responsibility through digital media under the movement's motto, "Let hope be us, let's build a new world."

The graduates completed a year-long formation programme designed to prepare them for responsible engagement in the digital media landscape. The ceremony began with SYNC President Clement Arputharaj administering the movement's oath, during which the graduates pledged to uphold truth and integrity in the digital sphere. Secretary Melba introduced the graduating members.

Archbishop George Antonysamy, President of the Tamil Nadu Bishops' Council, Bishop Lawrence Pius, Vice President of the Council, and Fr. David Arockiam, Chief Executive Officer of Madha TV, presented the graduates with SYNC stoles, certificates, identity cards and the movement's insignia.

Launched in 2024, SYNC seeks to identify and train young people aged 18 to 35 as socially conscious digital communicators, online journalists and responsible visual media creators. The initiative draws inspiration from Christus Vivit and the Vatican's 2023 pastoral reflection, Towards Full Presence, on the responsible use of social media.

The movement is jointly organised by the Social Media Commission of the Tamil Nadu Bishops' Council, Madha TV and SIGNIS Tamil Nadu.

During its inaugural year, SYNC trained 250 participants from 18 dioceses across Tamil Nadu, with 22 members completing advanced formation and graduating during the TNBC general body meeting in Poondi.

The year-long formation programme integrates media literacy, social analysis, digital technologies, political thought, biblical studies, folk arts, theatre for social transformation and environmental stewardship, equipping participants to become responsible communicators in both Church and society.

Organisers said the movement continues to expand its outreach. Recruitment and formation for the 2026–27 third batch have already been completed across five regions of Tamil Nadu, attracting more than 250 participants.

The graduation concluded with a group photograph of the newly commissioned members alongside the bishops and programme coordinators, including Fr. Arulanandam, President of SIGNIS Tamil Nadu, Fr. David Arockiam, Fr. Zenith, Technical Manager of Madha TV, SYNC Coordinator Peter and Deputy Coordinator Reshma.

Organisers expressed the hope that the newly formed communicators would become "leaven" in the digital world by promoting love, justice and truth through their online presence and media engagement.

By Catholic Connect Reporter