Welcoming the guests at the inaugural function, Bro Angelo Pullokaren SSP, the Director of Subodha Nilayam Communications, said it is the mission of the Society of St Paul to train and equip people for the right use of the media as envisaged by the founder Blessed James Alberione. Sr Mercy, Principal of St Therese’s College for Women, spoke of the need to cultivate the qualities of accuracy, fairness and truthfulness for quality writing. Fr Moses, the Parish Priest of Amalodbhavi Parish, Ashoknagar, presiding over the function, said this workshop was only a beginning for the participants as they need to discover and improve their talent in writing. Mr D. Abraham, Director of APSSS, and Sr Phili, Headmistress, Amalodbhavi St Mary’s H.S., were also present for the inaugural function. Fr Joseph Parayil SSP of Subodha Nilayam, in his vote of thanks said these students and teachers were indeed doubly blessed to have this opportunity which many others could not have.
Fr Joe Eruppakkatt, SSP, the Course Director from ST PAULS, Mumbai, enumerated the scope and purpose of the programme. He said the mission of the Society of St Paul was both preaching the message of Christ through the media of communications as well as to train people in the right use of their talents and media technology. Hence this workshop was intended to unlock the potential as writers/journalists, and to help the participants use their talent in writing for social causes: for being voices for the voiceless, for empowering the weaker sections, and for joining the fight against the evils of the society.
The resource persons included Fr Joe Eruppakkatt SSP from ST PAULS, Mumbai, Fr S. Pilavendran from Nallayan Pathippagam, Chenni, Mr G. Nagaraja, Special Correspondent to the Hindu Newspaper, Mr Ali Hussain, a freelance reporter, Dr D. Rajani, Dr Salma Raffique and Dr D. Brahmeshwari from St Therese’s College for Women, Eluru and Mr D. Abraham, the Director of APSSS, Eluru. The workshop included short lessons on various forms and techniques of writing as well as practicing the art of writing, rewriting, editing, and critically evaluating the media programmes and products, etc.
The Workshop was planned and organized by Fr Joseph Parayil and Bro. Angelo Pullokaren of Subodha Nilayam Communications, Eluru. They, along with the assistance of Mr Jivan, saw to every detail for the smooth conduct of the programmes as well as to the comfort and safety of the participants.
At the end of the workshop, the students and teachers alike felt it was a God-given opportunity for them to be part of the programme. M. Sumalini, a student of Amalodbhavi English Medium High School Said, “We are very thankful for giving us such good opportunity”. Another participant, Jenny Varsha from St Therese’s High School wanted the sessions to be extended from two days to one week, as she was already ignited with the interest in writing. Yet another student, P.N.R. Priya said she felt proud of herself after attending the workshop. One teacher, Mrs Sheshakumari, felt now her responsibility to the society has doubled as shetakes up the mission of writing for the people. Yet another teacher, Mrs Premalata, summed it up all: “Before 30th January 2013 our potential as writers was ‘locked’ within ourselves. But now it is ‘unlocked’ with the help of this workshop and we are ready to practice and develop our new-found talent.”
