"The Media should resist Monopoly and Manipulation", CBCI Communications Secretary Tells Journalists

BANGALORE, MAY 10, 2008, 10.50 Hrs (SAR News):

"The mainstream Indian Media has contributed greatly to uphold democratic and secular values and done much to safeguarded the Rights of Minorities and the Marginalised. The Indian Media has also tried to liberate our society from the dark forces of communalism, casteism, corruption and crime" Bishop Elect of Bellary and Executive Secretary of CBCI commission for social communication Father Henry D'souza told participants at the inauguration of the at the Union Internationale de la Presse (UCIP) international Refresher Program in Bangalore May 7, at St. Johns College Auditorium.

Fr D'Ssouza urged Catholic communicators to put media at the service of dialogue between people of different cultutres, customs and religions, ushering in peace and harmony.

Fr D'Souza also emphasised on the need of promoting Biblical world -view which offers equal diginity and respect to human life at all stages of growth.

He added "Today the Media at times tends to interpret life in a limited and distorted way", " The communicators should also fight against monopoly and manipulation so as to give more scope for alternate Media where people can express their views". He congratulated the Indian Catholic Press Association for its contribution to the Media apostolate of the church.

Secretary Joseph Chittlipilly welcoming the delegates for the refresher course told the gathering why such a refresher course is organised"Journalists are the people who take information to society.During the First world war journalists came together to take news to people. That is how UCIP came to existence. UCIP was started in the year 1927 and was officially recognised by Holy See".

Fr. Henry D'souza was honoured by the UCIP with a citation in recognition for his commitment and dedication to the media apostolate in the Church.