BOSCOM Sonada Meet: AI's Influence on Salesian Mission

Published Date : 19/08/2025 

Salesian College Autonomous, Sonada, hosted the annual BOSCOM Executive Meet from August 19 to 21, focusing on the role of artificial intelligence in education, communication, and pastoral ministry. 

Salesian College Autonomous, Sonada, opened its doors on August 19 to the Social Communication delegates from twelve Salesian provinces of South Asia for the annual BOSCOM Executive Meet, running through August 21. Themed “Artificial Intelligence in the Salesian Mission,” the three-day gathering sets the stage for reflection, dialogue, and strategic planning on the role of AI in education, communication, and pastoral ministry.

BOSCOM—Bosco Communications—is the official Salesian Social Communications network for the South Asia region. Established in 1993, it was the first regional communications body of the Salesians of Don Bosco worldwide. Its mission spans coordinating and strengthening communication initiatives across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh, with a focus on media formation, youth engagement in responsible social media use, and the creative deployment of digital platforms in service of the Salesian mission.

The meeting began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration in the college chapel, presided over by Kolkata Provincial Fr. Dr. Joseph Pauria. In his homily, Fr. Pauria encouraged participants to discern the ethical and pastoral dimensions of emerging technologies while remaining rooted in the Salesian spirit of creativity and service.

At the inaugural function, the Rector of Salesian College Siliguri Fr. Johny Nedungattu welcomed the delegates, while Principal Fr. Dr. Babu Joseph expressed gratitude for hosting the pan-regional gathering. “It is a privilege to host this convergence of communicators,” he said, “especially as we engage with the challenges and possibilities that artificial intelligence presents to our mission.”

General Councillor for Social Communication, Fr. Fidel Maria Orendain, joined virtually to stress the importance of building authentic relationships through communication. “Social communication must develop relationships not only through theoretical teaching or gadget management, but through prioritization of authentic witnessing,” he told participants.

Delegates representing provinces across North, Northeast, South, and Western India bring with them the diversity of the Salesian presence in South Asia. Over the next two days, discussions will center on media formation, youth accompaniment, and integrating AI responsibly into Salesian education and pastoral outreach. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is BOSCOM?

A: BOSCOM, or Bosco Communications, is the official Salesian Social Communications network for the South Asia region. It was established in 1993 and focuses on coordinating and strengthening communication initiatives across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

Q: What is the theme of the 2023 BOSCOM Executive Meet?

A: The theme of the 2023 BOSCOM Executive Meet is 'Artificial Intelligence in the Salesian Mission,' focusing on the role of AI in education, communication, and pastoral ministry.

Q: Who presided over the Eucharistic celebration at the opening of the meet?

A: The Eucharistic celebration at the opening of the meet was presided over by Fr. Dr. Joseph Pauria, the Kolkata Provincial.

Q: What is the mission of BOSCOM?

A: The mission of BOSCOM is to coordinate and strengthen communication initiatives across the South Asia region, with a focus on media formation, youth engagement in responsible social media use, and the creative deployment of digital platforms in service of the Salesian mission.

Q: Who is General Councillor for Social Communication and what did he emphasize?

A: Fr. Fidel Maria Orendain is the General Councillor for Social Communication. He emphasized the importance of building authentic relationships through communication and the need to prioritize authentic witnessing. 

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