Madha TV and SIGNIS Tamil Nadu Conduct AI Workshop for Youth in Thanjavur

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, April 8, 2025 – Madha TV, a leading Tamil Catholic media channel, in collaboration with SIGNIS Tamil Nadu, conducted a two-day Artificial Intelligence (AI) training workshop from April 5 to 6 at the T.M.S.S.S. Building, St. Mary’s Corner, Thanjavur. The event brought together 30 young participants from the dioceses of Thanjavur, Trichy, and Kumbakonam to explore how AI can be ethically and practically applied in media and social service.

The first day of the workshop commenced with an inaugural address by Fr. Alexander, Secretary of the Kalaikadal Communication Centre. Mr. Rabi Bernard, veteran journalist and former Member of Parliament, then led a session on “Responsible and Responsive Youth”, encouraging participants to embrace ethical practices in digital communication. Rev. Dr. David, CEO of Madha TV, addressed the significance of youth engagement in the digital age, while Fr. Jackson Louis, Secretary of Kalaiaruvi Communication Centre, provided an introduction to artificial intelligence.

Participants gained first-hand experience with AI tools through a session led by Fr. Jenith Sekar, followed by a practical session on video production using AI. These activities allowed the youth to translate theoretical understanding into practical skills.

On the second day, the workshop commenced with Holy Mass, after which Dr. Vimal Jerold, Assistant Professor at St. Joseph’s College, Trichy, conducted hands-on sessions in multimedia content creation using AI tools. These practical exercises enhanced the digital skills of the young participants and deepened their understanding of AI’s role in modern storytelling. Fr. Leo Johnson, Secretary of Kaviri Communication Centre, spoke on the ethical implications of AI in contemporary media landscapes.

The workshop concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, presided over by Bishop Most Rev. Dr. T. Sagayaraj Thamburaj of the Diocese of Tanjore, who lauded the participants for their enthusiasm and commitment.

By organising this workshop, Madha TV and SIGNIS Tamil Nadu reaffirmed their dedication to empowering the next generation with the digital skills necessary to uphold human dignity and promote social justice in the evolving media ecosystem.

By Abhishek Raja