ILLUMINAIRE NURTURING DIGITAL STEWARDSHIP

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Resource persons

Resource Persons

Speakers

Dr Paolo Ruffini

Dr. Paolo Ruffini, is the Prefect for the Dicastery for Communication. He has the distinguished career in journalism and media.
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Dr Nataša Govekar

Dr. Natasa Govekar is a Slovenian theologian who currently serves as the Director of the Theological-Pastoral Department within the Dicastery for Communication at the Vatican.
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Fr Gildásio Santos SDB

Fr. Gildasio Mendes Santos, a Salesian priest, is currently serving as the General Councillor for Social Communication of the Salesian Congregation.
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Shri Derek O'Brien

Derek O’Brien, an influential Indian politician, has served as a member of the Rajya Sabha since 2011, representing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and acting as its chief national spokesperson.
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Sr Joeyanna D'Souza FSP

Sr. Joeyanna D’Souza is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul (Pauline Sisters) in Bandra. She has a strong background in digital sales, marketing, media education, and online evangelization.
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Fr Cedric Prakash sj

Fr. Cedric Prakash is a distinguished Jesuit priest and human rights activist based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. He holds a B.A. (Hons.) in Economics and Political Science from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai.
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Dr Elizabeth Jasmine

Dr. Elizabeth Jasmine is the Principal and Professor of Psychology at the Indian Institute of Psychology & Research (IIPR) in Bangalore, affiliated with Bengaluru City University.
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Fr. Raj Kumar SDB

Anton Mervyn Rajkumar sdb, currently the Director and Secretary of Don Bosco College, Chennai is a Media Psychologist and Communication professor living in India.
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Workshop Facilitators

Mr Adrian Stevens

Adrian Stevens is a seasoned marketing and branding professional with over 20 years of experience specializing in retail, events, and brand activation.
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Poorva Jain

Poorva Jain, CEO and founder of John 10:10 Tech Pvt. Ltd. and Ephesians 3:20 Works Pvt. Ltd. (Wisdom Works), is a seasoned software developer, digital evangelist, and media professional.
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Mr. Livin Vargheese

Livin Varghese is the Head of People & Strategy at Teqfocus, a role he has excelled in since April 2021, leveraging his extensive experience in IT consulting to empower organizations.
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Mr. Wilfred Fernandes

Wilfred Fernandes is the Founder & Director of Young Creative Services, a leading brand strategy and marketing firm in Mumbai.
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Mr. Sarthak Sikdar

Mr. Sarthak Sikdar

Sarthak Sikdar is a seasoned digital strategist and entrepreneur with over 10 years of industry experience.
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Fr. Renold Pascal SSP

Fr. Renold Pascal, a dedicated Pauline priest for the past 12 years, has devoted his life to spreading God’s love through media.
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Dr. Praveen Joe

Dr. Praveen Joe

Dr. Praveen Joe I R is an Associate Professor specializing in Data Mining, Optimization Techniques, and Machine Learning at VIT Chennai.
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Dr. David Raj

Dr. David Raj Micheal is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at VIT Chennai, specializing in Linear Algebra, Graph Theory, Data Science, and Image Processing.
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Dr. Paolo Ruffini

Prefect - Dicastery for Communication

Dr. Paolo Ruffini, is the Prefect for the Dicastery for Communication. He has the distinguished career in journalism and media. Born on October 4, 1956, in Palermo, Sicily, he earned a degree in Jurisprudence from La Sapienza University of Rome. Since beginning his journalism career in 1979, Ruffini has worked for various respected media outlets, including Il Mattino and Il Messaggero, and has held significant roles in radio and television, notably as Director of TV2000, the Italian Bishops’ Conference television station.
Ruffini is known for his advocacy of communications ethics and the engagement of Christians in the media landscape. He has participated in numerous conferences on these subjects and has received multiple awards, highlighting his contributions to journalism. His appointment as the Prefect of a Vatican dicastery, comes at a crucial time as the Church seeks to navigate modern media challenges, making his extensive experience particularly relevant.

Dr. Natasa Govekar

Director – Theological Pastoral Department, Dicastery for Communication, Vatican

Dr. Natasa Govekar is a Slovenian theologian who currently serves as the Director of the Theological-Pastoral Department within the Dicastery for Communication at the Vatican. Appointed by Pope Francis in February 2016, Govekar specializes in the communication of faith through images. She holds a doctorate in missiology from the Pontifical Gregorian University and is affiliated with Rome’s Centro Aletti, a research center that focuses on Eastern Christian spirituality and art.
Dr. Natasa Govekar is one of the few women in a leadership role within Vatican communications, emphasizing Pope Francis’ commitment to inclusivity and the promotion of women in the Church’s leadership. In her role, Govekar is responsible for overseeing the theological-pastoral aspect of Vatican communications. This includes working on the Vatican website, Vatican Television Center, Vatican Radio, and other communication platforms.

Fr. Gildasio Santos SDB

Fr. Gildasio Mendes Santos, a Salesian priest, is currently serving as the General Councillor for Social Communication of the Salesian Congregation. Appointed in 2014, he is dedicated to advancing the Salesian mission through communication and digital innovation. With a background in social communication and education, Fr. Gildasio has worked tirelessly to guide the Salesian Family in adapting to the rapidly changing digital landscape.
His leadership focuses on fostering a culture of communication within the Salesian world, promoting both pastoral and educational aspects of communication, especially in the digital domain. He emphasizes the importance of human relationships, the formation of Salesians and lay collaborators in communication, and the development of communication structures across regions. Fr. Gildasio’s commitment to the digital transformation includes guiding the congregation through the complexities of new technologies, such as social media and AI, ensuring that these tools serve the mission of evangelization and education.
Under his leadership, the Salesian Communications sector has also pioneered initiatives like the School of Social Communication and the creation of resources to strengthen institutional communication and collaboration. His work encourages Salesians to use communication as a means of fostering unity, sharing the Salesian charism, and connecting with young people globally.

Derek O'Brien

MP – Kolkota

Derek O’Brien, an influential Indian politician, has served as a member of the Rajya Sabha since 2011, representing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and acting as its chief national spokesperson. His tenure is marked by his role as chairman of the committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture, where he advocates for various significant issues, including women’s rights and youth empowerment.
O’Brien is also a renowned quizmaster and author, having published several books, including “The Great Indian Quiz Book,” “The Big Book of Indian Quotes,” and “Tales from the Raj.” He is an alumnus of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, where he earned a degree in Political Science. His contributions extend beyond politics; he has represented India at global forums such as the United Nations and has spoken at prestigious institutions, including Harvard and Columbia University. O’Brien’s unique blend of quiz mastery and political acumen has made him a compelling figure in contemporary Indian politics

Sr Joeyanna D'Souza FSP

Sr. Joeyanna D’Souza is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul (Pauline Sisters) in Bandra. She has a strong background in digital sales, marketing, media education, and online evangelization. Sr. Joeyanna holds degrees in Physics, Computer Systems Management, and a Licentiate in Theology, with a specialization in internet pornography addiction from a Catholic perspective. As Provincial Councillor for Communications Apostolate for the Daughters of St. Paul in India, she manages digital sales for Pauline Publications and leads initiatives like the Pauline Virtual Book and Media Centre. Sr. Joeyanna is highly regarded for her expertise in addressing social media addiction, pornography de-addiction, and the ethical implications of AI.
She conducts workshops across India for religious leaders and educators. With over 8 years of experience, she has contributed to books and research papers on topics such as synodality and media literacy. In 2021, she was named one of Mumbai’s top ten women achievers by the Dimensions Association, underscoring her dedication to witnessing Jesus in the digital age.

Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ

Fr. Cedric Prakash is a distinguished Jesuit priest and human rights activist based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. He holds a B.A. (Hons.) in Economics and Political Science from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. As the founder of Prashant, a Jesuit Centre for Human Rights, Justice, and Peace, Fr. Prakash has dedicated his life to advocating for social justice, communal harmony, and environmental issues. His leadership in relief efforts during the 2001 Gujarat earthquake and participation in significant international conferences, such as the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, underscore his commitment to humanitarian causes.
His impactful work has garnered numerous prestigious awards, including the Man of the Year Award (1972), Kabir Puraskar Award (1995), Anubhai Chimanlal Nagarika Puraskar (1996), Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award (2003), Fr. Parmananda Divarkar Award (2004), National Minorities Rights Award (2006), Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur (2006), Mother Teresa International Award (2013), and Fr. Louis Careno Award (2021). Fluent in four languages, he continues to inspire as a visiting faculty member in colleges and universities across India and abroad, encouraging the next generation to engage in the pursuit of justice and sustainability.

Dr. Elizabeth Jasmine

Dr. Elizabeth Jasmine is the Principal and Professor of Psychology at the Indian Institute of Psychology & Research (IIPR) in Bangalore, affiliated with Bengaluru City University. With over 23 years of expertise in teaching, research, training, and counseling, Dr. Jasmine has made significant contributions to psychology. Her research, published in reputable sources like the Artha Journal of Social Sciences, spans social and emotional health, career readiness, and sustainable HR practices.
Dr. Jasmine completed her Ph.D. at the University of Mysore and is recognized for academic excellence, securing First Rank in her M.A. from Mangalore University and receiving the prestigious Dr. Virendra Hegde Pattabhisheka Award and a National Merit Scholarship. As a dedicated mentor, she has guided over 200 master’s students and is actively involved in curriculum development and academic councils. Additionally, she is a sought-after speaker at workshops, media channels, and professional forums. Her expertise in research methodology, particularly SPSS, further highlights her commitment to advancing the field of psychology and shaping future practitioners and scholars in India.

Fr. Raj Kumar SDB

Anton Mervyn Rajkumar sdb, currently the Director and Secretary of Don Bosco College, Chennai is a Media Psychologist and Communication professor living in India. He is a community-builder, lecturer, writer, filmmaker and a creative entrepreneur. He is the founder of Media Clinique and O2, a student run advertising agency. His works are popular throughout the English-speaking world and have seven books for his name. Prior to this present position, he taught Communication and interactive design and worked six years in the US and Canada.
Rajkumar, as he is popularly known, is in demand and well known as a speaker and programmer. Keeping an active speaking schedule, his workshops have inspired many especially the Parents of young people. He is currently working on his publication on Digital Parenting and Digital detoxing. Along with his academic knowledge in communication and positive psychology he has become a popular speaker in the areas of Digital wellbeing and Media addiction. As the Director of Don Bosco Media Centre he has produced several edutainment films and videos and have released them in the mainstream media.

Mr. Adrian Stevens

Adrian Stevens is a seasoned marketing and branding professional with over 20 years of experience specializing in retail, events, and brand activation. His expertise spans marketing communications across retail formats, where he has successfully led brand repositioning, strategic planning, and innovative business modeling for leading firms. Notably, Adrian established a retail consulting division at Ramms India Pvt. Ltd. and spearheaded the brand repositioning of Wings Sales Promotions Pvt. Ltd., where his efforts boosted sales from 150 million to 250 million INR. In his role as National Conference Brand Manager at NHRD Society for Human Resources, Adrian crafted and executed a digital and marketing strategy that generated 50 million INR in revenue.
He also led sales and marketing for i-Nurture, where his strategic insights resulted in 100 million INR in revenue and second-round funding. Adrian’s early career includes impactful contributions to renowned brands like Hindustan Unilever, Compaq, HP, and Maruti Suzuki, highlighting his deep industry knowledge and commitment to growth and innovation. His educational background includes a BSc from Bangalore University and a PGDMM in Marketing from St. Joseph’s College of Business.

Poorva Jain

Poorva Jain, CEO and founder of John 10:10 Tech Pvt. Ltd. and Ephesians 3:20 Works Pvt. Ltd. (Wisdom Works), is a seasoned software developer, digital evangelist, and media professional. With expertise in MERN stack web development, mobile app creation, and digital marketing, she has conceptualized AI web applications like wisdomScribe.ai and churchScribe.ai, serving digital marketers, ministries, and educators. Poorva’s background includes leading the Media9 School of Journalism and managing the newsroom for NEWS9, Bangalore’s top-rated English news channel. She holds a Bachelor’s in Mass Media and Mass Communication from Delhi University and has developed multiple websites and digital marketing projects. A devout Christian, Poorva is actively involved in media ministries, collaborating with Youcat India, CCBI, Passionists, and Redemptorists for their online evangelization efforts. Her accomplishments have earned her several prestigious awards, including Young Professional of the Year by the National Broadcasters’ Association, Excellence in Media by Round Table India, and Best Channel Promo by ENBA. Fluent in English, Hindi, Sanskrit, Biblical Greek and Hebrew, Poorva seamlessly integrates technology and faith in her mission to spread the gospel.

Mr. Livin Vargheese

Livin Varghese is the Head of People & Strategy at Teqfocus, a role he has excelled in since April 2021, leveraging his extensive experience in IT consulting to empower organizations. With an MBA in Marketing from Christ University, Bengaluru, and a deep passion for growth, he focuses on building strong, cohesive teams that drive organizational success. Livin’s career spans over a decade, including roles in event curation, senior management at ACT Fibernet, and leading teams in customer engagement and service delivery.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Livin is an active alumni member of Christ University and a dedicated Jesus Youth missionary, nurturing youth and young families. He is driven by a purpose to share God’s love, a journey that began at 16 and continues to shape his life and work. Livin’s leadership skills, expertise in people management, and his commitment to creating positive change make him an influential force in both his professional and personal endeavors.

Mr. Wilfred Fernandes

Wilfred Fernandes is the Founder & Director of Young Creative Services, a leading brand strategy and marketing firm in Mumbai. With over 14 years of experience in the creative, media, and real estate industries, Wilfred has built a reputation for driving innovation and cutting through marketing clutter. He has branded 112+ real estate projects, helping developers achieve higher sales at faster rates through targeted marketing strategies. His expertise in understanding client needs and delivering results has earned him a strong track record in the industry.
Before founding Young, Wilfred spent 14 years at Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. (Times Group), where he pioneered several media innovations. He is also the co-owner of Vanilla Stays, a luxury homestay in Goa, and a partner at Cyber Legacies, a nutrition platform. Wilfred is passionate about using his experience to help clients grow their businesses and brands, positioning them as industry leaders. His unique approach to branding and marketing continues to set Young Creative Services apart.

Mr. Sarthak Sikdar

Sarthak Sikdar is a seasoned digital strategist and entrepreneur with over 10 years of industry experience. He is a partner at Youngistan Creatives, where he leads digital strategy and business growth for clients. Sarthak is also the founder of EventAtScale, a Dubai-focused agency that provides cost-effective branding and tech solutions for event companies, and BuildAtScale, an IT solutions firm catering to global healthcare, fintech, and e-commerce sectors.
Earlier in his career, Sarthak played a crucial role in digital marketing and B2B revenue generation at Contrado Imaging, a UK-based multimillion-dollar company. With a strong entrepreneurial drive, he has personally consulted over 100 brands, focusing on scaling businesses and optimizing their digital presence. Sarthak’s expertise spans across digital marketing, sales consulting, and branding, helping businesses grow efficiently.
His journey also includes founding Gryffin Media, where he successfully scaled a team and served startups and SMEs in the medical and e-commerce sectors. Sarthak is committed to helping businesses thrive by delivering innovative and scalable digital solutions.

Fr. Renold Pascal SSP

Fr. Renold Pascal, a dedicated Pauline priest for the past 12 years, has devoted his life to spreading God’s love through media. With an MBA in Media & Entertainment from Whistling Woods International and a Bachelor’s in Media from Christ University, Bengaluru, he brings extensive expertise to his mission. Currently, he serves as Vice-Principal and Assistant Director at St. Paul’s Institute of Communication Education in Mumbai, where he actively nurtures the next generation of communicators.
Fr. Renold’s pioneering initiatives include founding the first-ever Studio Chapel during the pandemic, where daily online Eucharistic Adoration draws around 4,000 participants. In addition, he is working to establish an international filmmaking institute in Mumbai and is designing an Advanced Diploma Program in AI & Media for Maharashtra’s vocational education system. Fr. Renold’s pastoral journey includes serving as the Media Secretary for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) with Bishop Theodore, the CBCI Secretary General. Known for his people-friendly approach, Fr. Renold combines pastoral care with a passion for media to reach and inspire countless lives.

Dr. Praveen Joe

Dr. Praveen Joe I R is an Associate Professor specializing in Data Mining, Optimization Techniques, and Machine Learning at VIT Chennai. With a Ph.D. from the Madras Institute of Technology, Anna University, his expertise spans advanced computer science fields. His teaching career is complemented by an impressive research portfolio, with an H-index of 6 and an i10 index of 5, reflecting impactful contributions in scholarly publications. Dr. Praveen’s work extends into consultancy, with notable projects like GameUP for Integrity-IT Technologies and other ventures in full-stack development and training programs.
A recognized innovator, Dr. Praveen holds an Australian Innovation Patent for “Profile-Based Digitization of Medical Records in Cloud” and has published patents on autonomous air purifiers and safety-triggering devices. He has authored several books, including Fundamentals of Python Programming and Object Oriented Software Engineering. His numerous awards include the MEN ENGINEER Award by IET and the Covid Warrior Award by Y’s Men International. Dr. Praveen’s passion for mentoring young talent and advancing collaborative research marks him as a leader in his field.

Dr. David Raj

Dr. David Raj Micheal is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at VIT Chennai, specializing in Linear Algebra, Graph Theory, Data Science, and Image Processing. Holding a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, his research primarily focuses on Linear Algebra and Generalized Inverses. Dr. Micheal is passionate about applying advanced technologies and programming tools, like Python, LaTeX, and SageMath, to enhance mathematical education. He actively engages with over 250 students yearly, bringing concepts to life through courses on Linear Algebra, Discrete Mathematics, and online teaching tools via his popular YouTube channel.
A recipient of the UGC NET-JRF award in 2015, Dr. Micheal has published numerous research papers, including works like “Outer Inverses: Characterization and Applications” in Linear Algebra and its Applications. He has presented at various national and international conferences, including his talk on “Bordering Method to Compute Core-EP Inverse” in 2018. He also frequently serves as a resource person, organizing workshops on scientific document preparation using LaTeX and introducing SageMath for mathematical modeling. His dedication to teaching and research continues to inspire both his students and the academic community.