Rev. Fr Fidel Maria Orendain, SDB, the General Councillor for Social Communication, paid an official visit to the India North Guwahati (ING) Province on Saturday 28 February 2026, marking a significant occasion for the Salesian community in the region.
Fr. Orendain was warmly received at the Provincial House by Rev. Fr Sebastian Kuricheal, Provincial, and members of the provincial team. The visit provided an opportunity for the General Councillor to interact with Salesians and engage with young people.
Upon his arrival at the Provincial House, Fr Orendain addressed participants in the Salesian Pedagogy Workshop held on the premises. He expressed that his experience at BOSCOM was wonderful, noting that the level of social communication in India is unique.
The core of his message focused on the changing landscape of technology and communication. He noted that while digital technology has always been a topic, it is now accelerating at an unprecedented pace, with artificial intelligence being a top priority for the Rector Major. He advised that technical skills might become obsolete and that developing soft skills and a strong character is more important for their future careers.
Fr Orendain passionately urged the Salesians to never forget their core identity, which is their greatest gift to the Church. He pointed out that the Salesian way is immediately recognizable, even to the Pope, and is defined by a unique pedagogy and spirit. He posed a critical question about the future of the oratory in the digital age: can the core Salesian principle of physical, face-to-face, and consistent accompaniment be replicated online? He cautioned that the digital world, while a continent to be explored, is not the real world, and young people must ultimately be brought back to authentic, real-life relationships with their families.
He concluded by reinforcing the timeless relevance of Don Bosco’s approach, noting that modern psychology has validated his holistic model of church, home, school, and playground. His final message was a call to action: to engage with the modern world not by adopting every new theory, but by remaining rooted in their Salesian identity. He summarized his Indian experience by saying he felt the Salesian spirit alive and vibrant everywhere he went.
Earlier in the day, Fr. Orendain was welcomed at Jorabat and then escorted to the Tapesia campus of Assam Don Bosco University, where he was received by Fr. Jose Palely, Vice Chancellor, and Fr. Zachary Varickasseril, Registrar.
He addressed students in the Department of Mass Communication, delivering a thought-provoking talk on the relationship between technology and the human person. Drawing on a compelling analogy, he described technology as an extension of human capacity — the microphone as an extension of the voice, and the bicycle as an extension of the ability to walk. At the same time, he cautioned students that overuse of technology risks the amputation of our natural human capacities, urging them to remain grounded in their innate abilities even as they embrace digital tools.
Fr Orendain also spoke about the three criteria most sought by employers: Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude. He challenged the students to invest seriously in developing all three dimensions as they prepare for professional life in the communications field.
Following the university visit, Fr Orendain proceeded to Don Bosco Institute, Guwahati, where he met with the Salesian community. After lunch, he went to the Provincial House for the afternoon engagements.
The visit of the General Councillor is expected to provide fresh impetus to the province’s ongoing efforts in social communication, formation, and the Salesian mission.
News Courtesy: Fr Joy Kachappilly SDB
