The National Secretariat office organized “Writers’ seminar for young people” from 19th September to 22nd September 2017 at The Salvation Army, Conference Centre, Surrenden, Coonoor, under the leadership of Lieut. Colonel Daniel Raju Dasari, the National Secretary. A total of seventeen delegates participated from 6 territories of India which included officers and soldiers. The aim of this seminar was to encourage the youth to contribute their writings in forms of articles, poetry, reports, songs, social messages and Biblical sermons to their vernacular army magazines as well as the all India English War Cry.
The four-day seminar was inaugurated through a ceremonial lamp-lighting by the chief guest Colonel Edwin Masih and Colonel Sumitha Masih, Territorial Commander and TPWM of India South-Eastern Territory. Felicitating with flowers, the convener of the seminar Major Jashiben Khristi (Editor of War Cry), asked the delegates to introduce themselves with one striking blessing that God had bestowed in their lives. Thereafter an enlightening keynote address was delivered by Colonel Edwin Masih. The evening fellowship was observed with the sharing of 'traditional marriage ceremonies' from each of delegate's state.
On 19th September, Anniversary of The Salvation Army in India was celebrated. Colonel Edwin Masih, Territorial Commander, ISET hoisted The Salvation Army flag and shared the Word of God.
The first session was conducted by Colonel Edwin Masih on 'The Salvation Army Periodicals', which focused on 'writing for difference'. He further emphasized on the purpose of 'Written Records' referring from John 20:31. Colonel was passionate on the topic -'Mobilize to write' and explained the significance of The Salvation Army's ethics while writing for its periodicals.
Mrs. Seline Augustine, currently serving in Ravi Zachariah's ministry and a retired editor of 'The Hindu' daily was invited as a resource person for the seminar. Her first session was “Introduction to Writing”. She introduced her lecture by highlighting the term 'Joy of Writing' and stressed on how reading brings the essence of quality writing! “Observation is a key equipment to understand the writing skills”, she added. Mrs. Seline also stated that in Feature writing, the writers should be able to present their basic opinion on a certain event or place without intentionally hurting any individual's or a group's sentiments. A series of two activities were conducted to channelize the thought process of delegates into writing. The first activity was a hypothesis of a self-experience and second activity being an Interview. She also stated that writers should be open to criticism and take it as a positive learning. While concluding her final lecture, she expressed a fanatical phrase…
Mrs. Seline Augustine, currently serving in Ravi Zachariah's ministry and a retired editor of 'The Hindu' daily was invited as a resource person for the seminar. Her first session was “Introduction to Writing”. She introduced her lecture by highlighting the term 'Joy of Writing' and stressed on how reading brings the essence of quality writing! “Observation is a key equipment to understand the writing skills”, she added. Mrs. Seline also stated that in Feature writing, the writers should be able to present their basic opinion on a certain event or place without intentionally hurting any individual's or a group's sentiments. A series of two activities were conducted to channelize the thought process of delegates into writing. The first activity was a hypothesis of a self-experience and second activity being an Interview. She also stated that writers should be open to criticism and take it as a positive learning. While concluding her final lecture, she expressed a fanatical phrase…
“To read is to empower, to empower is to equip;
To equip is to write, to write is to influence;
To influence is to change, to change is to live;
So read to live and live for Christ!”
To equip is to write, to write is to influence;
To influence is to change, to change is to live;
So read to live and live for Christ!”
Rev. Caesar David a notable member of the NCCI (National Council of Churches in India) was also a resource person for the seminar. His initial lecture on “Prophetic writing” focused its characteristics on 'Agents of truth', 'Champion of Justice', 'Communication rights', 'Visionary writing' and 'Building bridges'. The next lecture on “Writing through Social Media” explained the Barriers in Writing and Communication by displaying an insightful video. The 3-minute clip exposed the fake propagandas done by political parties through Sold Media and Paid News.
“News throughout the Internet could be a hoax many times, hence believing them and forwarding any news without confirming through a reputed daily or a National news channel could be a potential threat to the nation's peace and its people,” he added. As a Christian writer, he mentioned that, we need to oppose the false and support the truth by placing counter narrative writings in a coherent and coercive manner. Besides while writing a report, the authenticity of the content and consistency in the matter must be taken into consideration.
On 21st October 2017, the delegates went for a refreshing trip to Ooty hill station, visiting 'The Doddabetta peak' well known as the highest peak of Southern India!
Lieut. Cololonel Daniel Dasari, National Secretary, directed the next session on “Effective Writing” which emphasized on writing skills on various target groups and choosing of a title/caption. He also spoke about the importance of “writing for Children and Youth” which also was his final topic.
The next session was conducted by Major Jashiben Kristi, Editor of The War Cry on “Writing for Contemporary Issues”, which described the vast social evil practices in India. In addition, she promoted the need of social awareness through writing for any social issues with the help of “Effectiveness of Print media” which was also the last session of the seminar.
The next session was conducted by Major Jashiben Kristi, Editor of The War Cry on “Writing for Contemporary Issues”, which described the vast social evil practices in India. In addition, she promoted the need of social awareness through writing for any social issues with the help of “Effectiveness of Print media” which was also the last session of the seminar.
On the last day, the delegates shared their experiences and testimonials, and were awarded appreciation certificates. The Seminar concluded with the spiritual meeting led by Lieut. Colonel Daniel Raju Dasari, National Secretary and thus accomplished the journey of a four-day seminar.
Reported by: Anugraha Ashok Dusing (Soldier), Byculla Central Corps, Mumbai Division, India Western Territory
