The National Seminar on “Youth, Religion and Spirituality: Exploring Identity, Belief and Belonging in a Digital Age”, jointly organised by the Department of Sociology, CHRIST (Deemed-to-be University), the National Biblical Catechetical and Liturgical Centre (NBCLC), and partner institutions, was held on the 15th and 16th of September 2025. The seminar brought together scholars, researchers, practitioners, and students to reflect critically on the intersections between youth, religion, spirituality, and digital transformation.

The inaugural session on the 15th of September began with a solemn welcome song and the traditional lighting of the lamp ceremony, graced by the Vice Chancellor and distinguished guests. Dr. Father John Baptist extended a warm welcome to the gathering, followed by the concept speech delivered by Dr. Suparna Kar Majumdar, Head of the Department of Sociology, who outlined the intellectual framework of the seminar and its significance in the contemporary context. The Vice Chancellor, Dr. Jose C.C., was formally introduced by the emcee and delivered his address, highlighting the importance of engaging with questions of youth identity and belonging in today’s digital landscape. This was followed by the release of the Book of Abstracts, an important contribution to the academic discourse of the seminar, with Dr. Jose C.C., the Principal of St. Joseph’s College, Dr. Suparna Kar, and other dignitaries officiating. The felicitation address was delivered by Dr. Nana Patrick, who underscored the collaborative spirit of the event. The inaugural session also included a vibrant cultural interlude with a Bharatanatyam recital, a Bihu dance performance from Assam, and a group song that highlighted the unity of diverse traditions. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Sudipta Garai, setting a tone of gratitude and collaboration.

The first plenary session, focusing on the sociology of religion and youth, was introduced by the emcee, Mr. Rohit, who invited the chair, Dr. Sudipta Garai. The lead paper, delivered by Dr. Father Eduardo Gabriel, set the tone for the discussions with insights drawn from the Book of the Little Prince and his research on the Payatas community, offering a profound reflection on how faith and marginality intersect in lived experiences. This was followed by critical reflections from Dr. Sudipta Garai, which deepened the sociological analysis of youth spirituality. A lively Q&A session enabled the audience to engage directly with the themes of faith, service, and identity.

The second segment of the day centred on the psychology of youth and spirituality, with Mr. Rohit once again welcoming the audience and setting the stage for the session. The lead discussion revolved around youth, spirituality, and mental health in the digital age- presented by Dr. Jayasankara Reddy, Dean, School of Social Sciences at CHRIST (Deemed to be University). The session highlighted both the positive engagements of youth with digital platforms as well as the challenges posed by information overload, social media pressures, and psychological distress. Importantly, spirituality was framed as a protective resource that can serve as an inner tool for resilience and meaning-making among young people. The presentation by Fr. Binoy Chekonthayil on “Sacred Duty and Eco-Anxiety” provided a compelling analysis of how religious beliefs shape youth perceptions of climate change, positioning faith as a potential catalyst for environmental responsibility. This was followed by an engaging Q&A and reflective remarks by Dr. Subanshu Sahu, who provided a broader academic context for the discussions. The day concluded with a formal vote of thanks by the emcee, a group photo session, and moments of informal academic exchange.

The second day of the seminar, on the 16th of September, opened with the third plenary session on youth, spiritual traditions, and migration. The lead paper, presented by Sanghamitra Saravanan and Gauri Priya C. Nair, examined digital religiosity and musical expression among migrant Christian youth from Northeast India. Their study illuminated how social media and digital spaces have become critical platforms for interfaith engagement, identity-making, and cultural expression in urban Bengaluru. This was followed by Mudit Aggarwal, Varnikha Shekar, and Anusha Kamtikar’s presentation on the spiritual well-being of Kuruba youth in Bengaluru, which explored the role of institutional support in negotiating migration experiences. Another significant contribution came from Gabriel Karthick K. and Joshua W., who addressed the perennial dilemma of “spirituality versus religion” among youth, situating it within the context of contemporary value shifts. Francis B. presented a case study on distress migration among Adivasi youth in Jigani, Bengaluru, highlighting structural vulnerabilities and displacement. The session concluded with a presentation by Rohitkrishna A. on Negotiating Faith and Friendship, which analysed the pluralistic religious and cultural landscape of Kerala, showcasing how young people navigate spiritual diversity and community belonging. The richness of the session lay in its blending of migration, tradition, and new spiritualities as key lenses through which youth experiences can be studied.

The final plenary session turned to the theme of youth, spirituality, and media. The lead paper, delivered by Fr. Joshua Gopini under the chairmanship of Om Prakash, provided the conceptual grounding by emphasising the dual role of media as both a space of innovation and a site of contestation for religious practices. The paper presentations further extended this conversation: A. Harshini and Melissa Remedios analysed the impact of spiritual influencers on youth through social media, raising questions about authenticity, authority, and digital mentorship; Sahana Ilayaperumal explored how contemporary trends are reshaping traditional religious practices; Dr. G. John Daniel examined online faith-based communities and their role in fostering identity, belief, and belonging among young people; and Rev. Dr. Vincent Sekhar SJ shared insights on youth attitudes toward religion through an exploratory study that tied individual experiences to broader philosophical traditions. The session provided a comprehensive overview of how digital platforms mediate spiritual practices and beliefs in a rapidly changing world.

The concluding session brought the two-day deliberations to a reflective close. Mr. Rohit, as the emcee, offered a reflective note that synthesised the themes of identity, belief, and belonging explored across the seminar. This was followed by an uplifting cultural segment, featuring a group performance by the Ryan Collective, a duet by MSOC students, a duet by Achyut and Vaibhavi, and a group presentation by Achyut, Suparnaa, Parishmita, Ayanika, and Nivedita, showcasing the creativity and collaborative spirit of the youth. The vote of thanks was delivered by Gayatri, acknowledging the tireless efforts of the organisers, collaborators, speakers, and participants. Dr. Father John Baptist concluded with a summary of his reflections on the seminar, appreciating the balance between academic rigour and cultural richness. A final photo session and a fellowship tea marked the formal end of the seminar.

Overall, the seminar succeeded in creating a vibrant interdisciplinary platform for understanding youth, religion, and spirituality in the digital age. The lead papers in each session set the intellectual tone, while the subsequent presentations added diverse perspectives and empirical insights. Through rigorous academic dialogue, cultural expressions, and collaborative exchange, the two-day event not only advanced scholarly discussions but also fostered a deeper appreciation of how young people today are reshaping the contours of faith, identity, and community.