Department of Mass Communication of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised a group discussion event Xavtalk 2026 on January 22, 2026 at the university campus. The theme was “Youth in the Digital Age: Media, Influence, and Dependence.”

The programme commenced with the lighting of lamp by Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK; Fr. Dr. Xavier Jeyaraj, S.J., Registrar; Dr. Susmita Halder, Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Studies; Dr. Harish Kumar, Head of Department of Mass Communication and others.

While inaugurating the event, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj said, “Young people today are growing up in a world that has been influenced by digital media. Instant access to information, social media, and online platforms have a significant impact on young people's identity formation, communication, and thought processes.”

Father Felix Raj further said, “Despite challenges, digital media has many benefits, including connecting young people worldwide, fostering learning, creativity, and self-expression, and offering venues for idea sharing and awareness-raising.”

A total of ten students, two each from departments of Economics, English, Mass Communication, Psychology and Social Work of the Faculty of Arts and Social Studies of SXUK participated as finalists in the event. These individuals were previously chosen in the initial rounds conducted at each department. The event was judged by senior faculty members of the university.

Arik Mallick, a postgraduate student of fourth semester of Social Work department bagged the first prize while Aratrika Chakraborty of postgraduate second semester of Economics department and Nayanika Routh of fourth semester of postgraduate section of Psychology department received the second and third prizes respectively.

The event aimed to enable students of the university to participate in the group discussion and share their own opinions and equally learn to analyze, question, agree, or disagree with others’ views respectfully.

Students and faculty members of the Faculty of Arts and Social Studies attended the event. The vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Deepakshee Ghosh, Student Convenor of the event.

Dr. Somak Sen
Faculty Convenor