National Research Seminar and Book Launch on Friendship as Well-Being in the AI Era

On 1 July 2026, Don Bosco Vazhikaatti, in collaboration with Don Bosco Arts and Science College (Co-Ed), Chennai, and the INM Youth Ministry, successfully organized a National Research Seminar and Book Launch on the theme "Friendship as Well-Being in the AI Era: New Models of Youth Accompaniment." Held at the Bicentenary Hall, The Citadel, Chennai, the seminar brought together academicians, researchers, psychologists, educators, youth ministers, religious, and students from across India to explore the transformative role of authentic friendships in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

The seminar began with an inaugural session graced by distinguished guests, including Rev. Dr. Biju Michael SDB, General Councillor for South Asia; Rev. Dr. L. Don Bosco SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Chennai; Dr. Antoon Vandevelde from the University of Leuven, Belgium; Rev. Dr. John Parankimali, Secretary of SPCSA, New Delhi; and Rev. Fr. Patrick Lepcha SDB, SA Delegate for Youth Ministry. Their presence highlighted the significance of fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on youth well-being, ethical technology, and the enduring importance of human relationships.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the research findings by Rev. Dr. M. John Alexander SDB, who shared the outcomes of a nationwide study on friendship and well-being among young people in India. The research emphasized that meaningful friendships are not merely social connections but essential foundations for emotional resilience, mental health, identity formation, and holistic human development. The findings underscored that, despite the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and digital communication, authentic interpersonal relationships remain indispensable for the flourishing of young people.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Antoon Vandevelde, University of Leuven, Belgium, who offered profound philosophical and ethical insights into the changing nature of friendship in the digital age. Reflecting on the opportunities and challenges posed by AI, he emphasized the need to preserve empathy, trust, dialogue, and human dignity as central values in education and society.

The seminar featured three thematic panel sessions, each addressing friendship from diverse academic and pastoral perspectives. Panel Session I explored Thiruvalluvar on Friendship and Derrida on Political Friendship, demonstrating how classical wisdom and contemporary philosophy continue to illuminate the meaning of authentic relationships. Panel Session II focused on Biblical Perspectives on Friendship and Pope Francis' Vision of Social Friendship, highlighting friendship as a path toward fraternity, inclusion, and peace. Panel Session III examined Mental Health Literacy among College Professors and Integrated Psychological Interventions for Juvenile Delinquents, emphasizing the crucial role of supportive relationships in promoting psychological well-being and positive youth development.

The event reached another significant milestone with the launch of the book, Friendship as Well-Being in the AI Era: New Models of Youth Accompaniment. The publication presents empirical research, scholarly reflections, and practical recommendations for educators, parents, youth ministers, psychologists, policymakers, and social workers. It argues that while artificial intelligence is transforming the way people communicate and learn, it cannot replace the empathy, compassion, trust, and mutual presence that characterize genuine human friendships. Instead, AI should serve as a tool that strengthens, rather than diminishes, meaningful human connections.

The book was formally launched in the presence of eminent dignitaries, including Rev. Dr. J. Felix Raj SJ, Vice Chancellor of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata; Rev. Dr. Biju Michael SDB; Rev. Dr. L. Don Bosco SDB; Mr. N. Ram, Director of The Hindu Group of Publications; Dr. Antoon Vandevelde; Rev. Dr. John Alexander SDB, Vice Provincial and Secretary of Don Bosco Chennai; and Rev. Dr. K. A. Maria Arokia Raj SDB, Principal of Don Bosco Arts and Science College. Their participation reinforced the significance of collaborative research and dialogue in addressing the challenges faced by today's youth.

The seminar served as a vibrant platform for scholars and practitioners to exchange ideas, present innovative research, and engage in meaningful conversations on the ethical, psychological, educational, philosophical, and spiritual dimensions of friendship in the AI era. Participants reaffirmed that technological innovation should always remain human-centered and that educational institutions have a vital responsibility to cultivate communities where empathy, solidarity, collaboration, and authentic relationships flourish.

The National Research Seminar and Book Launch concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research and developing innovative models of youth accompaniment inspired by the educational vision of St. John Bosco. By bringing together academic excellence, empirical research, pastoral experience, and contemporary social concerns, the event marked a significant milestone in promoting friendship as a foundational pillar of well-being and human flourishing. It reaffirmed the shared mission of Don Bosco Vazhikaatti, Don Bosco Arts and Science College, and the INM Youth Ministry to accompany young people with hope, compassion, and wisdom as they navigate the opportunities and challenges of the rapidly evolving AI era.