India, the largest democracy in the world with nearly 1.2 billion population is the most visually literate – thanks to the over 900 three-hour long feature films made every year by the Indian film and entertainment industry. Theses films are exhibited in over 20000 theaters and multiplex drawing nearly 20 million viewers every week. 97% of the population is exposed to the idiot box that carries these films and film related products that have very high Television Rating Points. Most of them are the ‘escapist’ and ‘soft-porn fare’ that corrupts the body, mind and soul.

The film and entertainment industry in India also has a large diasporic audience in the West Indies, Caribbean, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, United States of America, Middle East, South and South East Asia and parts of Africa led by South Africa and Kenya, all of which have large Indian immigrant populations. The natives of these countries too are drawn specially to the films and television programs made in the city of Bombay, referred to as Bollywood.

The convergence of film, television and computers aided by the internet and mobile phones has a new breed of media leaders added to the old guard in the entertainment industry who wield tremendous power. Mushrooming acting academies, dance schools, script and screen play writing workshops and film institutes churn out actors and artistes who influence culture.

Celebrities, television programs and the music industry that influence culture. Media leaders and cultural influencers shape our society. They need our prayer for God’s guidance and wisdom to make decisions to uplift media to inspire people for lofty moral standards. As members of a pluralistic society that has strong religious traditions and beliefs, religion does play an important role in their lives. How else can they be drawn to a personal God who can save them to the uttermost? But their names are unknown to the praying Christians of India!

We request you to pray for these media leaders and cultural influencers.

PRAYER POINTS