(ANS – Silchar) – An Indian Salesian priest pursuing a Master’s in Mass Communication at the University of the Philippines in Manila, marked his first year overseas by designing and developing the first interactive Khasi Bible application for android users.

The application was launched on 30 October. Google Play Store finally gave a certificate of recognition and acceptance to the app designed by Fr. Michael Makri and his team at a Salesian institute in Manila, Philippines.

The application is designed for the first time for a total number of 1905 types of android devices available globally.

The designer and the publisher of the app said it was designed in a simple and user-friendly way. “The app is attractive and it follows the format of the world`s best social network site - Facebook,” Fr Makri explained.

The priest from the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya further said his team took four months to design and publish the app.

“It has been a challenge to develop an app in the Khasi language in a foreign country (Philippines) without the help of a Khasi person or at least someone who can understand the language,” he said.

But the efforts had other personal benefits for him.

“I was happy that while doing this project, I was able to read and re-read the entire Bible a few times.”

Asked about his feeling on completion of the project Fr Makri said, “I feel happy that I am able to contribute something for young people. I know many of them have the desire to have the Word of God wherever they are... Now they have it.”

Fr Makri did not hesitate to recall Don Bosco, founder of his religious order, “who made a lot of sacrifices for the betterment of the young - forming them to be good Christians. On my part, while developing this app, I have made a little sacrifice by way of doing the entire Khasi Bible app alone for the young.”

Fr Makri says his wish is that the young people “appreciate the Word of God more, now that they have it in their hand and on the move.”

The app is available now for free on Google Play Store.

Published 04/11/2014