National Hi-Y (High School YMCA) Assembly 2025

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Last Updated (Wednesday, 10 September 2025 12:28)

Introduction

The National Hi-Y Assembly 2025 was successfully hosted by Salem YMCA from August 1st to 3rd, 2025, at the serene and attractive Dhivyashanthi Retreat Centre, Yercaud Hills. The assembly brought together 74 enthusiastic high school youth representatives, 18 officials from across the country and 12 staff members of YMCA Salem and Dhivyashanthi under the banner of “Rise Together,” focusing on the vital theme of Youth for a Just and Sustainable Future. This gathering served as a platform for leadership development, spiritual reflection, critical thinking, and youth empowerment.


Day 1 – August 1, 2025 (Friday)

The assembly began with registration and arrival between 12:00 am and 1:30 pm, followed by lunch. The participants were welcomed into an engaging and uplifting environment with the Camp Songs and opening devotion by Mr. Bose, Development Secretary, Southern Region of YMCAs

Orientation and group formation were facilitated by Dr. Koshy Alexander Vaidyan, Secretary for Youth Empowerment, Gender, and Physical Recreation, National Council of YMCAs of India, who also briefed the delegates on the objectives of the assembly.

This was followed by ice-breaking activities and camp songs led by Mr. Bhen Samson, Camp Director, which created camaraderie and team spirit among the youth.

The Inaugural Ceremony was held at 4:00 pm.

  • Samarth Samuel, Hi-Y National President chaired the Innaugural session
    • Rev.Rajah Daniel Stephens, Former Vice- President of YMCA India, Convener, Youth Work Committee, YMCA Salem welcomed the gathering on behalf of Salem YMCA.
      • Chief Guest address: Since the Chief guest address by Mr. Vincent George, President, YMCA India; Vice-President, APAY; Chairperson, BIG-6 India was not able to participate the Assembly, his message of greetings was read by Mr. Sundersingh Barnabas, ANGS
      • Keynote Speaker: Ms. Rebecca Stanley, Convener, Women Empowerment and Gender Concerns, YMCA Salem & Director, Child Care and RT, India Gospel League.

A group photo was followed by the first thematic session, titled “Rise Together: High School YMCA Leading the Way for a Just and Sustainable Future”, presented by Mr. Sundersingh Barnabas, Assistant National General Secretary. The evening included camp games, a cultural night hosted by YMCA Salem, dinner, and preparation time for the next day. Lights were off by 10:00 pm, in accordance with camp discipline.



Day 2 – August 2, 2025 (Saturday)

The day began with early Yercaud coffee, followed by a refreshing hike to Karadiyiur View Point and morning devotion led by the youth themselves.

Post-breakfast, the second session, titled “Empowering Youth Through Movement: Building Resilient, Inclusive, and Sustainable Communities,” was conducted by Mr. Sebastian Francis, Sports Life Coach from Chennai.

The third session, “YMCA Youth Excellence Exchange – Collective Impact,” was led by Rev. Rajah Daniel Stephens, Former Vice-President, YMCA India, and Convener, Youth Work Committee, YMCA Salem. This session inspired young minds to combine their talents for a greater common purpose.

The afternoon was spent exploring the local beauty of Yercaud during sightseeing, followed by campfire preparations. The day concluded with a campfire session, once again energized by Mr. Bhen Samson, bringing together music, reflection, and a celebration of youth fellowship.


Day 3 – August 3, 2025 (Sunday)

The final day commenced with Yercaud cutting tea and physical jerk exercises. After breakfast, the Sunday Worship was led by Rev. Rajah Daniel Stephens, creating a spiritual close to the assembly’s theme.

The fourth and final session, “Empowering Ethical Leaders: Cultivating Character for a Just and Sustainable Future”, was delivered by Mr. Eldo N Varghese, National General Secretary, YMCA India, challenging the delegates to live as responsible and morally anchored leaders.

Following this was a group discussion, resolution drafting and adoption, and a plenary/business session, reflecting the voices and commitments of the youth delegates.

The assembly concluded with a meaningful valedictory function.

Guests of Honor:

  1. Mr. Regi George, Treasurer, YMCA India
  2. Mr. Eldo N Varghese, National General Secretary, YMCA India
  3. Rev.Rajah Daniel Stephens, Convener, Youth Work Committee, YMCA Salem A new committee for the National Hi-Y for the 2025-2026 term has been established, with Master John Hooper of Madras YMCA serving as President. The installation ceremony was conducted by the National Treasurer, who illuminated candles, and the oath was administered under the guidance of the National General Secretary.

Greetings were shared by M. John Michel Jose, General Secretary, YMCA Salem

Vote of thanks by Dr. Koshy Alexander Vaidyan, Secretary, Youth Empowerment, Gender, Sports/Physical  Recreation, The National Council of YMCAs Of India

Assembly was concluded with the “Bind Us Together” song, Closing prayer and group photo.

Final lunch was served at 1:00 pm, followed by departure.


Outcomes

  • Delegates left equipped with tools for leadership, sustainability, and community-building.
  • A new National Hi-Y Committee (2025–26) was installed, with Master John Hooper (Madras YMCA) as President.
  • Resolutions adopted reflected youth-driven pledges for justice and environmental stewardship.

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to YMCA Salem, the National Council of YMCAs of India, resource persons, volunteers, and delegates for making the event a resounding success.


Eldo N. Varghese
National General Secretary