Savar YMCA Inter-Church Youth Festival 2025
Savar YMCA Inter-Church Youth Festival 2025
The Savar YMCA successfully organized the Youth Connecting Inter-Church Youth Festival 2025 on June 27, 2025, under the theme “One Faith, One Hope, One Youth: Empowered to Enlighten” at its YMCA Training Center & Guest House in Savar. The event brought together approximately 140 participants from various churches and Christian organizations across the region, aiming to foster unity, spiritual growth, and active youth engagement in social and faith-based responsibilities.
The program commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by distinguished guests and representatives from participating churches and organizations. This was followed by an inspiring Praise and Worship session led by Rev. James Tusar Halder, Pastor of Enmanuel A.G Church, Rajashon, along with members of SCM and the Savar YMCA Youth Forum, setting a spiritual tone for the day.
The Welcome Address was delivered by Mr. Choyan L. Rozario, President of Savar YMCA, Mr. Cornelius Sohel Gomes, Convener of the Program Implementation Committee. We were deeply honored to receive a heartfelt greeting video message from Ms. Marshia Mili Gomes, President of the National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh (NCYB). In her message, Ms. Gomes extended her warm greetings and expressed her sincere support for the youth of the Program. Her encouraging words, filled with spiritual wisdom and visionary leadership, greatly inspired all the young participants. She emphasized the importance of unity among churches, the role of youth in spreading hope and faith, and the continued relevance of YMCA’s mission in nurturing spiritually grounded, socially responsible, and community-driven individuals.
A special moment of the event was the reception and felicitation of Mr. Manik Wilver D’ Costa, the newly appointed National General Secretary of NCYB, organized by Savar YMCA in recognition of his leadership role and continued contribution to the YMCA movement in Bangladesh.
The day featured several thought-provoking and impactful sessions. Mr. Babu Markus Gomes, former President of both the Asia & Pacific Alliance of YMCAs and NCYB, delivered a motivational speech, emphasizing youth empowerment, leadership, and the role of faith in modern society.
Another key highlight was the session titled “Faith as the Foundation for Spiritual Growth and Social Responsibility,” facilitated by Sister Runu Mrong, CSC, Candidate Director, Sisters of the Holy Cross, Dharenda. “One Faith, One Hope, One Youth: Empowered to Enlighten” facilitated by Rev. David Anirudha Das, General Secretary, National Church Council of Bangladesh. This was followed by an Open Discussion on “Challenges and Opportunities for Christian Youth Today,” led by Mr. Nirmol Rozario, President of the Bangladesh Christian Association. The interactive format allowed youth participants to express concerns, ask questions, and explore practical paths forward.
Participants also engaged in a group-based Bible quiz competition, with winners receiving small prizes. The day was further enriched with various ice-breaking sessions, games, group activities, and a vibrant cultural performance showcasing the talents of youth from different churches.
The event concluded with a Certificate Distribution Ceremony led by esteemed guests and board members. Distinguished attendees included Mr. Augustin Protap Gomes (Chairman, Metropolitan Christian Co-Operative Housing Society Ltd), Mr. Michael John Gomes (Secretary, Christian Co-Operative Credit Union Ltd), Mr. Tapan T. Rozario (Advisor & Former President, Savar YMCA), Mr. Jewel Cyril Costa (Secretary, Dharenda Mission Parish Council), and all members of the Savar YMCA Executive Board.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Cornelius Sohel Gomes (Convener) and Mr. Shyamal Paroi (General Secretary) extended heartfelt thanks to all participants, volunteers, board members, guests, and especially to the President & Secretary of NCYB for entrusting us with the opportunity to organize this impactful event at their YMCA Training Center & Guest House. Dhaka Credit, Metropolitan Christian Co-Operative Housing Society Ltd. for financial support, BYFC for T-Shirt, DC News for news coverage and all well-wishers for their financial support & advise. Special gratitude was also offered to the Program Implementation Committee for their dedicated efforts in executing this impactful and spiritually enriching event.
The festival stood as a powerful testament to Christian unity, youth engagement, and shared purpose across churches in Savar and beyond.
Prepared By:
Shyamal Francis Paroi
General Secretary, Savar YMCA