“LEAD THE WAY - Youth Empowerment and Skills Spark.” - Youth Meet & Orientation Program of YMCA Cuttack

“LEAD THE WAY - Youth Empowerment and Skills Spark.” - Youth Meet & Orientation Program of YMCA Cuttack

YMCA Cuttack organized a Youth Meet & Orientation Program on July 24, 2025. Ms. Shatarupa Biswas, Chairperson of the Youth Forum EIRY (Eastern India Region of YMCAs) along with Mr. Pratik Samal, Member of Youth Forum EIRY, jointly conducted the program through recreational games and briefed the youths about YMCA programs and activities. The theme of the program was “LEAD THE WAY - Youth Empowerment and Skills Spark.” The main objective of the program was to “Create awareness among the Youths about YMCA programs and activities and their active participation”.

Er. Alok Kumar Sahu, Secretary of YMCA Cuttack, served as the Master of Ceremonies for an engaging program focused on youth empowerment. The event began with a thoughtful prayer led by Ms. Stuti Rachita Pradhan, followed by an uplifting session of praise and worship. Dr. Raj Bolobha Mohanty, President of YMCA Cuttack, graciously welcomed participants and honored the resource person, Ms. Shatarupa Biswas, Chairperson of the Youth Forum EIRY. In return, Ms. Biswas recognized Dr. Mohanty and Mr. Sahu for their contributions.

The program featured interactive recreational games conducted by Ms. Biswas and Mr. Pratik Samal, a member of the Youth Forum EIRY, who also informed the attendees about various YMCA programs and activities. Emphasizing the theme "LEAD THE WAY - Youth Empowerment and Skills Spark," the event encouraged youth participation and engagement.

To conclude the program on a positive note, Mr. Subhendu Naik, a young participant, offered the closing prayer. A total of 21 youths, alongside several elders, attended this inspiring gathering, making it a valuable experience for all involved. Ms. Stuti Rachita Pradhan, a member of the Youth Forum and the YMCA Choir team, played a vital role in both the opening prayer and the praise and worship session.

Addressing the youth of YMCA Cuttack about various programs and activities by Ms. Shatarupa Biswas, Chairperson of the Youth Forum of the Eastern India Region of YMCAs inspired them and they enjoyed participating in the recreational games learning how to get involved and volunteer in YMCA activities.

Feedback and comments by participants:

Ms. Shatarupa Biswas, Chairperson, Youth Forum EIRY It was a privilege to be the Resource Person for the Youth Meet & Orientation Program organized by YMCA Cuttack on 24th July 2025. The theme, “Lead the Way – Youth Empowerment and Skills Spark,” reflected an evening full of energy, purpose, and reflection.

I spoke on active citizenship, community service, and personal accountability, encouraging youth to lead through consistent, value-driven actions. My presentation on “Be the Change” highlighted the creativity and leadership potential of our young participants.

My heartfelt thanks to YMCA Cuttack for the warm hospitality and smooth execution of the program. As Chairperson of the YMCA Youth Forum EIRY, I look forward to more such impactful engagements.

Mr. Pratik Samal, Youth Forum member, EIRY – The ice breaker game session I conducted is called MAFIA. This game requires the involvement of every participant. I was very anxious before conducting the session, but after seeing the participation of the youths, I felt that my first-ever session was successful. In this game, the selected mafias, who were complete strangers before the game, communicated and planned without any words, demonstrating the coordination they achieved in just a few minutes. This game helped them in their cultural and social growth, which YMCA also aims to promote among the youths. I observed that even the introverts actively participated in the game, making it a successful session, and that was the part I found most rewarding.

Er. Alok Kumar Sahu
Secretary,
In-charge O/o General Secretary
YMCA Cuttack