COMMUNITY WELLBEING
Badminton Summer Camp by YMCA Cuttack
YMCA Cuttack has organized a Badminton Summer Camp for 15 days from 23rd April 2026 to 7th May 2026.
The main objective was to promote the game of badminton in society, especially among school students and youth.
The badminton summer camp began with prayer offered by Rev. Raghab Digal, Board of Director, YMCA Cuttack. 30 participants of various age groups from 6 years and above joined the Badminton Summer Camp. Professional trainers of Gopichand Badminton Academy rendered their coaching skills during the Summer Camp.
The initiative provided an excellent platform for school students and youth to receive training in badminton under the supervision of professional and reputed coaches. Participants were given the opportunity to develop their skills, discipline, and sportsmanship through structured practice sessions.
The program also contributed to the promotion of badminton within the local community by nurturing young talent. It aims to prepare and encourage children to compete at state and national-level tournaments, thereby fostering a culture of sports excellence and holistic development.
Blood Donation Camp by YMCA Cuttack
YMCA Cuttack organized a Blood Donation Camp on 14th March 2026 at YMCA Cuttack.
Due to the scarcity of blood units in the SCB Blood Bank, YMCA Cuttack organized the Blood Donation Camp in association with Y's Men Club of Cuttack Millennium, Dist-1, NENEIR. 51 units of blood were collected by the SCB Blood Bank.
Blood donors appreciated YMCA Cuttack for conducting such an activity. They also acknowledged the health awareness created by YMCA Cuttack by educating the donors that donating a unit of blood regenerates fresh blood which is healthy for a donor as well as saves three precious lives.
Celebration of Pakhala Dibasa
YMCA Cuttack observed Pakhala Dibasa on 22nd March 2026 following the Youth Prayer Fellowship at YMCA Cuttack to promote Odia cuisine and for community wellbeing.
Pakhala Dibasa (Pakhala Day) is celebrated annually on March 20th to promote Odia cuisine. Pakhala is boiled rice soaked in lightly spiced curd, serving as a cultural and emotional staple that keeps the body rehydrated during summer. It offers a refreshing, cooling, and gut-healthy meal.
On March 22, 2026, YMCA Cuttack celebrated Pakhala Dibasa following the Youth Prayer Fellowship. More than 100 participants attended the fellowship lunch, where traditional Odia delicacies were served alongside Pakhala, highlighting and celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Odisha.
All members of the association as well as those who joined in the celebration, expressed their gratitude and appreciated YMCA Cuttack for celebrating the culinary heritage of Odisha.
Holy Weekend and Easter Celebration
The Holy Week and Easter was celebrated by YMCA Cuttack by organizing Good Friday Service on 3rd April 2026 and Easter Sunday Service on 5th April 2026 at YMCA Cuttack. The Speaker for the services was Dr. Merostar Rani, Vice-Pricipal, Synod College, Shillong, Meghalaya who shared the Word of God in English which was interpreted in Odia by Rev. Samuel Somalingam, Pastor, Mount House Church of God, Cuttack. The Choir team of YMCA Cuttack led both the services in Praise and Worship. The Easter Sunday Service was followed by Holy Communion Service and Fellowship Lunch. Around 150 communicant members of different Church Denominations attended on each occasion.
The message of God shared by Dr. Rani, illustrated through practical examples from daily life, inspired deep introspection and encouraged individuals to lead a life modelled on the teachings of Jesus Christ, strengthened by the hope of eternal life.
Er. Alok Kumar Sahu
General Secretary,
YMCA Cuttack