National Uni-Y (University YMCA) Assembly of NCY of India was Held Successfully

Last Updated (Tuesday, 04 July 2023 15:47)

The National Uni-Y Assembly 2023 of The National Council of YMCAs of India on the theme ‘Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: Developing ‘Vision 2030’, hosted by the YMCA Boys’ Division, Tirupattur was held at YMCA Camp Center, Yelagiri, Tamilnadu during June 9 – 11, 2023. Right from 11am onwards the registration, Ice breaking, Orientation, Sessions including the self-introduction, Inauguration, Keynote Address, Sessions I & II on ‘YMCA & Uni-Y’ and ‘From Vision 2030 to Action 2030: The Art of Leading with Creativity’ were held respectively, concluding with Inauguration Ceremony and Cultural Night on the first day of the assembly.

Dr. Koshy Alexander Vaidyan, Secretary, Youth Empowerment, Gender & Sports/Physical Recreation, NCYI led the Orientation programme. After that Ice breaking was led by Ms. Mahima Turhi Agrawal, Vice-President, NCYI. On the same day, Sessions I and II with respective themes i.e. ‘YMCA & Uni-Y’ and ‘From Vision 2030 to Action 2030: The Art of Leading with Creativity’, were led by Mr. G. Sundersingh Barnabas, Secretary, Movement Strengthening, NCYI and Prof. Dr. Mohan Varghese, Former HOD, Political Science, Mar Thoma College, respectively.

The Inauguration was held on June 9, 2023 at 6 PM at YMCA Camp Center, Yelagiri. The ceremony started with a prayer song by Ms. Jikky Grace, Secretary, Uni-Y, National Committee. The Opening Prayer was offered by Mr. A. Manohar Sam, Regional Secretary, Southern India Region. Ms. Ann Maria Samuel, Chairperson, National Uni-Y Committee welcomed all the present dignitaries and participants, followed by Introduction through Dr. Koshy Alexander Vaidyan, Secretary, Youth Work Department, NCYI. 

Lighting of the Lamp by Mr. Vincent George, President, NCYI

Ms. Mahima Turhi Agrawal, Vice President, NCYI and Chairperson, Youth Work Department, NCYI presided over the event and Mr. Vincent George, President, NCYI inaugurated the assembly as Chief Guest by lighting the traditional lamp along with other YMCA dignitaries and delivered his blessing message.

Adv. Wilsto Dhaspin, Chairman, YMCA Boys’ Division, Tirupattur brought the Greeting messages, followed by Keynote Address offered by Rev. Rajah Stephens, Director, India Gospel League & Former Vice President of YMCA India, based on the theme, “Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: Developing ‘Vision 2030’.

Vote of thanks and closing prayer were offered by Mr. George Bernardsha, Executive Secretary, YMCA Boys’ Division, Tirupattur and Mr. Bhen Samson, Regional Secretary, Northern India Region of YMCAs, NCYI, respectively.

The second day started with Rhythmic Aerobics led by Dr. Jothi Dayanandan, Associate Professor, YMCA College of Physical Education, Chennai and the devotion by delegates present. After that, Session III “Unleashing Your Inner Innovator: Exploring the Intersection of Creativity and Leadership” was led by Dr. Arokiaraj, Assistant Professor, Sacred Hearts College, Tirupattur.

The special moments of Outdoor Camp Activities and Fun Games were led by Dr. S. Johnson Premkumar, Principal I/c, YMCA College of Physical Education, Chennai & Team with lunch break. After dinner, the Campfire was led by Mr. Bhen Samson, Regional Secretary, Northern India Region of YMCAs. It was a memorable and enjoyable moment for all delegates with the special performances of songs and dances by individuals and groups representing their respective YMCAs.

The Third day started with Yellagiri tea followed by Hiking to Karadi Parrai & Seedball Throwing. The Devotion was offered by the delegates at Open Chapel with the Message by Mr. A. Manohar Sam, Regional Secretary, Southern India Region of YMCAs.

After this, the group discussion, resolution, adoption of resolution, and Plenary / Business Session were held and concluded by Valedictory. Dr. Sheila Benjamin, Hon. Treasurer of the YMCA Tirupattur Project, was the Guest of Honor for the Closing. The certificates were distributed to the delegates by Dr. Sheila Benjamin. 

National Uni-Y Committee

One of the important outcomes of this Assembly was the induction of the new members of the National Uni-Y Committee 2023-24 which was led by the Guest of Honor, Dr. Sheila Benjamin, Hon. Treasurer of the YMCA Tirupattur Project. Mr. Paul Vivian Moran from the YMCA College of Physical Education, Chennai and Ms. Riya Gijo from YMCA Kothamangalam were unanimously selected as Chairman and Secretary respectively among the other newly selected members for constituting the new National Uni-Y Committee 2023-24, from the respective regions.

82 delegates from different regions participated in the assembly. The meaningful sessions and the student fellowship strengthened the event, making the assembly a successful and memorable one for the participants.

By Bertram Devadas
National General Secretary
The National Council of YMCAs of India