THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF YMCAs OF INDIA

Last Updated (Wednesday, 04 May 2022 14:55)

National Student Assembly 2022 - Report

The National Student Assembly was held at the International Youth Hostel Mysore, during March 18 – 20, 2022, on the theme, “Healing a Broken World”

The Assembly, revived after several years, attracted a record participation of some 130 students from YMCAs across the nine Regions, and their fellowship of Uni-Ys and Hi-Ys, NCYI. The South Central India Region of YMCAs lived upto its reputation of hosting mega events by extending facilities and creating an ideal atmosphere for the congregation of students for those three days of action-packed and fun-filled activities.

The National Student Assembly started with devotion, and message by Mr. Bhen Samson, Regional Secretary, North India Region of YMCAs, on March 18, 2022 at 2:00 pm, followed by an orientation to participants.

The Inaugural session of the Assembly started with lighting the traditional lamp by Guests of Honor, Mr. R. S. Shettian, Treasurer NCYI; Mr. Bertram Devadas, National General Secretary; Ym. Anand Jacob Varghese, Managing Director of Hindustan group of Institutions; and National & Regional dignitaries. The Assembly was inaugurated by Justice J.B. Koshy (Retd.), President NCYI.

The welcome address was given by Kum. Ann Maria Samuel, Uni-Y National President. Justice Koshy emphasized in his inaugural address that students should be given more responsibilities, to assume leadership at all levels on social issues. The Youth have the ability to bring a change in their country; “Prayer is needed as well as service is more needed”. YMCA should work for getting equal opportunity and justice for all and act as a forum for Empowering Youth.

Mr. R. S. Shettian, Mr. Bertram Devadas, and Mr. Ym. Anand Jacob Varghese, greeted delegates; as well as Mr. Reginold Soans, Regional Chairman and Adv. M. S. Mariya Das, President, YMCA Mysore.

Rev. Dr. Alan Samuel Palana, Senior Faculty and Secretary, The United Theological College was Keynote Speaker, who made a presentation on ‘Healing a Broken World’. He exhorted youth to participate in discussions at various levels, and accept leadership roles.

Mr. Koshy Alexander Vaidyan, Secretary, Youth Empowerment, NCYI, proposed a vote of thanks.

Mr. F. Francis Sebastian, Trainer and Life Coach from Chennai was the Resource person for the first session, on “Social responsibility & leadership Qualities of Y’s students for an Integrated India”. After the session, members viewed a cultural night organized by the Mysore YMCA.

The Second day started with meditation. Participants from YMCA College of Physical Education, Chennai, led the programme. Mr. Koshy Alexander Vaidyan, led the first session “An introduction to YMCA, Hi- Y and Uni-Y”. Thereafter, Mr. Rohit Prakash, Team India Manager 2018 ILS World Championship conducted a session “Life Saving Skills”. The third session was organized as a hybrid mode, and the topic was “Climate Justice for all”. Ms. Sunitha Suna, Executive Secretary of APAY chaired the session. Mr. Jose Varghese, Secretary General of Y’s Men International ; Mr. Otto Vainio, Executive members of World Alliance of YMCAs; and Dr. Johnrose Austin Jayalal, National President IMA; were the Panelists. After the panel presentation, there was sharing from students of YMCA Johar, YMCA Myanmar on their ground realities of climate change. After that, participants visited Mysore Palace and Karanji Lake as part of Mysore Darshan programme. The day ended with camp fire.

The Third day started with an ecumenical worship; Adv. M. S. Mariya Das delivered the message. Thereafter, participants had group discussion on the theme, and each group presented their views. The Business Session started with presentation of the panel of the National Uni-Y committee for the year 2022-23; the floor unanimously accepted the panel.

At the valedictory, delegates were given participation certificates. Delegates shared their evaluation of the programme. The office bearers of the Mysore YMCA, Mr. Bhen Samson, Camp Director; Mr. Shamir J. Thaba, Regional Secretary of NEIR; Mr. Saiju Varghese Joseph, Regional Secretary, SCIR of YMCAs; and Mr. Koshy Alexander Vaidyan, spoke on the occasion. The three-day National Students Assembly ended with Closing Prayer and Benediction.

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

March 31, 2022