YCS Moodubelle Unit Organizes Farewell to Outgoing and Welcome to New Members

By Nikita Rebello
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 09 June 2025: Young Catholic Students(YCS), Moodubelle unit, held its first meeting of the 2025-26 year, organizing an expert insight: session I along with welcoming the newcomers and farewell to the outgoing batch of YCS on Sunday, 8th June 2025.

 

The chief guest for the Expert Insight: Session I of the 2025-26 year was Mr. Royston Alva, Senior Manager at Canara Bank. Present at the event were YCS Moodubelle unit Director Fr George Dsouza, Assistant Director Fr Rickson Monteiro, Parish Pastoral Committee Vice President CA Pritish Burton D’Sa, Secretary Mr. Charles Quadros, Commissions Coordinator Mrs. Gracy Rebello, Youth Coordinator Mr. Valerian Noronha, ICYM Animator Mr. Nevil D’Souza, YCS Animators Dr Judith Lobo and Ms Nikitha Rebello and ICYM President Mr Aaron Barboza. 

 

The program commenced with a compelling introduction that emphasized the significance of its guiding methodology, YCS: see, judge, act, and objective being ‘Change self and change others’ with the aim of ‘Building a new society and kingdom of God’. YCS’s aim, objective, and methodology serve as a roadmap for students to navigate their future paths effectively. The event was organized to raise awareness among young people about the banking sector, as it can be pursued as a career option regardless of one’s academic stream. 

 

Chief guest Mr Royston Alva, Senior Manager, Canara Bank, was the resource person. Mr. Alva, a native of Moodubelle, holds a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree and is a certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (CAIIB). He is currently serving as the Senior Manager at the Kinnigoli branch of Canara Bank. He is the son of Mr. Raphael Alva and Mrs. Thereza Alva of Devaragudde, Moodubelle. He completed his primary and secondary education at St. Mary’s English Medium School, Udupi, and then went on to complete his PUC and Bachelor of Commerce at Poorna Prajna College, Udupi. He has completed his Certified Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB), certification exam conducted by the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (IIBF). Many organizations have felicitated him for his outstanding service and he has served in across districts Shetty halli; Chikkamagalur, Vasco; Goa, Regional office Mangalore, Assistant Manager at Bantwal and currently senior manager at Kinnigoli Branch.

Mr. Alva highlighted the importance of making informed career choices and developing the skills necessary to lead a dignified life while contributing to society. He emphasized five key points that can help anyone interested in pursuing public sector jobs, such as those in banking: stability, opportunities for growth, work-life balance, financial security, and personal motivation for choosing a career. He mentioned that his personal motivation is to make a positive impact on society, stressing the significance of young individuals contributing to the community. Mr. Alva encouraged young minds to consider government jobs, particularly in banking, as a viable and independent career option. If their goals align with the key points he highlighted, he urged them to pursue these opportunities and share this message with others. His PowerPoint presentation covered the essential aspects of the IBPS exams. He discussed eligibility requirements, the syllabus, and effective preparation strategies. To make the session engaging and effective, he explained the details about the IBPS exams and asked a few questions to the audience.

 

The Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Committee, CA Pritish Burton Dsa, congratulated the newcomers joining the Young Catholic Students (YCS) group, as well as those who are transitioning to the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) in the days to come. He emphasized that today is a significant day in the Catholic Church, as we celebrate Pentecost, and thus encouraged all YCS students to be ambassadors of Christ, reminding them to embody the values of Jesus wherever they go. He also advised that regardless of where they travel in the world, they should always stay grounded and remember their roots as natives of Moodubelle, as this connection will help them succeed in life. He further congratulated the YCS students and animators for their dedicated work on behalf of the Parish Pastoral Council. 

 

Newcomers were symbolically welcomed to the YCS with badges given by YCS Director Fr. George Dsouza. This was followed by an address from Fr. Rikson Monteiro on the significance of being a YCS member during this crucial stage of adolescence. This journey will be essential and memorable for all involved. He encouraged the students to attend regularly and take full advantage of the YCS, as significant effort is being made to achieve the best results. 

 

First-year YCS member Jane Alva expressed her gratitude to the seniors on behalf of all the students and wished them the best for their future endeavours. Following her speech, mementos were presented to the outgoing YCS students by Fr. George Dsouza and CA Pritish Dsa. ICYM Animator Mr. Nevil Dsouza addressed the gathering by sharing his personal experiences of witnessing ICYM youth helping those in need, which has contributed to their growth as individuals. He emphasized that being part of YCS and ICYM enables individuals to improve themselves and make a positive contribution to society. He invited the outgoing YCS members to join ICYM at the upcoming meeting.

Fr George Dsouza, in his presidential speech, stressed the importance of making the right career choices and achieving success. He echoed the sentiments of the chief guest and the bishop of Udupi, emphasizing the value of pursuing government jobs, which offer numerous opportunities and benefits. Fr George urged young individuals to be faithful followers of Christ, reflecting this faith in their lives and thus thinking effectively at this age to make progress in life.

 

President Miss Jesvita Sequiera, along with Miss Hazel Dsouza from the second year of YCS and Miss Rishal Mascarenhas from the first year of YCS, shared their experiences with the YCS program and discussed how participating in these activities has contributed to their personal growth. They emphasized how YCS has encouraged them to step out of their comfort zones and gain insights into various global issues. By employing the "see, judge, and act" methodology, they were able to reflect on these issues from different perspectives. Through their involvement, they have developed skills in confidence-building, communication, public speaking, organization, and team building. Additionally, they have enhanced their understanding of cultural and traditional learnings, particularly regarding Gumta and Vovyo verses. They expressed gratitude to the parish priest, assistant parish priest, animators, and the directors at both the deanery and diocese levels for their selfless dedication and support.

 

The success of the program was a testament to the planning, creativity, hard work, and dedication of the active YCS volunteer team in learning and organizing skills. Along with a thought-provoking talk by the resource person and guests, students had arranged games and action songs for all three batches to make the day memorable. First-year YCS members created a decorative display featuring their seniors’ photographs, incorporating handmade crafts, and added a thumbprint to preserve this memory in a frame. Since the workshop was held in the first-floor parochial house, the facilities in the hall were used effectively. Round tables, a sound system, and audiovisual equipment contributed to the program’s success.

 

Miss Janessa Mendonca, Miss Joslin Castelino, and Miss Rishal Mascarenhas sang a hymn of prayer. Miss Reeva Sharon D’Souza welcomed the gathering, and Mr. Melson Elvis Lobo gave the vote of thanks. Miss Jane Alva conducted the games. Miss Aralyn Winona Barboza expertly compered the programme. Participants enjoyed snacks, providing time for networking.