ICYM National Youth Convention inaugurated at Shillong, Meghalaya

By Ancy DSouza, Paladka
Bellevision Media Network

Shillong, 15 October 2010: Official inaugural function of ICYM National Youth Convention- 2010 took place on 14th October 2010 at 9 am in St. Anthony’s School, Shillong in North east India. The Convention will conclude on 17th October 2010. Mr. Ravi Rounak the ICYM National President welcomed the dignitaries. Honourable R. S. Mushari, the Governor of the State of Meghayalya was the chief guest of the function. Ex Chief Minister of Goa, Luciano Faleiro, Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Leo Cornelio, Chairman of the Commission of Youth of CBCI, Most Rev. Dominic Jala, the Archbishop of Shillong, Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Meramparampil, the Archbishop of Gauhati, Rt. Rev. Mar Barnabas, the member Bishop of CBCI Youth Commission and Rt. Rev. Cyprian Monis were present for the inaugural function.

 

The Chairman of CBCI Youth Commission, Most Rev. Dr. Leo Cornelio in his message focused on the theme of the National Youth Convention – VIII “Live the Word, Liberate the World”. He said that the whole of India has been united together by the NYC –VIII. He emphasized that ‘Christ is our inspiration to take up challenges and work for it. He exalted the youth to use their energy in nation building and said that the youth is the future of the nation. They can bring change and transformation in the society. Youth are very creative and vibrant for the promotion of ICYM in the nation. Youth is the wealth of the nation, the nation need to take care of them and nourish them for their growth.

 

The former Chief Minister of Goa Mr. Luciano Faleiro, in his speech said that youth must have the right to dream and dream for the growth and development of our mother land. He was convinced that the youth has enough talents to build the nation. He said that the theme of the National Youth Convention was appropriate and the need of the time. He quoted Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation who said that ‘India lives in every villages of our country’ Rajiv Gandhi once said that ‘India is the old country but a young nation’ He inspired youth to come forward and take responsibilities for the building of the country. He stated that Government is the only facilitators but the active executors are the young men and women. They need to stand for justice, equality and unity. They should be courageous enough to stand against the injustices seen in the society, corruption noticed in and out of the government sector and civil society. They must be the unifying factors of differences and promote peace and unity. They are hope of the nation. They can bring changes and transformation in the wounded society. They must be the means for the liberalization and development of the nation. He emphasised that ‘India belongs to the youth and youth belongs to India, India loves the young friends’. The Government Schemes could be only executed by the sincere and genuine youth workers of the society. He admired and appreciated the rich culture of north-east India.

 

 

Honourable Governor of Meghalya, R.S. Mushari started his speech with the cordial greetings to the dignitaries and the youth coming from different parts of India. He wished a happy stay and successful ‘Youth Congress’ in Shillong the capital of Meghalaya State. He further said that by 2020 India will be one of the four recognized economically, socially and culturally powerful countries in the world. He expected that all the talents and energy of the youth must be used for the positive and noble cause for the development of the nation. He appreciated that ICYM has selected the theme: ‘Live the Word, liberate the world’. He stated that all must leave some legacy for the future generation.

 

Speaking further, the Governor said that we are in the new era of science and technology. We need to have many more provisions and contributions for the future generation.

 

Rev. Fr. Alwyn M.J. D’Souza, National Youth Director cordially and warmly welcomed all the dignitaries and other guest of honour. He said that out of 164 Dioceses of India 152 have taken part in the National Youth Convention-VIII in Shillong. He congratulated the youth for their interest. He said that on the last day of the Convention on 17th October 2010 there would be around 100,000 young people from different parts of North-east India. He briefed about the entire programme to the participants for the smooth running of the Convention.