-News and Pics Herbert Joseph Menezes
In a vibrant display of youth engagement and community spirit, the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Barkur and the Young Christian Catholic Students (YCS) Barkur units came together to organize a memorable celebration of National Youth Day 2024. The event, marked by enthusiasm and enlightening discussions, showcased the dynamism of Barkur's young Catholic community.
The joint initiative by ICYM Barkur and YCCSA Barkur highlighted the unity and collaborative spirit among the youth organizations in the region. This synergy resulted in a well-orchestrated event that captured the essence of National Youth Day, which is celebrated annually to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, a key figure in India's youth movement.
The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Ceolla Pinto, the President of the ICYM Barkur. Setting the tone for the day, Pinto emphasized the importance of youth participation in shaping the future of both the church and society at large.
The proceedings were skillfully guided by the Master of Ceremonies duo, Jasmine and Rishon Barnes, who ensured smooth transitions between segments and maintained an engaging atmosphere throughout the event.
The gathering was graced by the presence of several esteemed guests and speakers:
Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Ronald Miranda, as the Chief Guest, bringing his wisdom and guidance to the young audience.
Rev. Fr. Rolvin Fernandes, the Resident Priest, whose presence underscored the church's support for youth initiatives.
Joseph Fernandes, Vice President of the Parish Council, representing the broader church community.
Naveen Dias, the YCS Animator, who has been instrumental in guiding young Catholics in their faith journey.
Captain Rosario Cyprian Pinto, whose attendance added a touch of prestige to the occasion.
Clarissa Fernandes took on the important task of introducing the resource persons, providing context to their expertise and relevance to the youth gathering.
The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the keynote address delivered by Andrea Samantha Lewis, a distinguished Chartered Accountant. As a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) and holder of a Diploma in Information Systems Control and Audit (DISA), Lewis brought a wealth of professional experience to the gathering. In her role as the Managing Partner of A R L & CO, Chartered Accountants, she has become a role model for aspiring young professionals.
Lewis's presentation was a masterclass in blending professional insights with youth-oriented motivation. She shared her journey, the challenges she faced, and the lessons she learned along the way. Her address touched upon various aspects of personal and professional development, encouraging the young participants to dream big and work diligently towards their goals.
She highlighted on the importance of continuous learning and adapting to changing professional landscapes. Balancing career aspirations with spiritual and community commitments.The role of young Catholics in shaping the future of finance and business ethics and practical advice on career planning and skill development.
Following the keynote address, the event featured interactive sessions where participants had the opportunity to engage with the speakers and among themselves. These sessions fostered discussions on various topics relevant to young Catholics, including, Faith and professional life integration, Community service and social responsibility, Leadership development within the church and society, and Networking and mentorship opportunities.
As the event drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of inspiration and motivation among the attendees. The organizing committee, led by ICYM Barkur and YCC Barkur, received accolades for putting together such a meaningful celebration of National Youth Day.
Rev. Fr. Ronald Miranda, in his closing remarks, commended the youth for their active participation and encouraged them to carry forward the spirit of the day into their daily lives. He emphasized the church's commitment to supporting youth initiatives and nurturing the next generation of Catholic leaders.
The success of this event sets a promising precedent for future collaborations between youth organizations in Barkur and beyond. It stands as a testament to the vibrant, engaged, and forward-thinking nature of the Catholic youth in the region, ready to take on the challenges of the future while remaining rooted in their faith and community values.
As the participants dispersed, there was a shared sense of purpose and renewed commitment to personal growth, community service, and spiritual development – truly embodying the spirit of National Youth Day.
