-P.Archibald Furtado
Celebrating Generations, Cherishing Legacy, Shaping the Future
Reflecting on Fifty Years
As ICYM Barkur prepares to mark its Golden Jubilee (1976–2026), this milestone offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the journey of one of Barkur's most vibrant youth associations. Understanding generational differences is not an exercise in comparison — it is an act of appreciation. Each generation has played a distinct and valuable role in shaping this movement.
Four Generations, One Spirit
Over five decades, four broad generations have nurtured ICYM Barkur.
1. Founders and Early Torchbearers (1976–1986) This generation of pioneers — largely born between 1951 and 1964 — laid the foundation of CYM with simplicity, discipline, and deep community bonds. Their world was personal and relational: three-hour stage dramas, community singing, handwritten accounts, test cricket, Laudate hymns, and parish-centred spirituality. For them, CYM was not merely an activity — it was a movement, a family, an emotion.
Their legacy endures in landmark milestones: the birth of SPCYA in 1985, the establishment of SPA in 1988, and a proud Decennial Celebration in 1987.
2. Generation X — The Resourceful Builders (1987–2002) Born between 1965 and 1980, this generation carried CYM through its Silver Jubilee (2001–02). They navigated the transition from letters to telephones, from manual systems to early digital tools, and from purely cultural gatherings to structured organisational planning. Their strengths lie in leadership, financial planning, and long-term vision.
Initiatives such as The Expressions Group (1999), Muscat Barkurgar, and the Emirates Barkurians reflect this generation's commitment to unity and collective growth.
3. Millennials / Generation Y (2003–2016) Active from the post-Silver Jubilee period through the Ruby Jubilee (2016), this generation — born between 1981 and 1996 — brought energy, mobility, and broader exposure. Tech-adaptive, socially expressive, and career-driven yet emotionally connected, they serve as a natural bridge between senior members and the younger generation. Their memories of CYM remain fresh, making them well-placed to contribute to commemorative events and documentation.
4. Generation Z — The Digital Torchbearers (2016–2026) The current generation, born between 1997 and 2012, is young, confident, and globally connected. Their world is digital-first — shaped by instant communication, short-format content, and innovation. While their tools and methods differ from those of earlier generations, their enthusiasm and spirit of service remain strong.
Why Generations Differ
Each generation is shaped by the technology, social realities, parenting patterns, education, and cultural influences of its time. Differences in music, media, communication, and lifestyle are natural outcomes of a changing world. What remains constant is this: every generation gave its very best to CYM during its time.
The Golden Jubilee — An Inclusive Celebration
The Golden Jubilee of ICYM Barkur is envisioned as a celebration for all generations — not just current members. Accordingly, the following distinct events have been proposed:
- 50th Annual Day — Organised and led exclusively by present and immediate past members.
- Millennials' Reunion — A gathering of members from the Silver Jubilee to Ruby Jubilee era, featuring memories, testimonies, and cultural performances.
- Gen X Vision Event — A purposeful reunion focused on launching a permanent project, corpus fund, or infrastructure initiative.
- Founders' Nostalgia Evening — A recreation of classic drama or musical performances to honour the founding generation.
- Thanksgiving and Ex-Members' Day — A day of gratitude, fellowship, and reflection.
These proposals were discussed at a meeting held on 8 March 2026, presided over by Rev. Fr. Ronald Miranda, Parish Priest and Director of CYM.
Proposed Key Dates:
- Saturday, 26 December 2026 — Reunion Day
- Sunday, 27 December 2026 — Official Golden Jubilee Day
- Sunday, 3 January 2027 — Thanksgiving Day, featuring a special 'Wilfy Nite' entertainment programme
Additional Events Under Consideration:
- Fond Remembrance for deceased Directors and Members
- Founders' Day Commemoration
- Felicitation of Religious who were once CYM members
- Overseas Members' Get-Together
- Seminar: "Offshoots of CYM Over the Years"
- Recognition of achievers in sports, culture, literature, fine arts, business, education, religious life, and social service
The Living Legacy of CYM
The spirit of ICYM Barkur has inspired numerous associations and platforms over the decades:
- Adarsh Youth Association (1980)
- SPCYA (1985)
- St Peter's Association Barkur Mumbai (1985)
- St Peter's Association Bangalore (2005)
- Emirates Barkurians
- Global Barkurians Charitable Trust (2020)
- ICYM Ex-Members Association
These are not separate stories — they are branches of the same tree, rooted in the values of CYM.
The Way Forward
- Compile a comprehensive list of all past and present members
- Give space and dignity to every generation
- Entrust leadership to the younger generation, with the guidance of seniors
- Ensure all planning committees are inclusive across generations
A General Meeting — All Are Welcome
A general meeting of all those associated with CYM — past and present — has been arranged by the Parish Priest on Sunday, 29 March 2026 at 5.00 pm in the Church Campus, Barkur. All who have benefitted from and feel a connection to this platform are warmly invited to attend, whether residing locally, in neighbouring parishes, in distant cities, or abroad.
For communication and feedback, members may connect through the Ex CYM Barkur WhatsApp Group or write to the dedicated email address: icymbarkur50@gmail.com
Join our WhatsApp group. https://chat.whatsapp.com/I6dffjnLBi23hTb8M21OfS?mode=gi_t
Closing Reflection
Generations may differ in music, media, methods, and mindset — but the heartbeat of ICYM Barkur remains unchanged: Faith. Fellowship. Service. Leadership.
The Golden Jubilee does not belong to one era. It belongs to all who were shaped by this association and who, in turn, helped shape it.
Let us build it together.