Greetings of joy, my dear young leaders of YCS YSM India!
With a heart full of hope and a spirit dedicated to making a difference, my name is Abhishek Bhattacharjee, and I hail from the Archdiocese of Guwahati. Whether you know me or not, I am deeply grateful that you’ve taken the time to read this. My hope is that my words, in some way, inspire you to become an outstanding leader. While I may not be the best leader out there, my journey has been unique and special, and I hope it resonates with you.
To begin with, I’m privileged to be part of the Youth Ministry through the wonderful movement known as YCS/YSM, which many of you might already be familiar with. On June 8th, 2024, I celebrated 13 years of dedicated service and incredible experiences within this movement. These years have been a journey of growth, filled with moments that have shaped, refined, and ultimately defined me.
Back in 2011, life got pretty crazy when I found myself stuck in a bullying mess at the hostel. Tired of school stress and avoiding math like the plague, I stumbled upon YCS/YSM a total game-changer.
Took me a while, but after a month of psyching myself up, I spilled the beans at a YCS/YSM cell meeting. The room buzzed with excitement as I shared my story, feeling like a weight had been lifted.
With my members backing me up, I dove deeper into the YCS/YSM scene, finding my strength and a safe place. Pumped by this new crew vibe, I waved goodbye to the toxic hostel life, knowing I’d found my real family a squad that not only had my back but also helped me find my voice and rewrite my story.
Life began to find its rhythm again, and things took an exciting turn when I embarked on my first solo journey to Bhopal. Little did I know, it was the beginning of an endless adventure, brimming with opportunities waiting to be seized.
From being elected as the unit leader to representing my diocese, and later assuming roles such as cultural secretary of the region and regional YSM representative, each step was a thrilling new challenge. But it wasn’t just about titles; it was about the journey—the moments of growth, the bonds forged, and the memories created along the way.
In 2018, I was entrusted with the role of Diocese Coordinator of the Archdiocese of Guwahati, a responsibility that filled me with pride and humility. The following year, I took on the role of YSM Student Regional Coordinator for the North East Region, a position that allowed me to connect with youth from across the region and inspire positive change.
Then, in 2021, came a momentous milestone—I was appointed as the National Coordinator of YCS/YSM India. It was a culmination of years of dedication, passion, and hard work—a dream realized that left me both exhilarated and humbled.
I never thought I would attain such significant roles because I never pursued positions for their own sake. My motivation stemmed from the profound impact YCS/YSM had on me—it shaped me and gave me so much more than I could have imagined. And as a non-Catholic, the love and respect I received within the Catholic movement is something I cannot express through words or actions.
But amidst all these roles and responsibilities, one role stood out—the role of a full-time volunteer at Bethania Training Centre. It was here, amidst the laughter of youths and the warmth of their smiles, that I found true fulfillment and purpose.
I’ve become more responsible through my experiences at Bethania, where I’ve had the opportunity to welcome youth from all over India, along with esteemed officials and local community members. I’ve dedicated myself to ensuring that everyone who walks through our doors feels at home, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie. And in return, I’ve learned invaluable lessons from each interaction, deepening my understanding of compassion, empathy, and the power of community.
I’m deeply grateful to the CCBI Youth Commission for extending me, a non-Catholic, the remarkable opportunity to participate in World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal. As a devout Hindu, witnessing the Pope and visiting Spain and Finland were dreams come true. The experience was not just about fulfilling personal aspirations but also about embracing diverse faiths and cultures, fostering unity, and spreading love and understanding across borders.
Being part of such a monumental event and having the chance to interact with people from all walks of life has left an indelible mark on my heart.
I am profoundly grateful to all my well-wishers—my mentors, youth directors, and the wonderful individuals who have supported me every step of the way. A heartfelt thank you to Rev. Sr. Bernadeth, Sr. Aluti, Fr. John, Sr. Wansuk, Alva, Hakka, Jimmy, and Becare for their unwavering encouragement and for believing in my potential. Your support has been the cornerstone of my journey, propelling me forward and shaping me into the person I am today.
A special mention to Fr. Chetan Machado, Adv. Antony Judy, and Percival Holt for their invaluable guidance and for offering me the best opportunities. Your mentorship has been a beacon of light, guiding me through challenges and inspiring me to reach for the stars. I am filled with gratitude for all that you have done for me.
Lastly, I am grateful to all the Diocesan, Regional, and National executive committee members for believing in me. Your trust and support have been instrumental in my journey, and I am deeply appreciative of the opportunities you have provided.
“As I pen these words, overwhelmed with gratitude, I stand as Abhishek today because of the unwavering support of these incredible individuals. Thank you, from the depths of my heart.
As Steve Jobs famously said, ‘The only way to do great work is to love what you do,’ and your belief in me has been the driving force behind my journey.
I hope my path inspires you, as your support has inspired me. With humility, I continue to learn, knowing that every milestone reached is a testament to your faith in me. Remember, as Nelson Mandela once said, ‘It always seems impossible until it’s done.’ Let’s continue to chase our dreams and overcome every obstacle together.
Thank you for being a part of this extraordinary journey.”
Abhishek Bhattacharjee
National Coordinator : 2021 -24