report by;Jovita, Mangalore, Karnataka National Secretary of YCS/YSM
Kolkota: The first meeting of NTA/Exco live in of the term 2010-13 was held from 4th to 7th Nov. 2010, in Kalyani, Kolkata at West Bengal. The gathering included 27 members, consisting of 9 National Excos, 3 RYDs, 3 Animators, 3 Ex National Excos, LOCs of West Bengal and National Chaplain.
Since there was a delay in the arrival of all the delegates on 4th Dec., programme started on 5th morning. Registration was done on 4th night, accommodation was provided at Nitika, Don Bosco and Seva Kendra, Kolkata. As according to the given instruction we all got up at 4.30am and moved to the venue Kalyni which is 50kms from Kolkata.
On 5th morning inaugural function started at 9.00am in a Bengali traditional way, which impressed all the delegates. Joyce National Exco of West Bengal Welcomed the gathering, Fr. Charles National Chaplain gave the brief introduction about the live in. cultural dance performed by the Kalyani students was quite good.
Soon after the inaugural there was session on History of YCS/YSM, Basic principles of YCS/YSM, Cell life, Review of life by Sr. Margaret, Lady Animator of YCS/YSM Karnataka. It helped us to grasp the important features of YCS/YSM.
Next session was by Ms Biphasha, Regional Animator of YCS/YSM West Bengal, on Team building, Goal setting, Motivation. Many delegates raised their questions for which she gave us perfect answers. She explained the concept of Motivation in a innovative way. Over all we found it worth.
After her session Suzan and Amith, Ex National Exco’s of West Bengal led us to action songs. At 5.00pm we had an awareness walk on the streets of Kalyani. It was Not just a walk but it was an important part of our live in, which gave us a opportunity to think more about our surrounding, how the people are struggling, how our whole environment getting polluted and living condition in village etc. All these thoughts created a kind of awareness among students. On the way we visited Ashalayam, where the street boys and girls have been provided accommodation and educated. The superior of this Ashalayam told us about the achievements of some boys and girls who are at present working abroad, who have achieved their goals. He also explained how happily each one is living over there.
Fr. Sanjay DYD of West Bengal conducted the evaluation of Awareness walk. Evaluation reflected how each student applied the methodology of YCS /YSM. Students giving their opinion said that we can do something better, we can create awareness in the society about the pollution not by instructing others but doing something good by our self.
On 6th we dealt with the topic ‘Statutes of YCS/YSM India’. It was the wonderful time which we spent in live in. Most of the delegates raised their questions, suggestions, regarding the aims and structure of the movement, YCS/YSM logo, YCS/YSM anthem, Removal of rule 14, the election of National Exco’s and proposition for the amendments, etc.
Then we spent some time in preparing the Lesson plans on “Students for Green and Harmonious India”. The Tamilnadu region had prepared a few lessons which were set right by the Excos. It will be sent to all the Dioceses for their Cell meetings.
Soon after the discussion on the statutes, we had election for the post of convener, secretary and treasurer. As per the rule only 2 Excos of every region and RYDs were eligible to elect the candidate. Since there were 9 Excos and 3 RYDs total number of votes came up to 12. Fr. Olavo, RYD of Goa, gave a brief introduction on the responsibility of each post. All the Excos were eligible to be the candidates. Joyce John of West Bengal, Jovita of Karnataka, and Cuthbert of North East got elected as Convener, Secretary and Treasurer of YCS/YSM India for the year 2010-13 respectively. Frank of West Bengal headed the Search Editorial board and Melwyn of Nagpur accepted to be the Liturgical secretary.
The final topic of the live in was Action Plan, where we discussed about various modes of services as well as different field to be focused during the national survey of YCS/YSM. There were also few suggestions regarding the introduction of YCS/YSM in the institutions like Colleges, Nursing Schools, Educational institutions etc. We also focussed on various problems, constrains of teenagers like education pressure, peer relationship, time factor on activities, committed animators, parents pressure, money and finance etc.
Since 14th IYCS world council is going to be held in India for the first time the opinions were asked regarding the hosting region but most of regions were not ready to accept the responsibilities and suggested to host it in Karnataka. Though it was agreed to be in Karnataka there was a little confusion between Mangalore and Bangalore as venues. There was difference of opinion as well as supporting points regarding the venues; finally it was decided to be held in Mangalore at Shanthi Kiran, Bajjodi. When the question was raised regarding regional contribution few suggested the necessity of consulting the DYD/RYD’s.
We also discussed about raising of funds and various means to work on it. An idea was to contribute Rs.10 from each member of YCS/YSM India and collection from sponsors. The gathering felt that there is a need to work on the composition of YCS/YSM anthem and YCS/YSM logo. Thus Fr. Olavo, the RYD of Goa is given the responsibility to re-write the YCS/YSM anthem. Fr. Charles was to see to YCS/YSM logo.
We were happy to know that the search magazine is published after a log gap and copy was given to the gathering. Fr. Charles requested to send the address of all the units of India. It reaches all the units of India as well as abroad. Thus we ended the second day of live in programme.
According to the time table third day was for outing and places we had to visit where Mother Teresa’s tomb, Sight-seeing in the city, Metro ride, and River cruise. Before leaving for the outing Ex National Exco’s handed over the responsibilities to the present exco’s by handing over the lighted candle.