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Report: Wilma D’Souza, Mangalore, Secretary of the NSLTP

REPORT OF NSLTP
4-8 May 2011, Muttom – Kanyakumari.

The YCS/YSM (NSLTP) National student leadership  training programme (in English) was organized for the 6 regions including A.P, Karnataka , Tamilnadu , M.G, Goa, North East at ASHOKA Foundation in Muttom, Kanyakumari  from 4th May  to 8th May 2011. The total number of participants was 63 including five resources persons, 5 animators, and 5 LOC and other student delegates.

1st Day:

The day started with the mass headed by the regional and national Chaplains along with the Vicar general of Kottar Diocese Rev. Fr. V. Mariyadasan. He emphasized the importance of students as leaders in today’s world and his fine words of appreciation impressed all of us. Leaders are not born but are made, people coming to a programme as zero but move out as heroes, he said. Soon after the mass Fr. Charles gave a brief introduction of the NSLTP and Ice Breaking was done by him. Then the students were divided into 4 groups to be sent for an exposure visit. First group was sent to kanyakumari, Second Group was sent to Rope Making, third group was sent to Pot making and the Natural Medicines, fourth group was sent to Milk Factory and NTA / EXCO along with RYD and The National Chaplain visited a Tsunami affected area. In the evening  we had an evaluation of exposure visit from various groups. Soon after the evaluation we elected camp leader and the camp secretary. Kamal Francis and Wilma D’Souza got elected as camp leader and secretary respectively. The day concluded with prayer along with small clipping of tsunami, which took place in Tamilnadu in 2004.

2nd day:             

The day started with the mass headed by the regional and national Chaplains. The main celebrant was Fr. Franklin. He emphasized that everyone is special in the earth. He also explained 3 types of people namely, come and go, let me do something, Why not I ?, Who is a good leader what does the word leader mean?. The liturgy was conducted by Maharashtra region and they had done creatively. Then an important session on analysis on exposure visit and social analysis was conducted by Br. Ben Carol. He based on social analysis helped us clearly the many facets of society and we learnt many things about it viz., exploitation of women, difference between the rich and the poor, historical analysis of the society. Brother asked us to give a small programme based on the session. 

At 2pm, we came together for 3rd session. He showed us some clippings on social analysis. Accordingly, we had group discussion on 12 situations. Then we were given time to prepare a skit based on social analysis the problems, which we are facing in present day. Soon after tea we visited Muttom Beach and enjoyed the evening. At 7.30pm, we had prayer. After supper we gathered in the hall to present our programme based on the session in a creative way. The participation was very good and encouraged by all. At the end of the programme we thanked Br. Ben Carol and he delivered his message to us. We had an evaluation on the whole day which was quite positive and excellent. At the end Fr. Charles reminded us to be disciplined, punctual and he gave us duty for the next day. For the work of the group leader and the secretaries gifts of appreciation was given as an encouragement and we went to rest. 

3rd day:

The day started with the mass headed by the regional and national Chaplains. Fr. Sanjay presided over the mass and he emphasized the importance of faith and the basis of the Christian religion. 1st session was headed by Dr. Sathish who was mainly speaking in general about environment and its types. The second session was based mainly on the role of YCSers in saving the environment. He elaborated the ways in which we desecrate the earth and helped us realize mother earth’s importance.  He also helped us to enlist the measures to save the earth as YCS members.

Fr. Charles who touched upon the history, methodology and spirituality of YCS headed afternoon session. Then the students were sent in to groups region wise to prepare for a cultural programme. The evening session was started with some action songs and games. Evening prayer was headed by A.P region. After supper we had region wise cultural programme and all participated well. We ended the day with the National Anthem, which was sign of respect for a regional cultural programme. Then all students were shown a film which signified Teachers love for the students.

4th day:

All the participants were eagerly waiting for this session as they enjoyed the previous day, interacting with group members and their activities. Fr. Sebastian, former Chaplain of YCS of Tamilnadu, headed the session. He gave a talk on evil effects that takes place in India. He explained why and how the evil is affecting all the people, especially the youth and teenagers. A number of clippingas on social evil and its effects were shown to us. This session was the best of all, because he explained so clearly, that each and everyone could understand the topic very well. Fr. Sebastian showed many slide shows and we could get the clear picture of corruption in India.

He then divided us into10 groups and each group was named of the famous leaders of the world. And he explained the life stories and achievements made by them. Then each group was asked to write on the socio-economic, cultural, political problems of India and each group participated well. He ended up the session urging us to be good citizens of our country.

After the lunch Fr. Charles headed the noon session. He spoke about the YCS/YSM cell meeting and he helped us with more knowledge about YCS/YSM. And at the end a quiz was conducted by the National Exco Jovita. The 4 groups participated and responded very well.

After the quiz, a short concluding programme was held. Quiz winners were awarded with the prize. Then each group was asked to give the cultural programme and they did their best, dancing and singing they made everyone happy with their fabulous performances. After dinner camp fire was held and enjoyed to the full with songs and dances.    

5th day:

We started the day with the Holy mass headed by our national Chaplain Fr. Charles. Soon after the mass we had our evaluation of our 5 days NSLTP programme. It was worth having a camp which relates the student to become a good leaders in the society. And in Ashoka Foundation, they treated each and every one with love and care.


We are thankful to the full timers, LOC, especially Dr. Shirly for the selfless service given to us.


On 8th afternoon we visited many places in kanykumari and we enjoyed a lot out there. We departed to our native place with a heavy heart.