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By Fr. Chetan Machado , National Chaplain , YCS/YSM India

New Delhi, Nov 12 :

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace”.

YSM (Young Students' Movement) has completed 50 years of its existence (1970-2020) and on 6th of November 2021, the jubilee was celebrated with extreme joy and enthusiasm at NBCLC Bangalore, during the Annual National Students Leadership Training Programme.

The Jubilee Eucharistic Celebration was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Chetan Machado, National Chaplain and Fr. Anil D’sa, Asian YCS Chaplain preached. A number of former YSMers, NEXCOs, REXCOs & Members joined the programme from across the country and shared their experience of being a YCS/YSMer in the past and how they have lived the methodology of the movement in their life. They shared that YSM has helped them to become a better person even as a better Christian, Hindu or Muslim and they urged that the movement should not be restricted to religion as we are the agents of change who are to make a difference.

Some of the alumni present included Sr. Mary Margaret [1983-1986 National President, 2001-2002 National Coordinator], Mr. James Sylvester [National Treasure 1983-1986], Mr. Syed Akram [National Coordinator 1986-1988], Ms. Krithika, Mr. Leo Saldana, Ms. Ashma, and Ms. Sudha. Mr. Leo, Mr. Kamal from Tamilnadu, Mr. Jimmt Pdang from the North East, Jovita D'Souza from Karnataka (all former office bearers) participated in the programme. Fr. Charles Menezes, the former IYCS Chaplain also addressed the students during the programme.

The celebration began in the evening; the MCs of the programme were Ms. Anushka Ternopi [NEXCO North East Region] and Mr. Arpit Katara [NEXCO Madhya Pradesh Region]. Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara [Deputy Secretary General CCBI], Mr. George Joseph [former President 1978-1979], Mr. Deril D'Sa [National President], Fr. Raymond [Former YCS/YSMer and Secretary for VSCR CCBI], Fr. Lourd Raj [Karnataka Regional Chaplin], Fr. John Baptist [Director of NBCLC], Fr. Anil D’sa [IYCS Asian Chaplain], Fr. Chetan Machado [National Chaplain] were the dignitaries for the celebration along with 75 delegates which included animators, chaplains and students from six regions across India.

The dignitaries were welcomed by Ms. Anjalina Ekka [Cultural and Liturgical Secretary] followed by cake cutting, later a brief history of YSM was shared by Ms. Ashita Jimmy [Search Editor]. Mr. George Joseph [Former President], Fr. Raymond, Mr. Joseph Kamal Francis shared their experiences of being in the YCS/YSM movement. Later Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara shared his message with the young people followed by Fr. Anil D’sa & Fr. Chetan Machado. Mr. George Joseph, the second President of the movement was felicitated during the programme. Golden Jubilee mementos were distributed among the regions by Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, followed by a short cultural programme. Mr. Deril D’sa, National Convener proposed vote of thanks. The jubilee celebration concluded with a meaningful inter-religious prayer followed by a sumptuous meal.

About YCS / YSM

YCS/YSM (Young Catholic Students /Young Students Movement) is a students' movement following the methodology of See, Judge, and Act (Awareness-Reflection-Action-Evaluation). YCS began as a Christian Social Action Movement for students and YSM was added for the students of all faiths. On 14th August 1970, YCS/YSM was affiliated to IYCS (International Young Catholic Students). YCS/YSM was recognized officially by CBCI (Catholic Bishops Conference of India) in 1981 as Service of Young and Humanity and later came under CCBI (Conference of Catholic Bishops of India) in 2018.

At present the movement has over a lakh student members and more than 1000 dedicated animators, youth workers spread out in 14 regions. The Movement has formed active and dynamic leaders, social workers and liberators who are involved in the process of socio- economic-political-spiritual welfare of the people all over the country.