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by: Jovita D’Souza, National Secretary, YCS/YSM India

THE REPORT OF NTA/EXCO MEETING – 3

17-18th December 2011at Seva Kendra, Kolkata

The third meeting of NTA/EXCO was held at Seva Kendra, Kolkata, West Bengal on 17 and 18th of December 2011 4 RYDs, 12 NTA/EXCOs,1 Animator and  The National Chaplain were present for the meeting. Those present were Fr. Robin, Joyce John and Frank  Russell from W.B, Jovita from Karnataka, Fr. Esthakius and Laranzia from T.N.,  Ms. Sharine, Angela and Francis from Jhansi, U.P.,  Fr. Ranjith, Neelmani and  Sughandha  from Orissa, Sr. Agnes,  Cuthbert and Jenifer from N.E., Fr. Philip,  Alice and Melwin from Nagpur. Leo Joseph from T.N, Suzan Topno, Jyothi from W.B were also present. The chairman of Youth Commission Archbishop Leo Cornelio, RYD of Karnataka, RYDs and EXCo’s of  A.P.,  Goa, M.P.,  Bhijan  and Northern region were absent for the Meeting.

The meeting began at 2.30 with prayer. The National Convener Joyce welcomed the gathering. A special warm welcome was given to the new NTA/EXCO of Jhansi and Orissa, new RYD’s of N.E. and W.B. The National Secretary Jovita read out the report of last NTA/EXCO meeting followed by the National Report by Fr. Charles Menezes. He briefed us about the programs held at national level and the various visits by the National chaplain to the regions. In the follow up of the report the absence of the chairman and some regions for all the meetings were taken into account seriously, especially those who were not bothered to name their Excos and inform about their absence. The participants suggested to hold a meeting between National Chaplain, National team and the Chairman Bishop Leo Cornelio regarding this issue and for the lack of attention by the CBCI and higher authority.

Meeting continued with the evaluation of inter regional students leadership training program (IRSLTP) which was held in Mysore and Shillong. Goa and Karnataka, North East and West Bengal successfully completed their IRSLTP. Tamilnadu and A.P., Orissa and Bhijan IRSLTP are pending. Orissa and Tamilnadu were ready to host 5days program by the end of March. Fr .Charles assured them that some money would be given to them by the National Office to bear the expenses. Since A.P. and Bhijan were absent for the meeting, no decision was taken regarding this. He also stressed that these programs are for the leaders like DEXCO’s, REXCO’s and unit leaders. It’s of no use to send those who know nothing about YCS because unless and until they know about the movement, what is YCS and its methodology, they cannot take part in the programs of Regional and National level. It is not proper to give them training on introduction to the movement and history at this program.

This program is to boost up the energy of leaders. So he requested to send those who are willing to serve the movement. This point was put up mainly because of the past participants of NSLTP. Fr. Charles asked the directors to send only those who have attended the Regional or Diocesan programs. If you want to send new students, give them some input session or orientation regarding YCS, he said.

After tea the N.E., Orissa and Nagpur NEXCO’s and RYD’s were officially welcomed. Fr. Robin and Sr Agnes were the new RYDs and Angela, Sugandha and Francis were the new Excos. We celebrated birthday of Alice (NEXCO of Nagpur), we also had a small Christmas gathering along with DEXCO of W.B. where Fr. Charles gave his message with a live example of one boy, whose life was changed through YCS.

At 6pm during the mass Fr. Robin, the main celebrant gave his message saying that we are not only human beings but also Devine who are filled with the spirit of God and explained the meaning of advent and Emmanuel. After the mass we started with the reports of every region. Beginning with T.N., it’s a region with the strength of 144700 students, 17 dioceses and 1374 units of YCS/YSM. They have regular programs like DEXCO meeting, Diocesan coordinators meeting, various visits, orientation programs etc. This is one of the well functioned, well organized regions of YCS. It has its own magazine called “Thudipu” (heart beat) were nearly 1000 copies has been printed and sent all over T.N. They successfully run the movement in their regions with the help of Coordinators.

In Orissa where Fr. Ranjith could run the movement successfully even YCS is present only in 3 dioceses. They had taken part in NSLTP which was held in Jhansi, they also had organized a regional camp in which 315 students participated. The theme of the program was ‘Let your light shine’. They inspire other regions because they regularly take part in the NTA/EXCO meetings.

N.E. is the region where YCS is running successfully in 150 schools. They have number of training programs, orientation programs at various diocesan level and IRSLTP. We came to know that it’s not the mega events which make the movement to survive for long, it’s the cell meeting and regular training programs keep the movement alive. They have also formed YCS city cells which are opened for all; especially the Ex- YCSers will join them and help the new YCSers. This is how it is running actively in N.E.

Since Jhansi was new to the NTA/EXCO meeting they had no report of the programs, but we were happy to know that they hosted NSLTP in Hindi successfully. Melwin the NTA/EXCO of Nagpur presented the report of Nagpur. The movement is running only in few schools and they are unable to organize programs due to lack of support from students and school authorities, lack of awareness of YCS/YSM among parents. Still we were happy to hear that they had programs like village exposure with the help to NGO’s. The best part was that they have their regular cell meetings every week.

Karnataka regional report was given by Jovita. After the last NTA/EXCO meet they had one Animators training program at regional level where felicitation of those animators who had served the movement for 15yr, 10yr and 5yr took place. Presently the movement is running successfully in Mangalore, Gulbargha, Mysore and Shimoga dioceses. They are unable to reach out to other dioceses and also some have closed down due to numerous reasons. It’s a great responsibility of REXCO’s to give boost to those dioceses which are dyeing day by day and extend their hands to other dioceses for its revival.

Kolkata was unable to present the report due to lack of functioning, but they had a big event called ‘Christmas fiesta’ in which we all went and took part after the meeting. After the report of all the regions Fr. Charles in his opinion said that it is not the programs which help the movement to run successfully but it’s a regular cell meetings which keeps the movement healthy. Finance was a big barrier for every region.

The next agenda of the meeting was evaluation of the IYCS world council. Everybody was of the opinion that the council was well organized even though it was organized for the first time in our country. Fr. Ranjith said that through the IYCS council we could experience that our movement is an international movement and how it has spread all over the world. Melwin in his sharing said that we have become more responsible, we are now confident to host any event. Joyce said that some Indian delegates were not regular for the sessions. Fr. Charles in his opinion said that world council was entirely a different learning. Everything went on well but better preparation on the part of international team was required. Regarding finance collection of Rs.10 from every student did not work at all. Contribution of 5000 from few regions was the only help. The appeal was sent all over India especially to 164 Dioceses and a few responded along with some religious institutions and a few individuals. All appreciated that souvenir was prepared well and reached on time. Dedication, determination on the part of LOC’s was excellent.

Next we had very important topic of the agenda i.e. 16th National council which will be held in May 2013. Since all the regions agree to host it in N.E. there was a little confusion between 2 venues; Shillong or Guahati? The decision was left to RYD of N.E. to confirm the venue before next NTA/EXCO meeting. The theme suggested by the National chaplain was ‘Students education in the hour of Interculturality and religious pluralism’. Steering committees consist of National team, REXCO’s of N.E. and DEXCO’s of Shillong. We would call international Chaplain for the council. Since few suggested to include RYD’s in steering committee, Fr. Ranjith and Fr. Esthakius names were added in the committee.

Fr. Robin was given in charge to rewrite or to put a new tune for the YCS/YSM National anthem before next NTA/EXCO meeting. When the question was raised regarding participation in the National Council, Fr. Charles took the responsibility to look into it according to the strength of every region by next NTA/EXCO meeting. The statutes of YCS/YSM India will be sent to all participants 6 month ahead of the National Council so that they prepare well before they attend the council.

The next topic of the agenda was Asian session and Council which will be held in Thailand from 12 to 22 March 2012. 5 participants from every country would participate which includes National Chaplain, one animator and 3 students. Joyce, Cutbert and Laranzia will take part in the council along with one animator. W.B. and Karnataka EXCO’s suggested two animators’ names that deserve this chance for their service to our movement and one would be sent. Jyothi and Leo Joseph names were chosen as nomination for the post of Asian coordinator. Fr. Charles said that after consulting their parents one name will be finalized and sent to Asian office.

On 18th we started our day with holy mass and the main celebrant was the Most Rev. Bishop Thomas D’Souza, the Coagitor Archbishop of Kolkata.  His message was ‘Launch out into deep’, be strong in your faith, live as a witnesses to Christ. Let others see the difference in you. Be committed to your day to day work.

After mass we had a talk with the Bishop. The topic was the need of the expansion and revival of YCS movement in W.B. Joyce and Frank briefed him about the pitiful situation of YCS in W.B. Suzan stressed that there is an urgent need for the guidance to the office bearers and students of YCS in Kolkata, They urge the support and attention from a Diocesan Director which is lacking now due to RYD’s Busy schedule.  There is a long gap between Students and Director. We need to build it up once again. Hard work of students must be recognized. Fr. Charles insisted that Fr. Pepin would be a right person as a DYD of Kolkata to cater to YCS, where as Fr. Robin could continue as a RYD of W.B.

When bishop asked Fr. Robin to give his opinion, he mentioned that there is no support from the schools since they are busy in their school schedule. He also confessed that he himself is busy in his media and parish activities. He gave his positive response for Fr. Charles’ suggestion that he would be happy if Fr. Pepin will take over Kolkata YCS and he would work as RYD of W.B.

After a long discussion on YCS in W.B. Bishop raised a question, why there is no strong link between YCS and ICYM? As an answer for this question Fr. Charles explained the history of YCS and formation of Youth Commission by CBCI in 1985. Youth commission consists of YCS, ICYM and AICUF, etc.  Since the secretary of youth commission is the director of ICYM, all the attention is given to that and people have wrong notion that ICYM is an umbrella movement and YCS and AICUF is a part of it, which is absolutely wrong. We are lacking the attention and support from CBCI. We are not invited for any of the meetings nor do we get the due recognition as an official movement. We urge bishop to help us to sort out these problems. Bishop assured us that he will put these points in next CBCI meeting which will be held in February at Bangalore. He also promised to help appoint DYD of Kolkata for YCS.

Then we had a discussion about revival of our movement in existing regions and extension of our movement to other regions. National chaplain has an idea of appointing 4 full timers for 3 years who will go to different parts of our country and get the report of every Diocese and of each region. If there is a need then have a training program in particular dioceses. They will meet together every month and will be remunerated who will work under the guidance of RYDs and DYDs while visiting various dioceses and institutions. He said that MSW students would be better for these services. He asked RYD’s to suggest the names if they have any one in their region who are willing to do this work and this will start working in the next academic year.

After this topic we had an inspiring session on ‘students for Anti Corruption Movement’ by Mr. Sunil Lukas, President of SIGNIS India. He said that we are born in corruption, we grow in corruption and we die in corruption. Corruption has become part of our life, its spread all over the country. But as student we must act differently. If corruption has to stop it has to begin within you. “If you want change, be the change you want to see”

The next topic on the agenda was Formation of DEXCO’s and REXCO’s. It’s the work of DYDs to elect DEXCO and RYDs to form REXCO and their job is to help and guide other dioceses. Fr. Charles made a strong point that by next NTA/EXCO meeting REXCO’s and DEXCO’s must be elected.

Next subject was National YCS/YSM lay animators Training program which will be held from 18 – 24 May 2012 at Chennai. The venue will be Chennai since we have international resource persons travelling from Sri Lanka and Philippines’ for this training program. The name of the program will be ATP (Animators Training Program). We also have our next NTA/EXCO meeting during that time in the same venue.

As per agenda next topic was about the present situation of our National Office.            Fr. Charles said that the issue regarding site will be sorted out as soon as possible, location of the office will be changed hopefully by a next NTA/EXCO Meeting. He is planning to buy a flat of 2 or 3 bedroom so that little portion of money will be saved and kept in bank for the expenses of national office or we can also have working office at Delhi and a small office at Chennai, but we can’t move forward until there is any response from Madras Mylapore Diocese and from youth commission chairman and CBCI.

About the Search Magazine, 3000 copies are printed and sent to all units now but there neither income nor any subscription for this. Expenditure incurred on every issue is nearly 40000. We could have made it monthly if there are few advertisements and good subscriptions, so that one full time person would be appointed as in charge to look after our magazine. Lack of coordination between Editorial boards is also a major problem. This must be taken seriously. The editorial board must take initiative to collect and send articles. Sad to hear that there is no response from RYD’s or DYD’s for free copy also.

The last topic of agenda was about the resource material for cell meetings. Fr. Charles said that lesson plans are printed in every issue of ‘the Search’. He asked to refer it and have cell meetings on the same topics. Dioceses should prepare their own resource material basing on the national theme. The next meeting will be in the same place where ATP will be held. Fr. Charles declared this meeting closed. A Big Thanks to all RYD’s and NTA/EXCO’s who have made it to this meeting and participated actively.