Pics: Umesh Marpalli / Edgar Cardoza
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (EC)
Udupi, Oct 20: The three-day convention of YCS/YSM Movement of Karnataka region, the first such state-level event, came to a grand close on Tuesday October 20 with a colourfully procession followed by a valedictory at St Mary's English Medium School, Kannarpady here.
The procession was flagged off by Udupi superintendent of police (SP) Annamalai at Mother of Sorrows Church. The four-mile procession culminated at the valedictory venue.
Addressing the gathering after flagging off the procession, Annamalai said, "An effort to bring a positive change in society is expected from every individual. Hence, through the 1,500 students gathered here, let there be 1,500 positive changes in our society."
Earlier, a Eucharist mass was offered at Mother of Sorrows Church with Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, being the main celebrant and 9 other priests as concelebrants.
In his homily, Fr Ronald Veigas said, "When we change our attitudes and transform from within, we tend to choose the path of truth and life. There is so much of violence, and this is because of the ego in us. Only when we kill our ego can we lead a life of true happiness.
"Our Movement puts forth the truth that you cannot achieve change from outside. It has to start within us. Only then can we see a changed and transformed society around us.The purpose of this Movement is accomplished when you, the students, find and identify who you are and your responsibilities towards the society," he added.
The valedictory ceremony took place at St Mary’s School grounds, Kannarpady, with Udupi bishop Dr Gerald Lobo presiding over the function.
Dr Gerald in his presidential address said, "Today's education is giving more importance to set rule of standards. It does not convey socially-relevant messages and hence we are losing human values these days. We must give ourselves to society, and one day we will get the same support from society.
"Former President Dr A PJ Abdul Kalam had quoted 'Through unity, brotherhood and love for country, we can establish a developed India'. We must also have faith and fear in god. Whichever religion we might belong to, God is one and we must pray to Him to bless and guide us in our daily life." He then congratulated every person responsible for the success of the convention.
The main purpose of the event was to put forth the problems of the students to the ministers concerned. An appeal letter was drafted on Monday October 19 in a workshop by the students.
The appeal letter was read out by Hazel Martis, president, regional YCS. Fr Mari Joseph handed over the letters to Fr Denis D'Sa, PRO, diocese of Udupi, so that it would be forwarded to the state education ministers as well as others concerned. Bishop Dr Gerald assured that the letters would be delivered to the state government.
Dr Henry D'Souza, bishop of Ballari and chairman, KRCBC - Youth Commission, Fr Deepak K J Thomas, NYD, Delhi, F Lawerence D’Souza, secretary, Catholic Board of Education, diocese of Udupi, Fr Denis D’Sa, PRO, diocese of Udupi, Sr Irene Tauro, Bangaluru, Raymond D’Souza of the Minority Commission, New Delhi, Martin P, president, regional ICYM, Karnataka, Ida D’Souza, member, taluk panchayat, Udupi, Alphonse D’Souza, secretary, pastoral council, diocese of Udupi and office-bearers and representatives of YCS/YSM were present on the dais.
The people who contributed to th convention were felicitated. More than 1,500 students participated from different dioceses of Karnataka.
Fr Henry welcomed the dignitaries and the delegates, while Elson D’Souza, Udupi, compered the entire programme and Fr Mari Joseph, secretary, KRCBC, Youth Commission proposed the vote of thanks.