Media Release

Bengaluru, Jun 16: A spirited and purpose-driven Civil Services Awareness Seminar, aimed at motivating and guiding Christian youth aspiring for government service, was held on June 14 at the HRD Centre of the Karnataka Central Diocese Office.

Jointly organised by the Indian Christian Unity Forum (ICUF), Catholic Connect, CSI Karnataka Central Diocese, KNE Trust, and Prathibha Foundation, the event drew over 200 enthusiastic participants from across the city. The programme commenced with a soulful session of praise and worship led by Pr Moses.

The event was formally opened with words of welcome by Nigel Fernandes and Nishal D’Souza, followed by a keynote message from J A Kanthraj, PRO of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, who underscored the importance of community encouragement and collective preparation for the civil services.

The seminar featured several eminent speakers who addressed various facets of the civil service journey:

• Stella Varghese, KAS officer, shared her personal story and stressed the importance of consistency and focused strategy in preparation.
• Dr Ronald Anil Fernandes, former KPSC member, elaborated on the selection process and offered practical insights for effective planning.
• Anthony Vikram, director, Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation (KMDC), introduced various government scholarships and schemes available for minority candidates.
• Anthony Mendonca from Prathibha Foundation delivered a motivational talk on the power of resilience, mentorship, and community support.
• Jaijo Joseph, secretary, KNE Trust, provided valuable information on accessible and affordable coaching avenues, including those supported by Kerala Samajam.

A highlight of the programme was the interactive Q&A session led by Elisha Andrews, KAS, who responded to multiple queries from aspirants with clarity and depth, receiving warm appreciation from the audience.

The event was ably compered by Dr Carol Mascarenhas, consultant at Bangalore Baptist Hospital, who kept the proceedings engaging and smooth. A formal vote of thanks was proposed by Solomon Raju, CA, treasurer of CSI, acknowledging the contributions of speakers, organisers, and participants.

The programme concluded with refreshments and informal networking, allowing aspirants to interact directly with mentors and fellow attendees.

More than just an information-sharing session, the seminar served as a call to action — reaffirming the potential of youth in the Christian community to enter public service with faith, preparation, and the right support. The collective efforts of ICUF, Catholic Connect, CSI KCD, KNE Trust, and Prathibha Foundation reflect a growing commitment to equipping the next generation of leaders.