Karnataka Regional Youth Commission Hosts Regional Youth Meeting in Bangalore

Bangalore, April 8, 2025 — The Karnataka Regional Youth Commission (KRYC) convened a joint meeting of core team members from units of the Young Catholic Students/Young Students Movement (YCS/YSM) and the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) across Karnataka on April 5, 2025, at the Subodhana Centre, Bangalore. This collaborative session, also attended by KRYC members, aimed to review past initiatives, strategise upcoming programmes, and further strengthen youth ministry efforts across the region.

Youth leaders from various dioceses participated in the one-day event, fostering collaboration, dialogue, and a shared sense of mission. Ms. Vileena Gonsalves, KRYC Coordinator and ICYM Regional President, moderated the proceedings.

During the gathering, youth representatives presented updates on initiatives undertaken in their respective dioceses, shared concerns and challenges they faced, and exchanged ideas on ways to enhance the growth and impact of youth ministry across Karnataka. Key topics discussed included the upcoming Regional Youth Convention, Student Leadership Training Programmes, Diocesan Leaders Advancement Training Programmes, and preparations for regional elections. The planning sessions sparked engaging dialogue focused on inspiring and empowering young people across the state.

The meeting was graced by the presence of Rev. Fr. Lourd Raj, Regional Youth Director; Sr. Molly Illickal, Regional Animator; and Rev. Fr. George Fernandes, Diocesan Youth Director of Chikmagalur.

In alignment with their Lenten campaign,

“Reconnect – Listen, Live, and Lend”, the KRYC team carried out charitable outreach activities following the meeting. They distributed food packages to underprivileged individuals near the centre and later visited Nirmala Shishu Bhavan, a home for abandoned, differently-abled, and malnourished children. The team donated money from their Lenten savings to the care home, spent meaningful time with the children, and interacted with their caregivers. The visit concluded with the team members praying for the children and those caring for them.

The meeting and outreach activities deepened the sense of unity and purpose among regional youth leaders, reaffirming their commitment to service and to nurturing the next generation of youth in Karnataka.

By Anson Nazareth