Media Release

Udupi, Sep 16: ‘Express - redefine your rights’, a conference of the panellists during "Yuva Samagam - 2018" was organised by ICYM diocese council at St Joseph Church premises, Belman on Wednesday September 12.

The programme commenced with a prayer session conducted by Fr Reginald Pinto and Derick Mascarenhas. Thereafter various interactive activities were organised for the relation build-up of 40 panellists from various ICYM units of the diocese by Fr Kiran Nazareth, director of ICYM Shirva deanery. Next session 'See and Say' wherein videos of the speech of famous activists were viewed and debates, discussions and views over various issues were presented by the youth.

This session was organised by Oniel Andrade, spokesperson, ICYM Karnataka region. Fr Franklin D'Souza, popular charismatic preacher and Janet Barboza, diocese president of the women's association addressed the youth.

On Thursday September 13, talks and interactive sessions on the Indian Constitution and human rights with famous activists and resource persons namely Francis D'Cunha, Sreeram Deevan, Premanand Kalmady, G Rajashekar and Jayan Malpe were held.

Francis D' Cunha spoke on the topic ' Me and My Constitution '. He spoke on the fundamental rights and duties of an Indian citizen. He also encouraged the youth to come forward and appeal to the government when injustice is experienced.

In his motivational speech, Sreeram Diwan spoke about moving in the right path and speaking for truth and justice. He filled confidence in the youth to oppose the wrong ideologies that are building up to ruin the Constitution of India and how to raise voice against it.

G Rajashekar spoke on the history and formation of the Indian constitution and how Dr B R Ambedkar’s life is closely related to it.

Jayan Malpe in his talk mentioned, in the present society false is prevailing over the truth. He spoke about why we need to love and build up relationship in our neighbourhood and what is the best way of spreading the truth.

Soon after there was an interactive session and various questions were raised by the youth and many matters were discussed. Many youth also presented their personal views.

Dion D'Souza, President, ICYM Udupi diocese concluded in his speech saying that the leadership is not about personal pride, but making a difference in someone else's life. “It's time for the youth of the diocese to take much more initiative and work in various aspects of the society and build a stronger community. We the youth of India' have the right to "express" our views and no one can stop us.”

Dr Vincent Alva, principal of Milagres College made his presence on both the days and motivated the youth with his guidance.

Fr Edwin D'Souza, director of the youth commission, diocese of Udupi addressed the youth and thanked each and every one.