Mangaluru: The YCS (Young Catholic Students) and YSM (Young Students' Movement) India in collaboration with YCS YSM Mangaluru diocesan council is organizing a National Students' Leadership Training Programme and National Animators' Training.

The programme was inaugurated by Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha at Shanthi Kiran, Bajjodi in the city on November 6. Fr Peter D'Souza, director of the Diocesan Pastoral Center, Fr Chetan Machado, the YCS YSM national chaplain, Fr Rupesh Madtha, YCS YSM Mangaluru diocesan director and Jesvita Quadras, the YCS YSM national president were present on the dais. Jesvita welcomed the gathering.

In his inaugural speech, the bishop exhorted the YCS YSM'ers to be in touch with reality and to be aware of the happenings in society. He urged the students and
animators to be guided and focused by scriptures for discernment and to make a vision statement and to live it everyday.

Fr Peter D'Souza, director of diocesan pastoral center stated that the students have storehouses of energy and they should make use of this energy for the right purpose and to avoid evil and do good.

Fr Rupesh Madtha, the diocesan director spoke and stressed on the introspection about the activities we attend. He also said to train the mind and heart for service. YCS YSM is a right choice at the right age for a right future.

Ravi, a national council member from Madhya Pradesh extended his gratitude toward everyone. Vanshika, another national council member from Delhi compered the inaugural. Around 100 students, chaplains and animators were present throughout the training programme.

The concluding programme on Saturday November 10 will be presided over by Monsignor Maxim Noronha, vicar general of the diocese.