Belthangady: Silver Fiesta- 1991-2016- silver jubilee celebrations of ICYM Belthangady deanery was hosted on April 10, Sunday at Holy Redeemer Church Ground Belthangady. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangaluru was the president along with Vasantha Bangera, MLA Belthangady, Arun Furtado, deputy director social welfare department Bengaluru, Roy Castelino, president of Karnataka Konkani sahitya academy, Fr Bonaventure Nazareth, dean of Belthangady deanery, Fr Ronald D’Souza, director ICYM/YCS Mangaluru diocese, Alwyn D’Souza, president ICYM Mangaluru diocese as the chief guests.

The programe started at 4.30 pm by receiving Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, and the guests at the Church road entrance with a grand and colorful welcome accompanied by procession with Nasik Band and fire show. It was beautiful to watch the entire group heading towards the venue of the programme with much pomp and grandeour. The guests were escorted towards the stage and the colorful stage programe began with a prayer song led by Belthangady youth. Fr Simon D’Souza, director ICYM Belthangady deanery after the introductory note, welcomed the guests and the gathering. A report containing the glory of 25 years was presented by Clerin D’Souza, secretary ICYM Belthangady deanery.

Ex- presidents and ex-directors were honoured for the incredible work done to empower ICYM for the past 25 years by Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza. They were introduced and gratefully remembered for their selfless service and commitment.

Vasantha Bangera advised the youth to go forward without any fear to achieve their goal when there are many different forces at various level threatening the country. ICYM with its members must be powerful to withstand anti national elements and invited the youth to fight for justice.

Roy Castelino appreciated the wonderful planning of the whole programme without leaving aside any elements that is required for the jubilee celebration. He suggested a five point formula as the future vision. The most intelligent 5% must take up priesthood to lead the community, for its they who have given the maximum contribution to the community. Youth should focus much on political field and to be involved in diverse profession.

Arun Furtado, deputy director - social welfare department Bengaluru, mentioned that it’s not sufficient to be graduates or to pocess the bookish knowledge but need to integrate soft skills. We must be aware of National youth policy and incorporate them. He suggested to evaluate the past activities of ICYM seriously and plan for the future by organizing various activities that which guides their goal.

Fr Bonaventure Nazareth appreciated the involvement and commitment of youth in the whole programme and referring the various studies in the west he enlightened that majority wants to remain with youthful spirit and do not want to get old.

Fr Ronald D’Souza appreciated the work and the involvement of youth of Belthangady deanery to Diocese and promised all the support from Central council.

In his presidential speech Bishop admired the youthful spirit of Belthangady varado through the celebration of this Silver Jubilee. He advised the youth to evaluate their past years activities of ICYM to find out if they have reached the mission and vision of ICYM and thus to go forward with right vision. Rural youth have given leadership of 5 presidents from Belthangady deanery and appreciated the role of youth and he brought forth his vision for the youth to involve in political and civil services. CODP organizes various programmes for the empowerment of the youth and assured the help for the youth if they are willing to work hard.

Fr Simon D’Souza was honoured by the Bishop for the various efforts put to organize this event successfully.

Arun D’Souza, president ICYM Belthangady deanery proposed the vote of thanks. Nelson Monis, Ujire compeered the programme. Around 2000 people were present and enjoyed the programme and vowed to support the youth.

Cultural programe saw lots of colorful events such as Cultural show by Sacred Heart Institutions, Madanthayar, ‘Comedy Punch’ by Kushali Kinnigolii team, ‘Dance Damaka by A Virus Dance Crew, Tamashe Factory by R J Vismaya Vinayak and team. These various groups entertained the gathering, specially the RJ Anurag the anchor.