It was a national consultation. YSM leaders from different parts of the country had gathered to share their faith experience and religious convictions. “How do their religious convictions support their daily life? How would they like to pray? What religious story had inspired them to live a meaningful life? What was their unforgettable God experience? What method of prayer did they like most? Etc. There were nearly 20 student-leaders and 5 animators.
Miss Gayatri who came from Pune started her sharing. She was inspired by the life of Karna, who was the son of Kunthidevi. They realized that her five sons (Pancha Pandavas) could save their lives, if only their eldest brother Karma was willing to sacrifice his life. As soon as Arjuna approached him, Karna understood the predicament and he readily accepted to give up his life for his brothers. A great sacrifice indeed!! - dying for his brothers!!! Gayatri wanted to live the example of Karna. “I have my sister Poornima, who is suffering from Polio and lost her two legs. But I am not able to love Poornima as much as Karna loved his brothers. Still Karna is the motivating force for me to support my sister” said Gayatri. All the participants clapped their hands in appreciation and the animator shook her hands, as the eyes of Gayatri were bright and full of tears of joy.
Judie D’Souza from Secunderabad said. “My experience also is similar. The death of Christ on the cross is my inspiration. Jesus died proving His love for me. I must carry on His work among my class mates. YSM gives me the opportunity to serve the weak students.
Rev. Fr. Santhan, an animator from Bellary commended, “Although the faith back grounds of Gayatri and Judie are different, the inspiration is very similar. Instead of quarrelling in the name of religions, we Indians should learn to respect and appreciate the positive elements in the religious practices of others”.
Pauldass from Pondicherry shared his experience of a Christmas celebration, when his YSM group shared sweets and new clothes with orphanage children. An animator Mrs. Sara from Madras celebrated one Christmas in a poor lay’s hut. “That was the best Christmas in my life”, she said.
The word “Christmas”, stirred up many to share their experiences. All enjoyed the company of Baby Jesus. All students like the idea of playing with babies.
Just then Krishna Veni from Madurai shared her favorite prayer method. She showed a picture of Child Krishna. She used to pray to Lord Krishna as if she talked to her own younger brother. Participants appreciated the intimacy with which Krishna Veni related with God.
When Fr. Leslie Moras of Mysore congratulated Krishna Veni, she revealed a secret. Her uncle has some prejudice against that YSM consultation. He expected that YSM animators would ridicule the prayer methods of Hindu students. He even prepared Krishna Veni how to protest when the YSM group laughs at the Hindu prayer. Krishna Veni said “I came with the prejudice. But I go home totally happy”.
Now it was Absha, a Muslim girl from Hyderabad who shared, “In our prayer as Muslims, we say “Allahu Akbar”. God is great and powerful. But I like the way Christians and Hindu speak about God as their own father or Mother or Brother. Hereafter I shall relate with Allah as my own beloved father”. Absha was overjoyed when all clapped their hands.
Finally Akram from Bellary and Badrinarayan from Trichy said, “Convinced that students of various religions can work together in YSM. That is the beauty of this movement”.
Fr. M. C. Michael Menamparampil