YSM CELL - AN ISLAND OF HOPE
Discussion in an Animator Session heated up, when the resource person insisted on cell life of YCS Movement. He explained how 12 to 15 was a healthy number for a YSM Cell, and well guided, how YSM cell would become a dynamic force for transforming the students in a school.
Suddenly, a group of animators raised an objection. If YSM insists on a small cell, in school 600 to 80 students, the benefit of the movement would not reach the majority. The advantage of the presence of an animator should be available to large number of students in order that the movement could be effective a beneficial to the majority of students. The argument seemed reasonable.
However, a small cell that meets frequently creates an atmosphere of trust. In such a group confidential sharing of personal experience is possible. A good animator, who comes down to the level of students enables the YSM’ers to overcome their personalinhibitions and fears. Love and acceptance that members get in the small cell is the healthiest situation for their self-discovery and self-evaluation. With the encouragement of the peer group, students openly accept their limitations and failures in their personal value system. Thus in the YSM Cell, students get charged with energy to transform themselves and the student world. This was the vision of Cardijn. Students themselves become the agents of changing the student world.
Such a conducive atmosphere of mutual trust and support cannot be created in a large size of 20 to 40 members, where confidential sharing of self- discovery and personal change is possible. Before becoming agents of social change, the YSM members must get convinced of the need of personal change.
Even a small group can be powerhouse of social change. That is why Swami Vivekananda asked for 10 committed young men in order to build a new India. Jesus selected 12 disciples in his Movement for building New Heaven and New Earth.
The scene on the Calvary is striking. In a sea of Hatred and cruel accusations, there was Small Island of 4 People- Mary, Mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, St. John and the good thief. The weaves of selfishness and bitterness were beating and lashing against Jesus and this small island, the Island of Hope. Their deep intimacy and undaunted commitment helped Jesus to say – “It is accomplished” Jn19:30. And “Father into Your Hands, I commend my spirit” Lk 23:46. Though small the little flock kept up the hope of a new dawn.
Analysing the Gandhian Movement Mr. Arun Showry wrote, when Gandhiji requested all Indians to surrender all the titles given by the British crown in order to challenge them only 10 people surrendered their title. But the action of the 10 became so powerful that all those who refused to surrender their title were ashamed to use it thereafter. Thus a small group that united and committed, becomes the storehouse of power.
I have seen animators like Miss Mary Leela of Nagercoil, Mr. Matthew D’Souza of Goa, Sr. Odil of Ranchi, Bihar, Mr.Jayamaniof Tamilnadu who used to animate different small cells on different days of the week. It is tiring, yet it is worth the Trouble. “A Small candle is able to defeat the darkness of a large room”.
Fr. M C Michael
Former National Chaplain