YCS Kohima Convention in India’s first Green Village

3 - 6 October 2014: Khonoma, India’s first green village welcomed 163 students, 12 animators and 10 organisers across Nagaland for the first YCS Kohima Convention. Khonoma village situated 20 km from Kohima is endowed with rich forest cover and rare biodiversity. This picturesque village is also known for its bravery in fighting the British troops before Indian independence, and later against Indian forces.

The convention was made possible by the enthusiastic efforts of Ms Neisevonuo Anna, YCS Coordinator & her team with the support of Fr (Dr) Sojan Xavier Puthankudy, Chancellor and Youth Director, Diocese of Kohima and leaders of Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement. The villagers and Catholic parishioners in Khonoma were extremely hospitable.

Convention was graced by the presence of Mr Jimmy Pdang: President of YCS/YSM India, Sr Agnes Sanihe MSMHC: Regional Coordinator of YCS/YSM North East, Ms Kasazhini Helen: Youth President of North Eastern Regional Youth Commission (NERYC) and Mr Manoj Mathew: Advisor, International YCS.

‘The YCS’ Newsletter was released during the convention which will be a tool of communication among the 24 school units were the YCS currently present in Nagaland. There were various sessions conducted: Building Confidence by Fr Sojan, Introduction to YCS by Sr Agnes, Attack on Christian beliefs and values by Sr Lucy FMA, Young and Beautiful by Mr Teisovi Gerard Meyase, Debate competition on ‘Mobile Phone a boon or a curse’ moderated by Ruth Vizo, Review of Life: YCS Spirituality & World Café by Manoj Mathew. A special walk to the green village was organised followed by mass with villagers in the church. There were various activities & games conducted by Tosovi Philip Khale & Jeivitho Augustine.

Manoj shared and guided the participants in reflection in cell groups to understand the roots of the YCS spirituality promoted by Joseph Cardijn (Founder of Young Christian Workers) in the three truths (See-Truth of Life, Judge-Truth of Faith & Act-Truth of Method). Cardijn promoted the See Judge Act method as his answer to the search for an effective pedagogy of evangelization – of bringing Good News to the world by reducing the contradiction between life and faith. We as YCS members are called to be ambassadors of Christ in the modern world by developing a spirituality of Action.

There were documentary screenings, cultural dance, music, variety show and birthday celebration of Manoj. The convention concluded with mass presided by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, the Bishop of Kohima for the participants who lived together in the grounds of St John Bosco School, Khonoma. Journey has begun after experiencing fellowship that strengthened their commitment with the deeper understanding of the YCS movement and the role of the members in society and church.

By - Noel Chase