Spot Report by Gladson D'Almeida for Daijiworld Media Network
Pics - Dayanand Kukkaje
Mangalore, Jan 12: "As ICYM turns diamond, I feel honoured that I too was the part of this premier organization and even headed it for sometime. ICYM has helped me to overcome my own little shortcomings. I am not only the only one but there will be many more who would agree with me in this regard. Now it is high time that ICYM takes lead in creating social awareness within our own community. There are a lot of things which need to be given attention for the betterment of the society. ICYM has the man-power, talent and potential to lead this movement," said Joe W Lobo, director, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, ministry of External Affairs of government of India.
 
Â
He was speaking after inaugurating the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) of Mangalore diocese at Rosario Church Hall here on Friday January 12 evening.
The programme was inaugurated by unveiling the Diamond Jubilee logo of ICYM. The inauguration programme was preceded by winding up of the bike rally which was taken up by ICYM in order to spread the message of communal harmony and create awareness against corruption, hatred and injustice.
"Our youth should come out of their own self and reach out to the needy and the other people of the society. We need more skilled labourers, IAS, IPS officers from our communnity. Young men and women should aim for high education and set higher goals in their life. This would be beneficial not only to them but also to the entire society," said James Mendonca, president of Mangalore Konkans Associations, Dubai in his speech.
Bishop Gerald Mathias in his presidential speech all the best to ICYM and invoked God's blessings on the association. Fr Vincent Monteiro, Asian chaplain, ICYS,Philippines, Vincent D'Souza, joint commissioner, department of transport of government of Karnataka, Fr Stany Goveas, parish priest of Rosario Church were the chief guests on the occasion.
ICYM director Fr Elias D'Souza, president Jaison Soares, DJC honorary president Ivan D'Souza, committee members Raymond D'Cunha Taccode, convener Roshan Madtha, Vittal, secretary Marita Sequeira and central committee members were also present on the dais.
Fr Elias welcomed the gathering. Arun Lobo Nirkan proposed vote of thanks. Santhu Omzoor and Samantha D'Souza Attur compered the stage programme.
A spectacular cultural programme presented by students of Sandesha Lalitkala Mahavidyalaya was held after the stage function.