Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod (SB)
Kasargod, Aug 27: The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Kasargod deanery organized the ‘Radiant 2024 - Youth Festival’ on August 25, at Our Lady of Dolours Church, Bela.
Fr Stany Pereira, vicar forane of Kasargod deanery, presided over the stage programme. The event was graced by honorary guests, including writer and director Stany Bela and cine actress-youth icon Wencita Dias.
Other dignitaries present on the dais included Fr Vishal Monis, director of ICYM Kasargod deanery; Sr Sevrine D'Cunha, animator of ICYM Kasargod vicariate; Cyril Crasta, vice president of Bela parish pastoral council; Cecilia D'Souza, secretary of Bela parish pastoral council; and Nihan Sequeira, vice president of ICYM Mangalore diocese.
In his presidential address, Fr Stany Pereira stated, "I have seen a lot of potential in the youth of Kasargod. Many times, I have felt that with proper guidance and motivation, they could become extraordinary individuals in society. We, the leadership of the vicariate, always stand with these youth for their betterment. I urge the members of ICYM not to limit themselves to their units or vicariate. The world is open, and you should conquer it in any way you can."
Stany Bela, in his speech, said, "ICYM laid a strong foundation for my personal and public life. Because of ICYM, I learned many things, especially about understanding society. In my observation, young minds are always capable of producing positive messages through their observation and learning capacity. The youthful minds never remain quiet after listening to lectures or messages. They always think of creating something good and new from it. Today, society awaits youth to react to various issues, incidents, and happenings. The corrective and collective response of the youth always impacts society, just as Mahatma Gandhi, Vivekananda, Karl Marx, and Jesus Christ did in their youth. Youth should adopt a culture of questioning social evils, inhuman practices, and illogical customs. Organizations like ICYM should pave the way for this."
Addressing the youth, Wencita Dias said, "Through passion and dedication, I found success in the entertainment field. I never wanted to miss opportunities and never said 'no time' when opportunities knocked on my door. Only through hard work and commitment can we achieve something in life. So do not look back. Grab the opportunities and make them yours."
Melwyn D'Souza, president of ICYM Kasargod deanery; Neema D'Silva, secretary of ICYM Kasargod Deanery; Roston Jansil D'Souza, president of ICYM Bela unit; and Vinitha Crasta, secretary of ICYM Bela unit, were also present on the dais.
As part of the youth festival, various cultural activities and talks were held.