Youth must rise as change-makers: Sangma
The 5th Regional Youth Convention (RYC), hosted by the Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM), began Friday at the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral in Kohima under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.”
The four-day spiritual and cultural gathering is organised by the North Eastern Regional Youth Commission (NERYC) of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement North East (ICYM-NE).
The convention, attended by over 2,000 youth from across 15 dioceses of the Northeast, was inaugurated by Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K. Sangma, who graced the occasion as special guest.
In his keynote address, Sangma inspired the youth with a seven-minute testimony of a recovered drug user, highlighting the role of faith in overcoming addiction and life’s trials. Linking the testimony to the convention’s theme, Sangma urged the youth to become true “Pilgrims of Hope” and agents of change in an increasingly challenging world.
He emphasised that hope was not passive but rooted in action, purpose, and resilience.
“Set a goal and work towards it,” he encouraged, citing Meghalaya’s 2032 Vision Document as an example of setting ambitious developmental targets. Acknowledging the challenges faced by the North East region, Sangma pointed to a pervasive mindset of self-doubt and underestimation as major obstacles.
Sangma stressed the need for entrepreneurship and innovation among youth. “If you are not enterprising, you will be left behind,” he cautioned, while encouraging young people not to fear failure.
He recalled losing his first election and the lessons it taught him, stating, “You may fail, but rise up again.”
He further expressed his hope of seeing more Catholic youth rise as leaders and icons in the region.
Sangma concluded his speech by underlining the importance of becoming good human beings. Earlier in the programme, the flag of the 5th RYC was hoisted by Sangma, officially declaring the convention open. The congregation then proceeded to the cathedral for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Linus Neli, Archbishop of Imphal and chairman of NERYC.
In his exhortation during the Mass, Archbishop Neli described the gathering as a “sea of youth” and thanked the participants for being living testimonies to the unity and strength of Catholic Church. He lauded the Catholic youth of Northeast as the “light and soul” of the region and symbols of hope for the future of the Catholic Church in India.
Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, described young people as the “salt that gives taste,” emphasising their vital role in enriching both the Church and society. He expressed hope that the convention would serve as a meaningful encounter with the Lord. Welcoming the delegates, Bishop Thoppil urged the youth to appreciate and cherish the beauty of the universality of the Church.
The Archbishop of Shillong, Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh, also addressed the youth, urging them to be true “Pilgrims of Hope” and to live according to the Gospel of the Lord. Emphasizing that “joy is contagious”, he called on the youth to carry it into their communities. The archbishop further encouraged them to take pride in their culture and identity to be instruments of peace in their communities.
Following the spiritual sessions, the convention featured the “Host Night,” organised by the NCYM. The 5th RYC also marks a milestone in Catholic youth engagement in the region, coinciding with the jubilee year of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM).