Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) North East India Region (NEIR) held the inaugural programme of its 33rd annual region council meet 2023, at Livingstone Foundation International, Dimapur on Thursday, under the theme, “Leadership and Responsibility”.
Addressing the gathering on the theme as the guest of honour, honorary general secretary, Aizawl YMCA & chairman, Regional Millennium Building Project, YMCA-NEIR, Er. K Lalsawmvela, stated that leadership is something many people aspire for without understanding the responsibility that it carries, or the stewardship of a leader, especially in Christian communities. He also delved on how many a times, people don’t understand what their “leaders” were doing and get disappointed and disillusioned, or leaders who disappoint on those who look to them for leadership.
He pointed out that there are various kinds of leadership with quite different responsibilities and stressed on public or political leaders, Church leaders, community leaders, leaders in various field of governments, etc.
Lalsawmvela said that leaders must know their responsibilities and lead from the front, adding that there are leaders who want to exercise powers of leaders but avoid their responsibilities.
Speaking on a concept “Duckling Discipleship”, which essentially looks at examples of ducklings following a mother duck, he emphasized that one needs to understand that a leader is not all knowing nor all powerful, however, leaders just need to be a step ahead in order to lead. He further stressed that he himself needs to be a follower of the “Mother Duck”, in God’s kingdom.
Lalsawmvela also dwelled on the principles of being a leader and follower, and shared examples from the book of Psalms to the gathering on how a leader should have qualities of, “Being a Provider”, “Protection and Security”, “Guidance and Direction”, “Motivation and Encouragement”,
Special guest further noted that the world has seen many great leaders in different fields, who have shouldered their responsibilities with great ability, inspiring entire generations. He however appealed that as Christian leaders, one should constantly keep on the path paved by Lord Jesus Christ.
Delivering a short speech, advisory board member, YMCA Dimapur, Geoffrey Yaden, acknowledged president, YMCA Dimapur, Dr. Andrew Ahoto of his pivotal role both in YMCA and in politics.
He also briefed the gathering on how YMCA evolved out of transformed mind and started the movement to keep young people engaged through social activities.
Yaden spoke on how YMCA can take active role for improvement of North East Region, citing that North East India was definitely a place where great things could happen if only people could get together.
He further suggested YMCA Dimapur to have an online website for interaction and disseminating news and updates of the activities of YMCA, so that the younger generation could get to know more about the association.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Vernon Fernandez, invocation was offered by Zhimoholi S Zhimo and welcome address by president, YMCA Dimapur, Dr. Andrew Ahoto.
A special number was presented by Gideon Sangma, exhortation by national board member, Joe RZ Thanga and vote of thanks by regional secretary, YMCA NEIR, Shamir Thabah.
Tuesday, October 27, 2026