Vidyaniketan Organizes YUVA Dharwad 2024

On : 2024-11-30

 

The Vidyaniketan Youth Centre in Dharwad successfully organized YUVA 2024 (Youth United for Values and Attitude), an interreligious youth program, on November 30, 2024. The event, which promoted unity, values, and attitudes among youth from diverse faiths and backgrounds, witnessed active participation from 165 enthusiastic attendees.

The program commenced with an interreligious prayer, setting the tone for a day filled with meaningful activities and learning. Fr. Dionysius Vaz SJ, Provincial of Karnataka Jesuit  Province, presided over the event and officially launched YUVA Dharwad 2024. In his keynote address, Fr. Dionysius emphasized the importance of giving back to society rather than merely receiving. He urged the youth to become media-educated rather than addicted, responsible and free while upholding core human values.

Fr. Pratap Chandru SJ, Superior of Vidyaniketan, extended a warm welcome to the gathering. Youth representatives, Prajwal and Shruti, joined the dignitaries on the dais. Notable attendees included Ms. Perina Xavier, District Minority Officer from Koppal, Sr. Rosy Cutinha, Provincial Superior of the Sisters of Charity, Dharwad Province, and Mr. Shan Michael Sihimogge, Master Trainer for INP+ Secretariat, NACO under the Central Health
Ministry.

Fr. Joyson Vas SJ, Youth Director for North Karnataka, expressed gratitude to the dignitaries and provided an overview of the YUVA initiative. A creative inauguration ceremony led by Vidyaniketan scholastics captivated the audience and set a vibrant mood for the days proceedings.

Youth participants from Mundgod, Hubli, Hangal, Dharwad, and neighboring regions got engaged in a variety of sessions and activities designed to inspire and educate. Topics included AI and Its Best Uses, Health and Hygiene, Entrepreneurship, and Personality Development, along with an experiential learning session. Renowned resource persons, including Dr. Priyanka, Ms Disha Deshpande, Mr. Clifton, Adv. Manjula Munavalli, Mr.
Shan Michael, and Dr. Shridar Kulkarni, delivered insightful sessions tailored to the needs of today's youth.

In addition, Vidyaniketan scholastics organized competitions in celebration of Constitution Day, with prizes distributed by Fr. Dionysius Vaz SJ and Ms. Perina Xavier. Certificates were cawarded to all participants to commemorate their involvement in the program.

The event concluded with the National Anthem, leaving a lasting impression on the youth. Many attendees expressed their willingness to contribute to the YUVA initiative in the future. YUVA Dharwad 2024 stands as a testament to the power of interfaith dialogue, values-based education, and community engagement. This program highlighted the immense potential of young individuals to drive positive societal change through collaboration and shared values.

Reported by - Fr. Joyson Sujay Vas SJ