Kohima: The 5th Regional Youth Convention (RYC), hosted by the Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM), commenced on Friday at the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral in Kohima. Held under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”, the inaugural programme was graced by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who attended as the Special Guest.
The four-day convention is being organised by the North Eastern Regional Youth Commission (NERYC) Indian Catholic Youth Movement North East (ICYM-NE).
During the inaugural programme, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma began his address with a seven-minute video testimony of a recovered drug user, who shared how faith had played a pivotal role in overcoming addiction after multiple relapses and rehabilitation attempts.
Sangma expressed hope that the story would resonate with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”, urging the youth to become bearers of hope and agents of change in a world fraught with challenges.
He encouraged the young participants to have a clear goal and purpose in life, emphasising the importance of direction and determination. “Set a goal and work towards it”, he said as he made a reference to the 2032 Vision Document of Meghalaya which sets an ambitious developmental goals the state aims to achieve.
He expressed concern that the Northeast often misses opportunities due to self-doubt and a lack of belief in one’s capabilities, calling this mindset a failure even before the journey begins.
He urged the youth of the Northeast to rise to the challenge, to compete, and to embrace entrepreneurship as a path forward. “If you are not enterprising, you will be left behind”, he warned, while also encouraging resilience: “Do it, you may fail, but stand up again”.
Sangma also shared a personal anecdote about his own loss in his first election, acknowledging the defeat but noting how he learned, persevered, and eventually succeeded in the next elections. He expressed a desire to see more Catholic youth rise as icons and leaders in the Northeast.
Further, Sangma reminded the youth of the importance of becoming good human beings. He emphasised that youth is both the greatest asset and the greatest challenge of society. “It all depends on how we nurture it,” he said, warning that the same youth, if led in the wrong direction, could become a force of destruction. He urged the gathering to channel their energy and potential positively, for the betterment of society and the future.
Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, said that the Church and the community looked to the young people, comparing them to salt that gives taste. He expressed hope that the days would be a time of encounter with the Lord. The bishop welcomed the gathering and encouraged the youth to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of the universality of the Church.
Most Rev. Dr. Linus Neli, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Imphal and Chairman of NERYC, in his exhortation as the main celebrant, described the gathering as a “sea of youth”. He thanked the young people for being witnesses to the unity of the Catholic Church. He affirmed that the Catholic youth of Northeast India represent the light and soul of the region and are a sign of hope for the future of the Catholic Church in India.
The Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Shillong, Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh, urged the youth to be true Pilgrims of Hope and to live according to the Gospel of the Lord. He emphasised that joy is contagious and encouraged the young people to spread it wherever they go. The Archbishop also called on them to take pride in their identity and culture, and to be instruments of peace in their communities.
Earlier, with the hoisting of the flag and the official declaration of the convention by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, the congregation proceeded to the cathedral for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The Mass was presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Linus Neli, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Imphal and Chairman of NERYC, who served as the main celebrant.
Meghalaya minister Alexander L Hek also addressed the gathering. The day concluded with the Host Night, presented by the NCYM.
