YCS/YSM Training Programme Strengthens Youth Leadership in Northeast India

GUWAHATI, September 24, 2026: Forty-two youth leaders from three archdioceses and 11 dioceses of Northeast India gathered in Guwahati for a three-day YCS/YSM training programme focused on strengthening youth leadership, accompaniment and skills for building an inclusive society.

Organised by YCS/YSM Northeast and held at the Don Bosco Institute (DBI), Guwahati, from September 18 to 20, the programme was conducted under the theme “Different Voices, One Society.” It brought together YCS/YSM coordinators and animators for formation, practical training, reflection and fellowship.

“The voices are many. The society is one. And you are the bridge,” emerged as a defining message of the programme, highlighting the role of young leaders in connecting people across social and cultural differences.

Sr. Monica Khangchian, FMA, Regional Coordinator of YCS/YSM Northeast, presented the movement’s vision and mission and its three-year theme for 2026–2029. She also offered practical guidance on youth accompaniment and ministry.

The sessions covered the history and development of YCS/YSM, cell meetings, youth animation and leadership skills. Case studies and practical cell activities encouraged dialogue, critical reflection and collaborative learning.

Animation sessions were facilitated by Ravi John Hembrom, Assistant Faculty and Youth Animator at DBI; Jimmy Paulson Ekka, Regional Youth President of ICYM Northeast; and Dejita Maslai, National Secretary of YCS/YSM India.

Participants also visited the Missionaries of Charity at Bharalumukh, where they interacted with elderly residents through action songs, animation and fellowship. They shared refreshments with the residents and made a free-will contribution towards their needs.

An evening Zubeen Night at the DBI Amphitheatre brought participants together with DBI inmates to remember the musical legacy of late singer Zubeen Garg through songs and fellowship.

Further practical sessions on youth accompaniment were led by Sr. Monica Khangchian, Adv Jimmy Pdang, National Council Member of the CCBI Youth Commission and former National President of YCS/YSM India, and Anushka Teronpi, former National Treasurer of YCS/YSM India.

The programme ended with a message from Fr Cletus Sebastian, SDB, Regional Chaplain of YCS/YSM Northeast, followed by the distribution of certificates.

Sr. Emelda Kayina, Diocesan Coordinator of Tezpur, delivered the vote of thanks, while Fr. Solomon Ishorary, Diocesan Chaplain of Bongaigaon, led the final prayer and video recap.

The training brought together youth ministry leaders from across the Northeast to exchange experiences and strengthen their capacity to accompany young people in a diverse society.

By Dejita Maslai

National Secretary, YCS/YSM India