The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) has elected Amit Dev from the Diocese of Rayagada, Odisha, as its National President, marking the first time that the leadership of the national Catholic youth movement has gone to a representative from the eastern Indian missionary state of Odisha.
The election took place during the ICYM National Council meeting held in Bareilly, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, on 26 January 2026. The meeting was attended by Most Rev. Bishop Ignatius D’Souza, chairman of the CCBI Youth Commission, Rev. Fr. Johan Barman, associate director of ICYM, as well as youth presidents, secretaries, and representatives from all 14 regions.
Reflecting on his journey, Dev acknowledged the guidance and inspiration he received from Church leaders and mentors. “I have been inspired and guided by several mentors, priests, and spiritual leaders who played a significant role in shaping my vocation for youth ministry,” he said. He particularly credited Fr. Chetan Machado, ICYM National Youth Director, for inspiring him with a broader national vision for youth ministry and strengthening his commitment to serve at the national level.
Dev also expressed deep gratitude to Fr. Vignan Das, Associate Director of Communio; Fr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI and Director of Communio; and Sr. Margarita Dias, Associate Director of Communio. “Their continuous guidance, encouragement, and personal accompaniment helped me grow both spiritually and as a leader. Their unwavering support has truly been a pillar in my journey,” he said.
He further acknowledged the encouragement he received from the local Church leadership, including Bishop Apolinarius Senapati, CM, of Rayagada; Fr. Shanti Chandan Pani, Vicar General of Rayagada; and Fr. Abeda Khora, Parish Priest of Queen of the Mission Cathedral Parish, Rayagada.
Sharing his vision, the newly elected president said, “I strive to use my time and talents to contribute meaningfully to the growth, unity, and future of our Catholic Church—especially by serving the youth and building a Church rooted in love, service, and responsibility.”
He added, “My dream is to see Indian Catholic youth vibrant, faith-filled, and mission-oriented—rooted deeply in Christ and actively involved in the life of the Church, promoting synodality, participation, and mission.”
Welcoming the election, Fr. Shanti Chandan Pani, Vicar General of Rayagada Diocese, said the choice reflects a growing recognition of youth leadership from smaller and emerging regions.“This is not just an individual achievement but a sign that voices from the margins are now being seen, heard, and valued,” he remarked.
Born on April 18, 2001, at Bamunigam in Kandhamal district, Amit Kumar Dev is the eldest of three children of Yudhisthir Nayak and Lina Chand. His native place is Banjamaha of Dukumaha Parish, under the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar. The family later moved to Rayagada in 2016. Dev completed his schooling in Rayagada in 2019 and is currently pursuing a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering at the Gandhi Institute of Advanced Computer & Research (GIACR), Rayagada.
A Communio Volunteer, Dev has served as Diocesan Youth President (2023–2025) and as a full-time Communio volunteer, dedicating himself to spiritual formation, youth accompaniment, and mission-oriented service. He has also been actively involved in media and digital ministry, using creative communication tools to engage and mobilize young people.
Former Rayagada Youth Director Sundhi Gajendra expressed confidence in Dev’s leadership, noting his capability and talent to carry out the responsibilities of the national office effectively.
Dev succeeds Raj Bag from the West Bengal–Sikkim region as ICYM National President.
Expressing her joy, Dev’s mother, Lina Chand, said, “I am grateful to God for choosing my son to serve at the national level as President of ICYM. This is the fruit of guiding him through morning prayers and the Rosary every evening without fail.”
Founded in 1985 and approved by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), the Indian Catholic Youth Movement is the premier national organization for Catholic youth of the Latin Rite in India. With the motto “Lead, Serve, Shine,” ICYM functions through 14 regions and 132 dioceses, reaching youth across more than 700 districts and promoting integral youth development through formation, fellowship, and action.
