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India: Regional Youth Meet Highlights Role of Youth in Politics

In its General Body Meeting held on July 5, 2025, the Tamil Nadu Catholic Youth Movement (TCYM) called on its members to become voices of hope and agents of change in the nation’s political landscape.

The day began with the ceremonial hoisting of the TCYM flag in the presence of vibrant young leaders from across the dioceses, setting a tone of unity and purpose.

The inauguration followed with the powerful TCYM theme song, a Scripture reading, prayer, and the lighting of the lamp by Bishop Nazarene Soosai, Bishop of Kottar and Chairperson of the TNBC Youth Commission. His presence brought both spiritual depth and pastoral encouragement to the assembly.

Youth representatives from various dioceses presented their annual reports, highlighting grassroots initiatives, faith-based action, and creative outreach efforts.

After a short tea break, the gathering turned its focus to one of today’s most pressing challenges political awareness. Former TCYM members Mr. Naresh, Mr. Jefferson, and Mr. Raja took the stage to share their real-world experiences in civic engagement. Their stories were both inspiring and eye-opening, urging youth to rise above apathy and engage meaningfully in shaping society.

The conversation deepened after lunch with group discussions centered on political involvement. The discussion groups were poignantly named after victims of custodial deaths serving as a stark reminder of the urgent need for justice, compassion, and moral courage in public life.

A much-anticipated address by Bishop Nazarene Soosai followed. In his heartfelt message, he called on young Catholics to be “beacons of light in the public square,” blending Gospel values with civic responsibility. His words echoed Pope Francis’s call for youth to be “social poets”—those who imagine and build a better future.

The day concluded with a stirring speech by Rev. Fr. Edison, TCYM Director, who affirmed the youth’s growing leadership and thanked all those who contributed to the success of the event.

As the sun set on a day rich in ideas, energy, and purpose, one thing was clear: the Catholic youth of Tamil Nadu are not just the future—they are the now.

With inputs from Clinton Paulraj

 

Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.”  Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.