India: Tamil Nadu Bishop Joins Youth for Pongal Celebration, Urges Love for Language and Culture

Bishop Lourdu Anandam of the Sivagangai, Tamil Nadu, south India, joined more than 200 young people for the Youth Pongal Festival held at the diocesan Pastoral Centre on 19 Jan, calling on the youth to cherish their language, culture, and faith while working for social transformation.

Welcoming the gathering, the Bishop described Christianity as a powerful movement rooted in human values, proclaiming equality and dignity for all. He highlighted the significant role the Church has played in uplifting marginalised communities and contributing to social progress in the region.

The Bishop was accorded a traditional welcome on his arrival, with a Silambam performance by members of the Tamil Nadu Catholic Youth Movement (TCYM). He then blessed the Pongal ingredients and officially inaugurated the celebration by hoisting the TCYM flag. In his presence, the youth collectively recited the TCYM oath and the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.

Among the clergy present were Vicar General Fr. Arul Joseph, Procurator Fr. Aron, Chancellor Fr. Dellus, Fr. Sebastian, Director of the Vianney Pastoral Centre, Fr. Christuraj, Superintendent of Schools, and Fr. Edward, Secretary of the Media Commission.

Faith, Youth, and Social Progress

Addressing the youth, Bishop Anandam recalled Pope Francis’ assertion that “young people are the ‘now’ of the Church.” He urged the youth to take responsibility for shaping both the Church and society through their present actions.

Paying tribute to the early missionaries, including St. John de Britto (Arulanandar), the Bishop noted that the foundations laid by these missionaries enabled Christianity to take deep root in Sivagangai and inspired priests from the region to spread the faith across India.

Expressing concern over what he described as a decline in social awareness and activism among the younger generation, Bishop Anandam urged youth not to distance themselves from their Christian identity, which he said offers a global sense of fraternity and commitment to justice. He encouraged young people to overcome an unhealthy fascination with foreign countries and use their talents to build their homeland and preserve the Tamil language, regardless of where work takes them.

Voices from the Movement

Mr. Abishek Raja, former youth representative of Sivagangai, shared how his involvement with TCYM enabled him to engage at state and national levels and nurtured values such as political awareness and gender equality. He encouraged participants to establish active TCYM units in every parish.

Fr. Kuma Edison, Regional Director of TCYM, spoke about current challenges facing the Church in Tamil Nadu and stressed the need for unity. He called for regular weekly youth meetings in all parishes.

The programme concluded with the felicitation of the outgoing TCYM executive committee and a warm welcome to the newly elected representatives, Ms. Catherine and Mr. Rexton Rahul. Fr. Regan, Diocesan Youth Director, and Mrs. Jocy, Coordinator, were thanked for their dedicated service.

The day ended with traditional Pongal games, fostering fellowship and a renewed sense of unity among the young participants.