India: Tamil Nadu Catholic Youth Movement holds Workshop on “Towards Change: 100 Thinkers”

The Tamil Nadu Catholic Youth Movement (TCYM), under the Youth Commission of the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council, organized an in-person session of its leadership formation program, “Towards Change: 100 Thinkers,” on October 11–12 at the headquarters of the Sisters of Charity (SCCG) in Trichy, Tamil Nadu.

A total of 36 young participants from different parts of Tamil Nadu attended the two-day workshop aimed at nurturing critical thinkers and social leaders rooted in Christian faith and values.

The session began with the TCYM theme song “Pothu Ilakku Kanaveduthu” (Dreaming the Common Goal), followed by an opening address by Fr. K. M. Edison, Director of TCYM, who outlined the goals of the two-day formation program.

The first session, titled “Social Justice in Ambedkar’s Vision,” was led by Fr. U. Jegan Bose, professor at St. Paul’s Seminary. He highlighted the importance of protecting democratic ideals and ensuring the participation of marginalized communities in democratic governance.

Lavanya presented the life and contributions of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, after which participants formed small groups to discuss real-life examples of social justice. The session encouraged the young leaders to define what social justice means to them personally.

“Social justice is not about charity, it is about rights. It is not merely an individual’s duty but a responsibility of the State,” said Fr. Jegan, emphasizing Ambedkar’s call for political, social, and economic justice.

The following session introduced the youth to “Friends of the Earth,” a grassroots movement actively promoting ecological justice. Participants also reviewed and wrote critical reflections on Thudippu, the official monthly magazine of the Youth Commission.

In the evening, Fr. K. M. Edison delivered a talk on “Caste-Free Tamil Society and Caste-Based Tamil Society,” tracing the historical roots of caste in Tamil Nadu and reflecting on the Church’s mission to build an inclusive and just society. The day concluded with the praying of the Rosary.

The second day began with the celebration of the Holy Mass, during which participants took an oath pledging their commitment to social justice.

In the morning session, Fr. Savarimithu, a lawyer and priest, spoke on “The Judiciary and the Rise of Saffronization.” Quoting Martin Luther King Jr., he said, “Those who remain silent in the face of injustice are as dangerous as the perpetrators themselves.”

He discussed the growing threat to democracy when the judiciary fails to uphold constitutional values and called on the youth to defend and elevate the Indian Constitution.

Fr. Savarimithu urged the young leaders to cultivate independent thinking: “Don’t let media narratives control your thoughts. Learn to analyze events critically and form your own opinions, and for that, keep reading.”

Afterward, Jerish, the State President of TCYM, led an evaluation session of the two-day workshop and facilitated discussions on upcoming activities. The formation program concluded with the movement’s anthem “Meendum Meendum Ezhuvom” (We Shall Rise Again).

The participants expressed heartfelt gratitude to Sr. Loretta Ceciliya Rosario, Provincial Superior of the Sisters of Charity, South-East India Province, and to all the sisters and collaborators who provided the venue, accommodation, and meals. Thanks were also extended to the MSFS Provincial Fr. Patrick, MSFS, and Fr. K. M. Edison for their support and guidance throughout the training.

(With inputs from Abishek Raja, Executive Committee Member, Tamil Nadu Catholic Youth Movement)