Guwahati: North Eastern Regional Youth Commission (NERYC) held the  Regional Youth Talent Festival for the youth  from 15 Dioceses of Northeast at Don Bosco auditorum, Guwahati October 12-.13  on  the  theme  “Arise North east Youth for Peace and Integration”.

About 400 youth from the various dioceses participated in the two-day programme aimed at enhancing and encouraging the talents and initiatives of the youth, according to Fr Mark Lakhra sdb, Director of NERYC.

Addressing the  youth, Bishop John Thomas Kattrukudiyil, Bishop of Itanagar and Chairman of North east Youth Commission said, “Here you will have moving experience as you interact with one another an learn form one another. But you will have to return to your places with this rich experience and face the realities of life with its problems and successes.”He exhorted to trust in Jesus and believe that “Jesus is carrying you in the palm of his hand”.  

Archbishop John Moolchira of Guwahati welcoming the participants said, “It is a time of joy as well as growth as you meet with young people from various dioceses. Youth in the church is characterized by search for values, optimism, spirit of sacrifice, generosity and openness.”

He told the youth that “this togetherness is a time of conversion, of greater unity, and an opportunity to grow closer to Christ and church.”

Touching upon the theme “Arise North east Youth for Peace and Integration he said, “There is so much unity and integration among the people of our region in spite of the diverse cultures. It is our duty to be agents of peace and integrity, and if we are together we will be able to achieve much in this world.”

For Arbinson Marak, from Guwahati, “The different competitions and quiz revealed that we are a people who live in solidarity.  All the items were based on the theme of Integrity. The Bible quiz helped the participants to increase their knowledge and wisdom.”

'The programme brought out the best in the young people. I witnessed dances which I have never seen before,” recalled Abinash Narzary who was actively involved in the programme.

“It was an opportunity to witness and give recognition to the talents in our Northeast region, said Anita Tirkey,   a teacher.  “We received support form our parishes and Directors which encouraged us. The youth join when they understand the purpose for which they are called, and they perform. They are energetic and generous. Sometimes they are also aggressive so we need to approach them in friendliness to get the best out of them.”

The festival theme attracted the young people and showed them that they can be instruments of peace, progress and harmony in the country. The youth got a chance ot interact with the tribes and their cultures, she added.

 

-Lissy Maruthankakuzhy