Mangalore Diocese News

CT News

Balkunje, May 3 : The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) and Young Catholic Students (YCS) units of the Balkunje parish celebrated their Annual Day on Sunday, February 16th, 2025. The event began at 6:30 PM with a prayer dance, followed by a formal program.

The Formal Program was presided over by Rev. Fr. Paul Sequeira, President of the Program and also the Director of ICYM-YCS Balkunje.
The dais was graced by esteemed guests, including Chief Guest Mr. Stany Bela, Production Director, Daijiworld Television 24x7 and Guests of Honor: Smt. Mamatha D Poonja (President, Balkunje Grama Panchayat), Smt. Mallika Y Shetty (President, Balkunje Kambala Samithi), Rev. Fr. Lancy Saldanha (Director, ICYM Mangalore North Deanery), Rev. Fr. Steevan Cutinho (Director, YCS Mangalore North Deanery), Mr. Stallan Serrao (President, ICYM Mangalore North Deanery), Mr. Ashley Saldanha (President, YCS Mangalore North Deanery), Dr. Freeda Rodrigues (Vice-President, Parish Pastoral Council), Smt. Nancy Cardoza (Secretary, Parish Pastoral Council), Smt. Lavina Serrao (All Commissions Co-ordinator), Sr. Felcyn (Superior of Balkunje Convent), Smt. Sunitha Pinto (Animator, YCS Balkunje), Miss Clarissa Maria Cardoza (President, ICYM Balkunje), Mr. Winston Rodrigues (President, YCS Balkunje), Miss Reshal Evelinia Rodrigues (Secretary, ICYM Balkunje), and Miss Alvita Sequeira (Secretary, YCS Balkunje).

Miss Clarissa Maria Cardoza extended a warm welcome to the guests and audience, and the formal program commenced with the lighting of the Diya. The annual reports of the YCS and ICYM Balkunje units were presented by Miss Alvita Sequeira and Miss Reshal Rodrigues, respectively. Miss Clarissa Maria Cardoza was honored for her dedicated service to the ICYM Balkunje unit as she prepares to pursue higher studies abroad. Mr. Colin Dsouza and Mr. Royson Sequeira were also recognized and honored for their exceptional service within the ICYM/YCS Deanery. Additionally, ICYM donated a small amount to the St. Vincent Paul Commission for the betterment of the community.

The guests then distributed prizes to the winners of various competitions held throughout the year and shared their heartfelt messages with the gathering. The guests also honored the sponsors who contributed to the event’s success. Mr. Winston Rodrigues, President of YCS Balkunje, proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all involved in making the event a success.

Following the formal program, the celebration continued with a cultural program and a fellowship meal. The evening concluded with a Tulu drama “AMMU AMUNDARA” presented by Vijaya Kalavidher Kinnigoli.