Dimapur, June 17 (MTNews): The 33rd Annual Regional Council Meet of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), North East India Region, was successfully conducted from 15 to 17 June at Livingstone Foundation International in Dimapur. The event revolved around the theme of “Leadership and Responsibility.”
Er K Lalsawmvela, General Secretary of Aizawl YMCA and Chairman of the Regional Millennium Building Project, NEIR, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor, while Geoffrey Yaden, Advisor to YMCA and Proprietor cum Chief Editor of Nagaland Post, attended as the Special Guest.
Although Dr R Lalthangliana Thangtea, the Chairman of the Regional Committee, YMCA-NEIR, and the Minister for Health & Family, Higher & Technical Education, and Industries & Commerce, Government of Mizoram, was unable to attend due to unavoidable circumstances, he extended his greetings and best wishes for the success of the Regional Meet.
The meet was hosted by YMCA Nagaland under the leadership of its President, Dr Andrew Ahoto Sema, who is also the Vice President of the North East India Regional Committee of YMCA and a Co-opted National Board Member of the National Council of YMCAs. Young delegates from various YMCAs, including Aizawl, Shillong, Dimapur, Nongtalang, and Shangpung, participated in the meet where they were imparted with training on leadership and other key elements of YMCA and Y’s Men International.
The Resource Persons on the occasion included AL Pariat, Regional Treasurer, NEIR; Roshan J Chirayath, Regional Director, Central India Regional Y’s Men International; Wu Haan Choo David, Regional Director, North East, North East India Region, Y’s Men International; Joe RZ Thanga, Jt Secretary, Aizawl YMCA, Regional Committee Member & National Board Member, National Council of YMCAs of India; and Ani Yepthomi, Director, Livingstone Foundation International.
The three-day meet was attended by a host of other dignitaries including F Rymbui, President, YMCA Nongtalang & Regional Committee Member; Shamir J Thabah, Regional Secretary, NEIR; Palvidora Kharkongor, Chairperson, Women Forum, Regional Committee Member; and Rev C Khonglah, Board Member, Jowai City YMCA.
Giving the keynote address during the Inaugural Function of the Regional Meet on June 15, 2023, the Guest of Honour, Er K Lalsawmvela touched on the key aspects of ‘leadership and responsibility’ especially in the context of Christian stewardship. He also highlighted the chief qualities that a good leader should possess which includes ‘Being a Provider’, ‘Protection and Security’, ‘Guidance and Direction’, and ‘Motivation and Encouragement’.
The Welcome Address was delivered by Dr Andrew Ahoto Sema, while a short speech was delivered by Geoffrey Yaden, Advisor who spoke in brief about the progress and growth of YMCA Nagaland and lauded the efforts and dedication of the President, YMCA Nagaland, in bringing about monumental changes in the field of YMCA, especially in Nagaland.
The exhortation speech on the occasion was delivered by Joe RZ Thanga. Earlier, the invocation prayer was pronounced by Zhimoholi S Zhimomi, Chaplain, LFI while a Special Number was presented by Gideon Sangma, Worship Leader, LFI. The inaugural function concluded with the Vote of Thanks proposed by Shamir J Thabah.
The other highlights of the three-day event included training sessions on ‘Peace from Brokenness’, ‘Leadership and YMCA’, and ‘YMCA & Y’s Men relation in community building’, Regional Committee Members’ Meeting, Report Presentation by different YMCAs, and Cultural Programmes. During the event, the Regional Director, Central India Region, Y’s Men International also installed Dr Andrew Ahoto Sema as the District Governor of District-3 (North East India Region), Y’s Men International and Sanjeev Momin as District Secretary.