The 35th Annual Regional Council Meet of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), North East India Region, was held under the theme ‘Breaking Barriers and Striving Towards Common Achievements’ on June 6 and 7, 2025, at Livingstone Foundation International, Dimapur. Shaji James, Secretary of Movement Strengthening, National Council of YMCAs of India (NCYI), graced the event as the Guest of Honour.
The meet was hosted by YMCA Nagaland under the stewardship of its President, Dr Andrew Ahoto Sema, who is also the Regional Chairman of the North East India Regional Committee of YMCA and a co-opted National Board Member of the NCYI. Officials and delegates from various YMCA units, including Aizawl, Shillong, Dimapur, Nongtalang, Shangpung, Jowai City, and the newly formed Gangtok YMCA from Sikkim, attended the event.
Participants were imparted training on leadership and other key components of the YMCA movement.
Resource persons included Udipta Fullonton, former Secretary of Properties & Projects, NCYI, and Dr Fr CP Anto, Principal of the North East Institute of Social Sciences & Research and Director of Peace Channel, Nagaland.
A host of dignitaries attended the regional meet, including:
· Dr R Lalthangliana, Former Regional Chairman, YMCA-NEIR and President, Aizawl YMCA
· Er K Lalsawmvela, Secretary, Aizawl YMCA and NEIR Committee Member
· Sandy B Tariang, Vice Chairman, YMCA NEIR
· Shamir J Thabah, Regional Secretary, YMCA NEIR
· Revd GS Shullai, Regional Treasurer, NEIR
· Joe RZ Thanga, Secretary, Aizawl YMCA and NEIR Committee Member
· AL Pariat, Former Regional Treasurer, NEIR
· HF Rymbui, NEIR Committee Member
Officials from YMCA Nagaland included Advisor Geoffrey Yaden, Treasurer Ani Yepthomi, and Board Members Aochuba Yaden, David Khobung, and Jacob N Krocha.
Delivering the keynote address during the inaugural function on June 6, Guest of Honor Shaji James highlighted “the crucial role of regional collaboration, youth engagement, and breaking socio-cultural barriers.” He also noted that June 6 marks YMCA’s 181st Foundation Day and celebrates its historic role in “bringing community service to the forefront of Christian leadership and mission.”
Dr Andrew Ahoto Sema, in his welcome address, underscored the essence of unity among all YMCA units, especially in the diverse cultural landscape of Northeast India. He expressed hope that YMCA would be “the perfect platform in bringing the Christian community together for the collective development of the region, especially for the youths.”
In his exhortation, Geoffrey Yaden emphasized the Biblical phrase ”You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world”, urging YMCA members to be a powerful influence in society and to “preserve and nurture goodness in the community.” He further stated that “it is high time that YMCA became a people’s movement” that is “dynamic and impactful in bringing about positive change in the world.”
Earlier, the invocation prayer was pronounced by Zhimoholi S. Zhimomi, Woman Member of YMCA Nagaland, followed by a special musical presentation by the Youth Members of Dimapur YMCA. Greetings were delivered by Dr. R. Lalthangliana, who highlighted the role of YMCA in “building bridges across communities.” The inaugural function concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Sanjeev Momin, General Secretary, YMCA Nagaland, and the benediction by Atuonuo, YMCA Member.
Apart from the business session and general meeting, key highlights of the event included a series of training sessions and discussions:
· YMCA Vision & Mission and its History by Udipta Fullonton
· Progress, Leadership, and Mission by Dr. Fr. C.P. Anto
· Strengthening the Operational Framework of the Movement by Shaji James
· Resource Mobilization by Joe RZ Thanga