YOUTH UNITED FOR VALUES AND ATTITUDES

YUVA Dharwad an Interreligious Youth Programme 2024

The Vidyaniketan Youth Centre, Dharwad, successfully organized the YUVA (Youth United for Values and Attitude) Interreligious Youth Programme on 30^th November, 2024. The event brought together 165 youth from various backgrounds and faiths, promoting unity, values, and attitude.

The programme commenced with an interreligious prayer, setting a meaningful tone for the day. Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ, Provincial of Karnataka Jesuit Province, presided over the event and declared the launch of YUVA Dharwad 2024. In his inspiring address, Fr Dion emphasized the importance of giving back to society, rather than just receiving. He challenged the youth to be media-educated than addicted, responsible, and free, while upholding values. Fr Pratap Chandru SJ welcomed the gathering. Prajwal and Shruti representing the youth gathered were on the dais. Mrs Perina Xavier, the DM, Minority Development Koppal, Sr Rosy Cutinha, The Charity provincial superior of Dharwad Province, and Mr Shan Michael Sihimogge, Master Trainer INP+ Secretariat, NACO, Central Health Ministry, Govt of India were present. Fr Joyson Vas SJ the youth director of North Karnataka thanked the dignitaries and briefed about YUVA Dharwad. A creative inauguration which was conducted by Vidyaniketan scholastics impressed many youths.

Youth from, Mundgod, Hubli, Hangal, Dharwad, and nearby places actively participated. They had actively engaged in activity-based learning, sessions like AI and its best use, Health and Hygiene, Entrepreneurship, personality development and an experiential session was conducted. Renowned resource persons like, Dr Priyanka, Disha Deshpande, Mr Clifton, Adv. Manjula Munavalli, Shan Michael and Dr Shridar Kulkarni touched upon various topics which youth need today. Action songs and activities kept them active throughout. Various competitions were conducted by Vidyaniketan scholastics on the occasion of Constitution Day. Prize distribution of Constitution week was distributed by Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ and Ms Perina Xavier, DM Minority Development, Koppal. All the participants of YUVA were given certificates and YUVA Dharwad ended by national anthem, leaving a lasting impression on the youth.

The fruitfulness of this programme is a testament to the power of interfaith dialogue, values-based education, and community engagement. Many youths volunteered to be the part of YUVA in the future days.