Fr Kampan Chinnam –
Agartala: The Ambassa Deanery in the northeast state of Tripura held a youth convention from October 11 to 13, attracting over 149 participants. Prior to the event, Deanery Youth President Mr. Lalengmoy Halam convened a meeting of youth leaders from local parishes to discuss and organize the three-day conference.
The gathering began with the Rosary, followed by an ice-breaking session. Fr. Ivan D’Souza SVD welcomed the attendees, wishing them a fruitful experience. The office bearers were introduced and recognized, along with the presidents and secretaries of all participating parishes.
A number of resource persons led input sessions, including Fr. Ivan, the Secretary for Social Communication in the Agartala Diocese, who spoke on Media Literacy. He addressed various topics encompassing media influences, such as media and advertisements, consumerism, movies, violence, and the impact of mobile technology on youth. “It is crucial for us to understand how media shapes our perceptions and behaviours,” he emphasized.
Following Fr. Ivan’s presentation, twelve discussion groups were formed. Participants reported back with thoughtful reflections, many of them expressing concerns about mobile technology. “Mobile has harmed us and it has become an addiction for many of us. We waste time on it, go to bed late, and often pressure our parents to buy the latest devices,” one youth participant noted. Others shared experiences of online shopping addiction, health risks from ordering food, and vulnerabilities to online scams.
Fr. Arun Minj, SVD, provided insights on “Building a Sustainable Career,” offering practical examples to inspire participants. Dr. Asok Debbarma spoke about “The Effects of Drugs on Mental Health and Biblical Guidance for Avoiding Substance Abuse.” He stated, “Due to mobile communication, youth have become victims of drugs and other substances,” underscoring the interconnectedness of technology and substance abuse.
Fr. Lawrence Darlong, the Diocesan Secretary for the Youth Commission, discussed the Church’s mission and the role of youth within it. He stressed, “Youth are the vibrant force of the Church and must actively participate in its activities.”
To keep the energy up, action songs were included between classes. Evening entertainment comprised a variety of competitions, such as solo singing, eloquence, group Gospel song, dance, and a Bible quiz. Prizes were awarded on the final day in acknowledgement of the participants’ talents and efforts.
The convention concluded with a session focused on action planning, where youth discussed future initiatives at the parish level. Many expressed that the gathering was a valuable experience, with one participant stating, “It was a great opportunity to learn and connect with each other.”
The convention highlighted the importance of media literacy and its impact on the youth, fostering a sense of community and purpose among participants.