First annual regional council meeting and conference of YMCA North East India Region (YMCA NEIR) to be hosted in Nagaland at Dimapur got underway at Livingstone Foundation Higher Secondary School (LFHSS), Dimapur on Tuesday.
The two-day event under the theme of ‘Unity that they all may be one’ is being hosted by Dimapur YMCA under the leadership of its president, Andrew Ahoto who is also the chairman of LFHSS, the venue of the Conference.
Andrew welcomed delegates from Aizawl, Shillong, Jowai, Churachandpur, Imphal, Dimapur and officials of YMCA including Veprasa Nyekha, Retired Sessions and District Judge and Geoffrey Yaden, Editor, Nagaland Post. He highlighted the importance and uniqueness of the YMCA NEIR Conference. He also spoke about the life story YMCA North East India, vice chairman and Chief Engineer (Roads), Mizoram PWD, K. Lalsawmvela who had been a member of the Mizo National Army (MNA) which he joined after Class-8. After a long association of eight years active involvement in the Mizo National Movement, he was apprehended by security forces in 1974 and later released on bail. Following this Lalsawmvela resumed studies from Class-10 onwards at St. John’s High School, Kolasib, Mizoram. Then he went on to do Pre-University in Science from St. Anthony’s College, Shillong and later his Bachelor in Civil Engineering from Assam Engineering College, Guwahati. Lasawmvela then did his Masters Degree from the George Washington University, Washington DC, USA from 1995-97. He had also a long innings in the Mizoram Engineering Service Association from 1986-2001 during which he became its gen. secretary, vice president and president.
Ahoto encouraged the gathering, especially the youth, to take a great lesson from Lalsawnvela’s example as many in his place would have just enjoyed an easy life without any challenges
In his special address on behalf of the chairman, YMCA NEIR, the vice chairman, K. Lalsawmvela expressed deep regret on behalf of the chairman for not being able to attend. He tendered the chairman’s apologies to the gathering while also bringing in the greetings on his behalf. He introduced the new YMCA members from Imphal, Churachandpur, Jowai and Mizoram. He also mentioned about the upcoming international YMCA meet to be held in South Korea from September 6 to 11, 2015.
Joydeep Ray Chowdhury, general secretary of YMCA NEIR initiated and led the Business Session of the YMCA. This was followed by the Key-Note address presented by Geoffrey Yaden, Editor, Nagaland Post and former convenor YMCA Dimapur speaking on the theme of the conference ’Unity’ he read from John 17: 21-23. He highlighted the meaning of ‘Unity’ as being one in Christ and for Christians to be the salt and light of the world. He also called upon YMCA members to serve the needy sections society and make an impact through actions that will glorify the name of the Lord. He also expressed hope that YMCA will play a catalytic role in promoting peace and development in the North East through its numerous projects. Geoffrey also suggested the YMCA set up its website to project its activities. He also stressed on the role that YMCA Dimapur could play in the state and become among the most active in the region.