MIGRANT YOUTH DAY IN GOA

“Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah” (Lk 1: 39). This was the theme for the National Youth Day 2022 which was celebrated on 14^th of August 2022.  Keeping this same theme in mind, Arnold Seva Kendra, Goa (ASK, Goa) celebrated its first ever Migrant Youth Day for the Chotanagpur youth in Goa.   The Chotanagpur Youth Group Executive Committee headed by Fr. Michael Pereira, SVD, came together more than a month in advance to plan out the day keeping in mind to make this day a big day for the migrant youth in Goa.  Accordingly, the big day was celebrated on 21^st August from 9.00 am to 4.30 pm.  There were more than 120 youth participating from different parts of Goa. They were divided in seven different groups, namely, Verna, Varca, Collem, Sanvordem, Velsao, Fatorpa and Betalbatim, roughly representing the villages where they live. 

The celebration commenced with a Solemn Youth Day Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Fr. Anthony Soreng, OP.  This was followed by a short session by Fr. Joseph Nazareth, SJ where he stressed on dreaming big and to becoming someone great in life.  After a short break for refreshments, there were lot of competitions, group games, dances and so on where the youth could display their talents and work together in their respective groups. The activities also included a Slogan contest, a colourful fashion show where the youth brought out the various cultures and traditions of India. Finally the day ended with prize distribution and giving away of the medals.  The Youth group from Collem secured the first place; Varca youth group begged the second place and Fatorpa Youth group managed to get the third place. The dignitaries included Fr. Donato, the in-charge of the migrants for the diocese of Goa, Fr. Joaquim Fernandes, SVD, Fr. Joseph Nazareth S.J, Fr. Blaise Lobo, assistant Youth director for the diocese of Goa and Fr. Basil, S.J, the Principle of Loyola High School Margao.  This was the first time the migrant youth gathered together for such a celebration.  The Youth went back home with a lot of happiness and joy hoping that such celebrations would be there in the future as well.