Udupi: The slushy fields in Kuntalnagar enthralled scores of youth of the ICYM in a programme, “Yuva Mel Gadya Kel”, organised by ICYM’s Kuntalnagar Unit jointly with Youth Commission and ICYM Diocese of Udupi here, on September 6.
The programme was inaugurated by Vinay Kumar Sorake, Minister for Urban Development and Minister in-charge of the district along with Msgr Baptist Menezes, Vicar General of Diocese of Udupi.
Agriculture is the primary profession of the country and youth getting involved in agricultural activities makes us proud, said Vinay Kumar Sorake. Our cultural sports aims at socialising and building the community. The slushy fields keep skin diseases away. Today we depend on naturopathy treatments but the slushy fields serve as medicine to farmers who work hard in the fields.
Youth organisations are safeguarding our culture in this modern world and this brings great satisfaction. The power of the youth should serve nation building in the coming days, he added.
Msgr. Baptist Menezes in his presidential address said that slushy fields have supported our living in every walk of life. It brings great satisfaction to witness the joy and happiness among youth who are actively participating in the traditional games. Let the joy, happiness and wisdom last forever among the youth with God’s grace, he added.
The owners of the paddy field, Shymala and Kumuda Shetty, were felicitated by the organisers.
Prior to the programme, Zilla Panchayat member Ida Gibba D’Souza flagged off the rally starting from St Anthony’s Church, Kuntalnagar and culminating at the slushy field.
Later, Vinay Kumar Sorake hoisted the ICYM flag and declared the games and various sports activities open.
Fr Denis D’sa, Parish Priest of St Antony’s Church, welcomed the gathering. Flavia, Secretary of ICYM Kuntalnagar, delivered the vote of thanks.
Fr Lawrence D’Souza, Secretary of Catholic Education Society; Fr Fred Mascharenas, Vicar Forane, Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi; Ranjani Hegde, President Belle Gram Panchayat; Geetha Rama, President of Manipur Gram Panchayat; Valerian Mathias, Vice-President of Parish Pastoral council Kuntalnagar; Nelson D’Souza, Secretary, Parish Pastoral Council, Kuntalnagar; Fr Edwin D’Souza, Director of Youth Commission; Derick Mascarenhas, President of ICYM, Diocese of Udupi and others were present.