Officials, staff of Peace Channel along with the faculty and students of NEISSR during the launch of the YMCA unit in Chümoukedima on April 18.
Chümoukedima, April 18 (MExN): A new unit of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) was inaugurated at the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) in Chümoukedima on April 18, aimed at strengthening youth-focused initiatives in Nagaland and the Northeast.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Shamir J Thabah, Vernon Fernandez, Fr Dr C P Anto, Jose V Abraham, Dr Andrew Ahoto and Pochister Kharkongor, along with faculty and students of NEISSR and staff of Peace Channel.
The programme began with a Bible reading and prayer led by Jose V Abraham, followed by a welcome address from Dr Toli H Kiba, President of YMCA Chümoukedima, who highlighted the organisation’s role in youth development and community building.
In his keynote address, Thabah underscored the need to create platforms for young people to showcase their abilities while promoting values of peace, unity and service. Fernandez spoke on the global legacy of YMCA and its contribution to fostering resilience and social cohesion.
Fr Anto emphasised teamwork, unity and interfaith harmony, encouraging youth to adopt ethical leadership, while Ahoto highlighted discipline and personal growth as essential to character building and future leadership.
A key feature of the programme was the induction ceremony, led by Thabah, during which members took the YMCA Youth Pledge, committing themselves to the organisation’s principles. The event also included confirmation of ad hoc committee members and a symbolic candle-lighting ceremony signifying hope and service.
The programme concluded with a benediction by Fr Anto. Organisers said the inauguration marks the establishment of YMCA Chümoukedima as a platform for promoting youth leadership, peacebuilding and community engagement in the region.
