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May 20 : Indian Catholic Youth Movement, Balkunje unit celebrated its Golden Jubilee on Sunday 14th May, 2023 with splendor. The celebration began with the Thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration at St. Paul’s Church Balkunje, at 4:30 pm offered by Rev. Fr. Praveen Aranha SVD, Rev. Fr. Michael Dsilva, Rev. Fr. Gilbert Dsouza, Rev. Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza, Rev. Fr. Denis Menezes, Rev. Fr. Anil Vincent Menezes and the parishioners.

The official celebration of the glorious 50 Years of existence commenced through a procession with the soothing sounds of 'chende' from Balkunje junction to the church premises accompanied by the parishioners, the women with 'kalasha', ICYM Balkunje members and the guests. The program was presided by Rev. Fr. Gilbert Dsouza (Parish Priest, Balkunje), Rev. Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza (Director, ICYM Mangalore Diocese), Rev. Fr. Ronald Prakash Dsouza (Parish Priest, Gantalkatte), Rev. Fr. Michael Dsilva (Parish Priest, Ammembal), Rev. Fr. Praveen Aranha (SVD), Mr. Anil Lobo (Chairman, MCC Bank Ltd), Mr. Ronald Dsouza (CEO, LEKSA Lighting Technologies Pvt Ltd), Mr. Nevin Antony (President, ICYM Karnataka Region), Mr. Anil John Sequeira (President, ICYM Mangalore Diocese), Ms. Marvel Mathias (President, ICYM Mangalore North Deanery), Mrs. Mamatha D Poonja (President, Gram Panchayath Balkunje), Dr. Freeda Rodrigues (Vice President, Parish Pastoral Council, Balkunje), Mrs. Lavina Serrao (Convenor, Pastoral Commissions Balkunje), Ms. Melreeda Jane Rodrigues (Animator, ICYM Balkunje), Ms. Carolin Chris Dsouza (President, ICYM Balkunje) and Ms. Clarissa Maria Cardoza (Secretary, ICYM Balkunje).

ICYM Balkunje shared the glimpses of the 50 years journey with the audience during the beginning of the program followed by seeking God’s blessings through a prayer dance performance. The guests of honor were then led to the dais adding shine to the beautifully decorated stage. Ms. Carolin Chris Dsouza, the President of ICYM Balkunje welcomed the guests and the gathering as well. This was followed by the guests inaugurating the ceremony. Ms. Clarissa Maria Cardoza, Secretary of ICYM Balkunje read out the report of the year 2022-23 highlighting the 50 events along with the other activities that ICYM Balkunje took up in light of its Golden Jubilee Celebration. This comprised of donating LED displays at a cost of Rs 1.25 lakh which was handed over to the Church.

The Former Directors, Presidents of the unit, Presidents and Committee members of the deanery from the unit, Office bearers of ICYM Mangalore Diocese from the unit during this span of time were honored for their service and dedication to make what ICYM Balkunje is today. The only two women Presidents of ICYM Mangalore diocese, ICYM National awardees of Balkunje unit were felicitated. The CUP award achievements were reminisced during the ceremony. The current Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Gilbert Dsouza and Animator Ms. Melreeda Jane Rodrigues were specially felicitated for their guidance and constant Support. The guests released a souvenir in memory of the Golden Jubilee Celebration. The sponsors and the parishioners were honored for their generous support in bringing out this program with much more grandeur. Ms. Melreeda Jane Rodrigues expressed gratitude with vote of thanks and the President honored the guests with a token of gratitude in memory of the Golden Jubilee Celebration.

Immediately after, cultural program was performed ranging right from the small children to exhibiting culture of various states of India, the ladies dancing to the tunes of Konkani songs and the Youth paying respect to the martyred soldiers by depicting the incident of a covered surgical strike that took place in 2016. The dinner was served towards the end of the cultural events which was then to be followed by a tulu drama ‘Kurepat’ by Cha Parka Team.

All in all, it was a glorious evening marking the milestone of 50 years of hard work, dedication, service and faith towards the youth, community and society as a whole.