Trivandrum - ISWT, The Territorial Youth Congress-2012 was conducted from 8-11 of October at Marthoma Youth Centre in Adoor, themed, 'Shine on'; 750 youth from 14 divisions attended this Congress. Commissioner Clive Adams, Territorial Commander of Norvey was the chief guest.
Following the traditional welcome on 9th morning, Territorial Youth Secretary, Major O.P. John did welcome Congress Leaders, Commissioners Samuel and Bimla Charan, and Commissioner Clive Adams to the venue. A unique flag prepared for this congress was unfurled with the Army and National banners by Commissioners.
Commissioner Samuel Charan introduced the guests in his introductory remarks. Prof .P J Kurian, honorable Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha lighted the lamp and inaugurated the Congress. Clive responded and mentioned that Christ gives the light of God's salvation in our inner beings.
The subjects based on various topics were lectured by Clive. A merit evening was arranged on the first day wherein Lieut-Colonel Chelliah Mony was the Chair person and Sri. Kodikunnil Suresh, Labor Minister for state in Union Ministry was the chief guest. Chief Secretary and Major N. J. George honored him with gift and shawl for his position as Minister. In his response he emphasized the work of the Salvation Army among the poor and needy and encouraged the youth to stand as responsible persons. Then Sri Suresh distributed trophies given in memory of late Lieut-Colonel KC Joseph, for the selected youth who have proved their abilities in Arts, Sports and Education fields. Sri Shins Peter, Chair man of Converted Christian Development Corporation gave felicitation.
On 10th evening 4pm a March of Witness was arranged from Marthoma Youth center to Adoor town, about three Kilometers Distance. Chief Secretary, Lieut-Colonel Chelliah Mony flagged off the march in front of Marthoma Youth Centre and handed over the Youth Congress flag to Major O.P. John, TYS to march to forefront; the Army and National flags followed. Special 'T'-shirts manufactured for this congress worn by youth showed their solidarity. The salute of March was accepted by Commissioners at Adoor Junction.
Cultural items made the nights of 9th and 10th very cheerful; of them few brought the memories of the Salvation Army pioneer operations in this territory that were honoured by Sri Chittayam Gopakumar MLA.
The final meeting [holiness meeting] was held on 11th Sunday at 10a.m. The testimonies of three young people's experiences in this congress did bring more beauty to the holiness meeting. Clive encouraged the youth in his preaching to purify themselves by removing the other Gods and change the cloths through the message given by God to Jacob.
The final call met 300 youth at mercy seat, and about 50 youth who well responded to the call of the Salvation Army officership. The meeting was ended with prayer and benediction by Commissioner Bimla Charan TPWM. Major O.P. John thanked all for the grand success of the events.
The Congress theme Song was prepared by Major John Samuel. Rt. Rev. Dr. Mar Christosam, Sri Appu Chacko, Dr. Mathew Kosy and Sri Baby Chares DYSP, Cabinet Secretaries, Lieut-Colonels Gabriel, K. M. Solomon and Suseel Kumar and all THQ Officers and Divisional Leaders were the part of the events. Major Annie John, Captains VB Silas& Jarvis all DYS's and Training Staff and Cadets contributed much in the success of the congress.
Reported by: Major O. P. John, Territorial Youth Secretary, India South-Western Territory
