Shillong 28th September 2026: Sacred Heart Theological College, Mawlai, celebrated its Annual Youth Fest on 27 September 2026 on the theme “Take Courage; I Have Overcome the World” (Jn 16:33). The fest brought together oratory youth from 34 centres served by the community through the Sunday apostolate ministry of the Brothers in various parishes and communities. Around 2,000 youth participated, representing the Khasi, Hindi, Naga, Kuki, Garo, Mizo, Santhali, Nepali and Boro communities.
The celebration of faith and culture began with the Holy Eucharist presided over by Rev. Fr. Paul Olphindro Lyngkot, SDB, Rector and Novice Master of St. Dominic Savio Novitiate, Don Bosco, Sunnyside. Drawing from the Gospel, Fr. Paul exhorted the youth to be obedient to their parents, elders and to the teachings of the Church. He urged them to resist evil and the temptations of the world and media, and stressed the need for courage and for remaining close to God, who is always present.
The programme was graced by Mr. Vincent H. Pala, President, Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC). In his address, Mr. Pala called upon the youth to be the hope and backbone of society and reminded them that they need not wait for the future to fulfil their role. He encouraged them to aim high while remaining humble, and to use social media wisely without becoming enslaved to it.
During the animation session, the youth were divided into three language groups — Khasi, Hindi and English — and were animated on the theme by Br. Quirinus War Khyllew, SDB, Fr. George Shining Lyngkhoi, SDB, and Br. Ankit Xalxo, SDB, respectively.
The afternoon cultural programme was enriched by the presence of the Chief Guest, Shri Gavin Miguel Mylliem, Hon’ble MLA of Sohra Constituency, and the Guest of Honour, Shri Pius Ranee, Executive Director of the North East Society for Agroecology Support (NESFAS).
In his address, Shri Mylliem described the Youth Fest as God’s gift to be celebrated with joy and gratitude. He noted that such a gathering helps overcome cultural and ethnic differences and brings us closer to one another and to God. He urged the youth to contribute actively to society and to the state. He said challenges and temptations are part of life, but one must never lose hope. Echoing the motto of the day, Jn 16:33, he called on the youth to take courage, remain persistent and humble, and with deep faith in God, strive to achieve their goals.
Shri Pius Ranee observed that Meghalaya is young and rich in talent. He called upon the youth to be positive contributors rather than slaves to social media, to develop their inner potential and to become agroecologists who love and protect nature. He exhorted them to respect agriculture and farming as the source of life and food, and to protect the environment from increasing contamination. He concluded with five reminders: do not fear, for God is with us — build your life on values; respect all; respect and listen to elders; use science to protect nature, not to destroy it; and be stewards of nature. This, he said, will lead to a dignified life and draw us closer to God.
Youth Fest 2026 was coordinated under the leadership of Fr. Sunil Barla, SDB, Youth Animator of Sacred Heart Theological College, along with Br. Firstbornson Jyrwa, SDB, Coordinator, and Br. Jeniberth Sangma, SDB, Assistant Coordinator. Blessed with fine weather, the fest provided the youth with rich opportunities to learn values, foster cooperation and celebrate unity in diversity.
Reported by Cl. Hubert Tynshain Lyngdoh
