By Niroj Minj
The South Asian Assistancy Youth program was held at St. John’s, Ranchi from 18 October to 21 October. Sch. Niroj and Sch Samir accompanied 9 youths to Ranchi under the leadership of Fr. Sanjay, Fr. Tej, and Br. Clarence from Maheshpur Parish.
Our journey started from Nepal to Ranchi on the 17th of October. We reached Ranchi on the 18th of October. Sch. Samir and Niroj helped in registering the youth’s names and getting the Magis Kits in the morning. On the 18th, we made use of our free time to visit some Jesuit communities, and the Cathedral, and did some shopping and saw the sights of Ranchi. Our program started at 4 pm. About 700 youths participated from different provinces in this youth program. The program was conducted in English. As the day progressed, we became closer and more familiar with other youths. We got in-depth information about their languages, cultures, and lifestyles. Fr. Stanislaus D’Souza, MLA Shilpi Tirkey, various fathers, doctors, and business persons who inspired youth to do good work through their life experiences.
From the second day onwards, all the youths were divided into groups to have a better interaction with others. By being in the different groups, we got a chance to learn many things, like talking, sharing, doing leadership, showing creative skits, doing spiritual sharing, praying, feeling like we are in our own family, and making comfort to feel for everyone. Their closeness, good behavior, singing, dancing, and action songs of Chhota Nagpur impressed us very much. Apart from this, we needed to have Mass, meditation, and examination. For many youths doing meditation and examination was their first experience. Through this, youths started knowing and understanding the Jesuit spirituality better.
On the third day, we were sent to visit various places outside to know the people of Ranchi (Jharkhand) more closely and to understand their culture. It was so good to interact with people that we felt at home. On the morning of 22 October, we had to say goodbye to people and places with heavy hearts and souls and come back to Nepal.
Finally, we thank Fr. Sanjay, Fr. Tej, and Br. Clarence for their support and making everything very smooth. Thanks to Sch. Niroj and Sch. Samir for accompanying youth.