UCA News
Contribute

Wave of Indian youngsters help clean beach

Nationwide youth awareness journey reaches Mumbai
Wave of Indian youngsters help clean beach
Beach in Mumbai
Published: January 31, 2011 09:40 AM GMT
Updated: November 29, -0001 04:34 PM GMT

A mission by members of a Catholic youth organization to awaken young Indian to pressing social issues recently passed through Maharashtra State in western India, where they conducted on a major beach clean-up. Members of Jago Yuva Bharat (awaken young India), organized by the Youth Activ8 Foundation, gathered 1,000 local youths to clean popular Juhu Beach in Mumbai. The campaigners reached Mumbai after completing the first phase of their journey which took in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Goa. More than half of India’s 1.15 billion population are youths. The journey aims to encourage the young generation across the country to create a new and vibrant India. “We were overwhelmed by the response of local youths here. They are brimming with ideas and we had constructive interaction with them,” said Sister Edelburgh, a national youth animator who is traveling with the group. The young campaigners also visited a fishing village Arnala, about 60 kilometers from Mumbai. Allwyn Rodrigues, who works with local youths in the area, said they often conduct cleaning drives on beaches but this national campaign has motivated them to do more for society. Rupal Figer, a local youth, hoped the campaign would unite Indian youths. “This is the first-ever road campaign covering so many places in the country. We hope to bring a change among the youth for a better society and world,” said Jomon Thomas, a Jago Yuva Bharat member. The journey is focusing on the UN’s eight millennium development goals which include: national integration, climate change and youth-led development. The campaign, which began in Kanyakumari, in southern India, on Jan. 11 will be in five phases and will end in New Delhi on March 13.   Related reports Young people on a mission through IndiaCampaign to mobilize youth power in India ID13091.1639

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia