Nirkan: Roots and Wings, a youth and parents get-together programme, was organized by the ICYM Nirkan Unit, YCS Nirkan Unit, and the Youth and Family Commission of St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Nirkan, on Sunday, 22nd March 2026, from 9:45 a.m. onwards at St. Thomas Church Hall, Nirkan.
The programme brought together youth and parents with the aim of strengthening family bonds and encouraging better understanding between generations.
The programme began with a prayer song led by the members of ICYM and YCS. The event was officially inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Anil Roshan Lobo, Parish Priest of Nirkan Church by pulling a ribbon, which unveiled a roll-down banner displaying the ‘Roots and Wings’ image for inauguration. In his inaugural address, Fr. Anil Roshan Lobo encouraged the gathering and wished all the youth and parents success in their family life.
Along with Rev. Fr. Anil Roshan Lobo, Parish Priest the program was graced by Dr. Vishanz Pinto, Retired Lecturer and the resource person of the day; Prem Jeethan Pinto, President of ICYM Bantwal Deanery; Shanthi Veigas, Secretary of Parish Pastoral Council; Stany Lobo, Coordinator of Commissions; Sr Severine Fernandes, Convent Superior; Vincent Bennis, Animator of ICYM Nirkan Unit; Neslin Priya Dsouza, Animator of YCS Nirkan Unit; Arwin Fernandes, President of ICYM Nirkan Unit; Rishan Lobo, President of YCS Nirkan Unit; Primal Pinto, PRO of ICYM Bantwal Deanery and the Nirkan Unit representative; Rolvish Fernandes, YouCat Representative of ICYM Bantwal Deanery; all the members of ICYM and YCS Nirkan Unit, and the youth and parents of the parish.
The resource person, Dr. Vishanz Pinto, Retired Lecturer of St Aloysius College, Mangalore, delivered a talk on the mindset of different generations. He spoke about the stage of youth and the maturity that develops during this period of life. He explained how parents can support and guide their children during their growing years. He also pointed out some issues faced by today’s youth that parents often fail to notice. Dr. Vishanz Pinto emphasized that disciplined growth with understanding and support from parents is more important than being too strict with children for a happy family life.
Though many of these topics are familiar to everyone, his talk served as an important reminder and awareness for both parents and youth.
Games were conducted for both youth and parents, making the programme interactive and enjoyable for all participants and prizes were distributed.
At the end of the programme, juice was served to all the participants.
Arwin Fernandes, President of ICYM Nirkan Unit, welcomed the gathering. Rishan Lobo, President of YCS Nirkan Unit, proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Anusha Valder, a member of YCS.