15^th YMCA National Leaders’ Conference

&

35^th Annual General Meeting

The 15th National Leaders’ Conference & the 35th Annual General Meeting of the National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh took place on 27-29 October 2011 at Bogra YMCA. Advocate Promode Mankin, Honorable State Minister of Cultural Affairs of the Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh was the Chief Guest of the occasion. Mr. Nirmal Rozario, Secretary General, Bangladesh Christian Association was present as a Special Guest at the Conference, while the President of the National Council Mr. Babu Markus Gomes presided over the meeting.

Mr. Duncan Chowdhury, National General Secretary welcomed all the delegates of the conference and shared an overview of the entire three day whole program. Mr. Dilip Marandi, President of Bogra YMCA and Mr. Robert Robin Marandi, General Secretary of Bogra YMCA also greeted all the guests present in their welcome speeches. Advocate Promode Mankin, Honorable State Minister mentioned that being the YMCA an Ecumenical Youth Movement and he wished that the YMCA should emphasize for the development of youth empowerment as well as youth employment.  Mr. Nirmal Rozario, emphasized that the Bangladesh YMCAs should be more youth centered and at the same time they should work together with the mainstream society to build a society based on justice and peace.

The 15th YMCA National Leaders’ Conference was a remarkable day in the history of the Bangladesh YMCAs as 9 senior YMCA personalities were awarded “Bangladesh YMCA Life Time Achievement Award 2011” for their relentless & dedicated service to the National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh. First these was posthumously awarded to Late Susanta Adhikary and Late Matthew Malakar. Other Award recipients were Dr. Bartholomew Shaha, Mr. Tapan Chowdhury, Mr. Nirendra Chisim, Prof. Gabriel Manik Gomes, Mr. Errol Robertson, Mr. James Ruram, & Mr. Symon P. Adhikary.

Bangladesh YMCAs also accorded a special reception to Mr. Babu Markus Gomes who had been elected as the Vice President of the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs for the tenure of 2011-2015. Around 250 guests were present also at the opening ceremony, they include, teachers, church leaders and leaders of the NGO community and media personalities from various national dailies & TV Networks. A colorful cultural soiree was present at the opening ceremony, participated by the youth forum members of Bogra YMCA.

Seventy Five YMCA leaders from the local YMCAs including the Presidents, General Secretaries and Representatives to the National Council attended the Leaders Conference. Rev. Fr. Patrick Gomes, spoke on the theme “Let’s Build a Society based on Volunteerism”. He called upon the YMCA leaders to be active volunteers to work for the marginalized people as our Lord Jesus Christ.  Mr. Ramani Mohan Chakma, UNV National Coordinator (IYV +10) shared UNV initiatives and opportunities of the volunteer works.  

On 28th October, the 35th Annual General Meeting of the National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh was held successfully at the Bogra YMCA. The meeting started with a devotion lead by Rev. Nirendra Chisim and presided by the President of the National Council, Mr. Babu Markus Gomes. In his inaugural speech, Mr. Gomes welcomed all the members at the meeting and gave an overview of the Organization to the delegates present. National General Secretary, Mr. Duncan Chowdhury presented the Annual Report. The members had long discussions on the report and accepted the same. Mr. Rupchand Baroi, presented the Treasurer’s Report. The Audited Statements of Accounts for the past one years and next budgets were adopted at the meeting. A total of 40 Delegates Representatives, Presidents and General Secretaries from 12 Local YMCAs attended the meeting. The AGM ended with affirmation of the delegates of the Local YMCAs to work together towards fulfillment the mission of the YMCA with transparency, accountability and governance.

The new Office Bearers of the Organization were also elected at the first Meeting of the National Executive Committee, which took place immediately after the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting. Mr. Babu Markus Gomes, NEC Member of Savar YMCA was elected as President, while Mr. Samarendra Ritchil of Edilpur YMCA, Mr. Pratap Khandaker of Bogra YMCA, Mr. William Proloy Samaddar of Dhaka YMCA were elected as Vice Presidents and Mr. Rupchand Baroi of Barisal YMCA was elected as the Honorary Treasurer of the Organization for the next tenure. It may be worthwhile to mention that all the officers were re-elected for the next tenure except Mr. Samaddar.

During the Conference at a special session was dedicated for the youth, Mr. Babu Markus Gomes shared his YMCA engagement experiences and he encouraged young people to involve local YMCAs activities more effective way.  He also requested all the local leaders to implement the National YMCA Youth Forum Policy which has been adapted by NEC. On 29th October, at the panel discussion Mr. Robert Robin Marandi shared his experiences on volunteerism while Mr. Raymond Areng shared his view how young people can be an active volunteer in YMCA.  After the panel discussion there was an open space to share insights where a host of participants expressed their voice.

This Leaders’ Conference concluded new insights for the participants that were imperative for the promotion and empowerment of youth and women leadership in Y movement. A clarion call was made to the leaders to be more united to strengthen the YMCA Movement. A special vote of thanks was offered to Bogra YMCA for their warm hospitably and hosting the event.