Beginning of a New Dawn

AYCM convention at Ranchi

Ranchi: AYCM (Adivasi Yuva Chethana Manch) conducted a tribal youth convention at St. Xavier's college, Ranchi (Jharkhand) from 27th - 30th December. About 750 students, both tribal and non-tribal students from various states of India. This four day convention was inaugurated by Prof. Victor Tigga, Vice – Chancellor of Siddhu Kanhu Murmu University, Dumka. On the occasion he gave a call for unity of tribal youth to strengthen and to create a fearless and clean tribal society through a non political movement. Inaugural Mass was celebrated by Rt. Rev. Telesphore Toppo, Cardinal and Bishop of Ranchi. He stressed the need for the better solidarity saying “participation of Christ with us, should drive us to participate with each other”.

The theme of the convention was “Beginning of a New Dawn – Adivasi Conscientization for Unity and Solidarity”. All the four days participants were addressed and appealed by eminent pesonalities like Mr. Benjamin Lakra, Auditor general, Kolkota, Frs. Alex Ekka s.j, James Toppo sj, Beni Ekka sj, Mr. Ratnakar Bhengra, Advocate, Ranchi High Court and other local social activists on various topics namely 'Golden History of Indigenous, 'Adivasi is my Identity', 'Adivasi Culture – Our Pride and Heritage', 'V and VI Schedule of Indian Constitution, Impact of Globalisation on Adivasis etc... There was a spirit of revolution when it was turn of the students to voice out their minds in the panel discussions.

The convention ended with a rally on the roads of Ranchi, which disseminated the seriousness of the issues of indigenous shouting. Mr. Bandhu Tirkey, Minister of Education and Human Resources, Jharkand State addressed the participants at the end of the rally. He wanted the tribal youth to be sensitive by going back to their villages and develop after their education.

AYCM is part of AICUF(All India Catholic University Federation) was formed in 1994 to be a platform for voice of tribals. It is the first convention since the beginning of AYCM. Speaking on the objectives of AYCM Mr. Vinay Prakash Ekka, convenor of AYCM said “To come out from the culture of silence, voice out and fight for the preservation of Adivasi culture and identity”.

The Convention was locally organised by Rev. Fr. Walter Ekka s.j, AICUF State Advisor for Jharkand. Fr. Fulgence Ekka is the AYCM Coordinator.

B.J. Shailendra s.j