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Nellore, October 5

Mega Youth Convention Brings Together 350 Young People in Nellore

6 October 2026

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News reported by: Fr Alex Jayaraj SDB

Around 350 young people from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh gathered at St. Joseph’s College of Nursing, Nellore, for a Mega Youth Convention organised by the Salesians under the theme “Different Contexts – Common Aspirations of Youth.” The convention brought together young people from diverse social, cultural and family backgrounds to reflect on contemporary challenges, share their aspirations and explore their role in building a better society.

Sr. Michael Santhosh, JMJ, led the programme in collaboration with the Provincial Team of the Bangalore Province and the local JMJ community of Nellore. Talks, interactive sessions, group discussions, music and fellowship formed part of the programme, focusing on youth participation, self-awareness and responsible leadership.

Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Michael Jayaraju Alex SDB reflected on the theme of the convention and noted that young people, despite differences in their social, cultural and family contexts, share common aspirations for happiness, meaningful relationships, success, dignity, security and a better future. He encouraged the participants to make responsible choices and become agents of positive change through leadership and service.

Fr. Justin animated the participants through interactive activities centred on self-awareness and responsible living in the digital age. He encouraged the young people to recognise their identity, values and responsibilities, especially in their use of digital media.

Group workshops enabled participants to discuss the challenges confronting young people today and identify practical ways to support one another and make constructive contributions to society.

The convention also featured music, dance, games and fellowship, creating opportunities for young people from different linguistic, cultural and social backgrounds to interact and build bonds of friendship.

The gathering concluded by celebrating diversity and the aspirations shared by young people across contexts. Participants were encouraged to turn these shared aspirations into responsible choices, leadership and service, becoming constructive agents of change in their communities.