Century-old Christian association opens international program center

 

Story By: Adolf Washington, Special Correspondent Matters India. Bengaluru: Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in Bengaluru opened on Wednesday a well-equipped conference and resource center.

Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore blessed the new-buildings. “Any concerted effort to promote an ambience of fellowship, justice, goodwill and harmony in society is always welcome and we do it in the name of God,” the Catholic prelate told the gathering comprising Christians of various denominations and other religious groups,

YMCA General Secretary S V Rathna Kumar introduced and welcomed the archbishop.

The new center of the Christian association established in1900 also has a hall, a chapel, a new restaurant and a residential rooms for guests.

The YMCA has been a land-mark heritage building in the heart of Bengalure (formerly Bangalore).

YMCA-Bangalore has the oldest cricket ground where well known cricket players have trained over the decades. A billiards parlor, badminton and tennis court, regular personality development programs, out-reach programs for children and women and families, environment awareness programs, and a full-fledged physical training program are among the many activities the YMCA.

Officials at YMCA Bangalore told Matters India that the association has added almost 15,000 members over the years. “The YMCA seeks to unite people to build a just and equitable society, where the individual freedom will be enhanced to develop a human community from all faiths under the parenthood of God. The YMCA celebrates and preserves, enhances and sustains creation in which people will be inspired to grow and work towards the reign of God,” a senior member said.

The association opposes various types of social oppression with the assistance of various professions partners and people and organizations.

Senior members told Matters India that YMCA is unique as anyone to become a member as long as they share its vision.

The YMCA-Bangalore is part of the International YMCA with three local branches bustling with activity. The YMCA structures sit on an approximate 5 acre land, located a few furlongs away from the State Government Secretariat (Vidhana Soudha). Former minister and member of the Karnataka State Legislature, J Alexander is the Association’s President.

Other office bearers present were Elisha Andrews (under-secretary to the chief minister) member of the Environment and Youth Committee, Advocate N Harish- trainer of Model Parliament Competitions, Melquis A-Principal YMCA college of Physical Education, Promidhini Narendranath-Chairperson of the Environment and Youth Committee, Secretaries in various capacities; Anthony Issac, Arun Kumar Kanodi, Daniel Rathnakar, John Kennedy, Jonas Prabhakar.

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