According to an article published in BBC News, India has more than 50% of its population below the age of 25 and more than 65% below the age of 35. It is expected that, in 2020, the average age of an Indian will be 29 years, compared to 37 for China and 48 for Japan; and, by 2030, India’s dependency ratio should be just over 0.4. Caritas India to values the presence of the young population of our country to build its volunteer force. With volunteering as one of strategy pillar, Fr Paul Moonjely, Executive Director, Caritas India addressed the young participants of the CCBI National Youth Convention on October 25, 2018, at Gurugram, Haryana. The convention comprised of 400 vibrant young participants along with their Diocesan youth directors, Regional youth directors from across India. The convention dealt with workshops affecting the daily lives of youth such as Youth & Politics, Media & Technology, Psychology of youth etc.

Fr Paul’s session was focussed on building the “Youth for Jesus and Society”. During his talk he emphasised on Pope Francis’ call to the young people “Church and Society needs you”. It is faith that binds all and the presence of youth symbolises the impact of faith. God incarnated through various people and actions in Bible. God still reveals itself through church and the acts done by people on earth. He urged the young people present to stand up for the poor and marginalised, to extend their services to contribute within their capacities in the form of voluntary services. He gave accolades to the contributions made by youth volunteers during Kerala floods and motivated the gathering to initiate similar initiatives.

Volunteering being the strategy pillar reinforced that volunteering means commitment to willing service. Most of the volunteers see a deep connection between their faith and their service and it is their faith that prompts them for social work. It is not just a token of service but a fundamental option, a way of life, that leads to self-sacrifice. Common citizens are capable and willing to the diaconal work.

Caritas India being the second largest humanitarian aid network pioneering in disaster relief activities, Fr Paul invited the participants to accompany the transformation journey of creating 1 million volunteers for Caritas. He presented the probable avenues for collaborations i.e. at the time of natural calamities, part taking in campaigns being ambassadors of Caritas, engage in resource development through fund raising activities, offering their expertise by working in offices. The session ended consensus among the participants to volunteer for Caritas.