Mar Thoma Yuvajana Sakhyam

The Mar Thoma Yuvajana Sakhyam was organized with a view that all the young people in the Church should accept Jesus Christ as their saviour and Lord, and bear witness to His saving power. It was organized in 1933 by a resolution of the Sabha Prathinidhi Mandalam. The first president of the Sakhyam was Rev.V P Mammen and the Vice- Presidents were rev. K E Oommen and Rev. C M John (later Juhanon Mar Thoma Metropolitan) and the first Secretary was Mr. V E Thomas (later Rev. V E Thomas, Singapore). Branches of the Sakhyam were set up in the Parishes with a four-fold programme of worship, study, witness and service. Mr. M M Thomas (later Dr. M M Thomas) was appointed as Organising Secretary in 1945 and he was the full time worker of the Sakhyam. Under his dynamic leadership, the Sakhyam struck deep roots and spread its branches far and wide.

Most of the Parishes both inside and outside Kerala have branches of the Sakhyam. A group of such branches form a Center(Pradeshika Group). There are a number of such Centres under each Diocese. The Constitution of the Sakhaym prescribes that the President should be a Bishop of the Church. Rt Rev Joseph Mar Barnabas Episcopa is the President and Rev Jose C Joseph Mathew is the General Secretary.

The Sakhyam publishest wo monthly magazines called Mar Thoma Yuvadeepam and Ripples with articles of interest to the youth and with focus on the needs of the Church and Society. It also contains Bible reading notes for daily devotional study. The Sakhyam also publishes an annual calendar.

Gospel tours are arranged to mission centers so that the young people get a first hand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities of the mission fields. Gospel distribution squads are trained to distribute the scriptures in different places. Youth conventions are held on Diocesan and regional basis to promote study, and dedication of life. Campaigns are held against alcoholism and other social evils. In pursuance of such projects a vigilance corps is operating. Vocational guidance is being provided in a few branches. There are also self-employment projects under the auspices of the branches and centers. The Yuvajana Sakhyam works for meeting the varied needs of the growing generation.


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