Creating a Hope filled Future: Kerala AICUF 100
Kerala AICUF Centenary Celebrations, Youth Conclave, was held at Loyola College of Social Sciences, Thiruvanathapuram on 11-13 October 2024. The theme for the celebration was `Creating a Hope filled future: Kerala AICUF celebrating 100 years of forming men and women for and with others.’ More than 200 AICUFers from different districts of Kerala attended the Conclave.
Ms Lida Jacob IAS, Ret Additional Chief Secretary in her keynote address shared about her personal experience being a member of AICUF. She said `In AICUF I learnt to walk the extra mile as a team. We have a forum OLAM (Old Leaders of AICUF Movement). It has completed 36 years where Justice Cyriac Joseph, Justice Kurien Joseph, Ms Jancy, Former Vice Chancellor and I, are all members of this forum. We have all achieved our mite in the Society. It is 17 years since I retired but AICUF gave me the solidarity and spiritual advice to face challenges.’ She further encouraged the gathering saying `in these two days, students can write about ‘What is the AICUF I dream about’ and ‘What will be my contribution be in that AICUF?’. We need to transform our AICUF into a vibrant movement. World Economic Forum proposes a CARE Economy. The wars in Palestine, Ukraine calls for our intervention and to create a caring economy. Even in a Care Economy business is possible. We need to aspire to show care and concern for the less fortunate. An AICUFer once, an AICUFer forever.’
Fr Sunny Jose said that all students have a responsibility towards the society because the society has invested in your university education. In those times, the PUC students were encouraged to teach the impoverished people of Fathimapuram. Those memories were some of the happiest moments of my life. AICUF is a great movement, which paved the way for the growth of many and helped alleviate the lives of many others.
Dr Shashi Tharoor, MP, Thiruvanathapuram was present on the second day interacting with the AICUFers. He invited the students to create a vibrant democracy. Eminent personalities like Archbishop of Thiruvanathapuram Dr Thomas Netto, Thirivanathapuram MP Mr. Shashi Tharoor, Dr Thomas Issac, Mrs. Lido Jacob IAS, Kerala Jesuit Provincial Fr EP Mathew, AICUF National Advisor Fr Jesu Benjamine and JCSA Youth Coordinator Fr Vernard Antony were present on this wonderful occasion.
Reported by Fr. Benedict Santosh SJ
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