Engaging with Society

The Pune branch of Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA),which is celebrating 169 years of existence,is planning new initiatives to engage with society. Deepak Londhe,General Secretary of YMCA,Pune,said that the organisation was founded in 1844 in London. “The association celebrated our anniversary with a prayer meeting and a small function at our premises on June 6. The Bishop of Pune,Andrew Rathore,and the national heads of the YMCA centers were present at the occasion,” he said.

About the effort to engage with people in the city,Londhe said,“We are planning initiatives to adopt a community,and organise more youth-oriented events such as counselling camps for the youth,and career guidance. There are also plans for the center to organise a football tournament and a folk dance competition later in the year.”

The Pune branch of YMCA is also planning to launch a new branch soon. “We are in talks for finalising the land and,if we acquire it,we will be setting up another center in Pune,” Londhe said. “We believe the youth are the future of the nation and it is important to give them proper guidance,” he adds.