25.04.2025 : Maharashtra Governor presides over 150th anniversary of Bombay YMCA
Maharashtra Governor presides over 150th anniversary of Bombay YMCA
YMCA is a truly secular organization: Governor C P Radhakrishnan
Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan has described YMCA as a truly secular organisation and complimented it for its work in the areas of education, social welfare and sports.
“Even though the Young Men’s Christian Association, has the word Christian in its nomenclature, YMCA is a truly secular organisation that works beyond considerations like religion, language, race and colour,” he said.
The Governor was speaking at a function organised to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Bombay YMCA at NCPA Mumbai on Friday (25 April).
The Governor released the coffee table book ‘How Much Can We Do for Others’ and also the souvenir of the Bombay YMCA on this occasion.
Praising the work of YMCA, the Governor recalled that the hostel of YMCA in Chennai was much sought after and known for its excellent mess. He expressed hope that YMCA would continue to work to promote education and sports for poor students.
The Governor said earlier, when businessmen travelled to London, they used to get very little foreign exchange. In those days, business people preferred staying at the YMCA hostel in London. He complimented the YMCA for playing an important role in the lives of many businessmen and entrepreneurs.
The Governor said since its establishment in 1875, during the time of British rule when the population of Bombay was under one million, the Bombay YMCA has grown remarkably. Noting that Mumbai is now a thriving cosmopolitan metropolis with almost 20 million people, he expressed the need for Bombay YMCA to expand and widen the sphere of its activities.
The Governor said in its 150-year journey, the YMCA has been a home away from home for youth, a nursery for leaders, athletes and socially conscious individuals. He said Bombay YMCA has contributed significantly to sports, education, vocational training, and community upliftment.
Earlier, the Governor paid tribute to the late Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, as well as the citizens who died in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
President of Bombay YMCA Noel Ammana, President, World Alliance of YMCA Soheila Hayek, General Secretary, Asia & Pacific Alliance of YMCA Nam Boo Won, President, National Council of YMCAs of IndiaDr Vincent George, National General Secretary N V Eldo,Secretary to the Governor Dr Prashant Narnaware, Deputy Secretary S Ramamoorthy, Chairman, Sesqui Centennial Celebrations Committee Adv Rui Rodrigues, General Secretary, Bombay YMCA Allen Kotian, President, India Fellowship of YMCA Retirees Stanley C Karkada and members of the Bombay YMCA were present.