Throughout the history of the Christian Church, youth movements have played a vital role in nurturing faith, fostering fellowship, and preparing young people for leadership and service. Across denominations and cultures, Christian youth organizations have served as platforms for spiritual growth, discipleship, and mission, empowering generations of young believers to bear witness to Christ in their communities and beyond.
In the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, this vision found expression through the establishment of the Mar Thoma Yuvajana Sakhyam in 1933 during the historic Maramon Convention. The Yuvajana Sakhyam, or Youth Fellowship, was organized with the conviction that all young people in the Church should accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour and bear witness to His saving grace and power. Established by a resolution of the Sabha Prathinidhi Mandalam, the movement sought to unite the youth of the Mar Thoma Church and guide them towards a life centred on worship, Christian fellowship, study of the Scriptures, and active participation in the mission of the Church.
The first President of the Yuvajana Sakhyam was Rev. V. P. Mammen, while Rev. K. E. Oommen and Rev. C. M. John (later Juhanon Mar Thoma Metropolitan) served as Vice Presidents. Mr. V. E. Thomas, who later entered the ordained ministry, was appointed as the first Secretary. From its inception, branches of the Yuvajana Sakhyam were established in parishes across the Church, following a four-fold programme of worship, study, witness, and service.
A significant milestone in the growth of the organization came in 1945 with the appointment of Mr. M. M. Thomas (later Dr. M. M. Thomas) as the Organising Secretary and the first full-time worker of the Sakhyam. Under his visionary and dynamic leadership, the Yuvajana Sakhyam expanded rapidly, strengthening its roots within the Church and extending its influence far and wide. Today, the Yuvajana Sakhyam continues to unite young members of the Mar Thoma Church throughout the world, providing opportunities for spiritual enrichment, fellowship, leadership development, and Christian witness.
The primary aim of the Yuvajana Sakhyam remains to guide young people in acknowledging Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour and to encourage them to centre their lives around worship, Christian fellowship, and service. Through camps, retreats, meetings, seminars, and discussions, the organization seeks to deepen the understanding of the Holy Scriptures, strengthen commitment to the traditions and mission of the Mar Thoma Church, and equip young people for faithful Christian living and leadership.
At Bethel Mar Thoma Church, New Delhi
The Bethel Mar Thoma Yuvajana Sakhyam had an active and fruitful year, marked by meaningful programmes, enthusiastic participation, and significant contributions to the life and ministry of the parish. The organization continued to play a vital role in nurturing the spiritual, social, and leadership development of the youth of the parish. Various spiritual, fellowship-oriented, and community-based activities were organized throughout the year, fostering unity, strengthening faith, and encouraging a spirit of Christian service and commitment among its members.
The Yuvajana Sakhyam actively participated in the worship life, mission, and ministry of the Church through its dedicated involvement in various parish activities and outreach initiatives. Despite having a membership strength of seven members, the Sakhyam remained vibrant, committed, and exemplary in its teamwork, participation, and service to the parish community.
The regular fellowship meetings of the Yuvajana Sakhyam were conducted on the first and third Sundays following worship services, while Cottage Fellowship gatherings were held on the fourth Sunday of each month. These gatherings provided opportunities for prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and spiritual reflection, thereby strengthening the faith and fellowship of the members.
The Bethel Mar Thoma Yuvajana Sakhyam remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening the faith, fellowship, and service of the younger generation. Through its continued dedication to worship, study, witness, and service, the organization contributes meaningfully to the spiritual growth and overall development of the parish, while preparing young people to become faithful disciples and effective leaders in the Church and society.