Jungle Journey 2026

The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), St. John Paul II Mogarnad Deanery, in collaboration with MIJARC Karnataka, CASK Centenary Trust and Vana Charitable Trust, successfully organized “Jungle Journey 2026” at the Kanthavara Base Camp on 26 July 2026. The program witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 67 youth members from across the deanery.

The event was graced by Rev. Fr. Richard D’Souza, Director of ICYM Mogarnad Deanery, Rev. Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza, Secretary of the Karnataka Regional Youth Commission, Ms. Rishal Dsouza and Mr. Johnviston Dias, MIJARC Karnataka Coordinators, and Mr. Jeet Milan Roche of Vana Charitable Trust.

The programme featured informative and interactive sessions by eminent resource persons. Mr. Arun Shenoy from Mangaluru enlightened the participants on the importance of forests by reflecting on three thought-provoking questions: How many saplings are required to replace a tree?, What is a forest?, and How can we protect forests? His session encouraged the youth to understand the true value of nature and environmental conservation.

Forest Beat Officer Mr. Chandrashekar addressed the gathering on the need to conserve forests and inspired the participants to consider careers in the Forest Department while actively contributing to environmental protection.

Mr. Jeet Milan Roche explained the various conservation initiatives and activities being carried out within forest ecosystems and highlighted the role of community participation in preserving biodiversity.

Apart from the educational sessions, the participants enjoyed a guided nature trek, birdwatching, and a traditional meal prepared using local methods, making the programme both informative and memorable.

The organisers expressed gratitude to all the resource persons, collaborating organisations, and participants for making Jungle Journey 2026 a meaningful initiative that strengthened environmental awareness and encouraged the youth to become responsible custodians of nature.