About Us

Karnataka Regional Youth Commission (KRYC)

The Karnataka Regional Youth Commission (KRYC) functions under the leadership of the Karnataka Regional Catholic Bishops’ Council (KRCBC). The President of KRCBC, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, also serves as the President of KRYC.

KRYC is one of the 22 Regional Commissions of the KRCBC. Most Rev. Dr. Henry D'Souza serves as the Chairman of the Karnataka Regional Youth Commission, while Most Rev. Dr. Duming Dias serves as the Joint Chairman.

At present, Rev. Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza is the Secretary of the KRCBC Youth Commission. As the Regional Youth Director, he oversees the activities of ICYM, YCS/YSM, and MIJARC movements. Sr. Lenita Lobo, AC serves as the Regional Youth Lady Animator.

The Karnataka Regional Youth Commission Office is situated at the Karnataka Regional Pastoral Centre, Bengaluru.

The Catholic Church in India is divided into 13 ecclesiastical regions, and Karnataka is one among them.

The Karnataka Region comprises 14 dioceses including 10 Latin Rite dioceses, 3 Syro-Malabar Rite dioceses, and 1 Syro-Malankara Rite diocese.

The Dioceses in the Region are:

Karnataka Regional Catholic Bishops’ Council (KRCBC)

The Karnataka Regional Catholic Bishops’ Council (KRCBC) functions under the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI). As the apex body of the Church in Karnataka, KRCBC consists of the bishops of the 14 dioceses of the region.

KRCBC serves as a platform where regional pastoral policies and important matters concerning the Church are deliberated upon and decisions are made for the welfare and growth of the Church in Karnataka.

The Council comprises 22 Commissions, each headed by a bishop serving as Chairman. Every commission is assisted by a Secretary, who acts as the chief functionary, and one or more Joint Secretaries.During KRCBC meetings, Secretaries present reports of activities and future plans, which are discussed and approved by the bishops. Following approval, the Secretaries guide the diocesan commission secretaries in implementing these programs at the diocesan level.

There is constant communication and collaboration among the various commissions. Both the individual commissions and the KRCBC meet regularly, generally at least twice a year.

History of KRYC
The Karnataka Regional Youth Commission (KRYC) came into existence in January 1985 and was officially approved by the Karnataka Regional Catholic Bishops’ Council (KRCBC).
Since its inception, KRYC has faithfully carried out its mission among students and youth under the leadership of successive Chairman Bishops and Regional Secretaries.

Youth and Student Movements
Young Christian Students / Young Students Movement (YCS/YSM)
KRYC reaches out to high school students through the Young Christian Students (YCS) and Young Students Movement (YSM) in schools and parishes.

Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM)
The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) serves young people between the ages of 18 and 30 years in the parishes of the Catholic Church throughout Karnataka.

MIJARC
In 2004, KRYC affiliated itself with the International Movement of Catholic Agricultural and Rural Youth (MIJARC). Through this movement, rural youth are trained in:Sustainable agriculture, Animal husbandry, Organic farming ,Food security initiatives Modern agricultural technologies
In addition, several youth organizations function under the umbrella of KRYC, including:
● AICUF
● Don Bosco Youth
● Jesus Youth
● YU4C
● Various diocesan and parish-based youth groups

Mission and Objectives
The Karnataka Regional Youth Commission seeks to inspire both personal and collective transformation that contributes to positive social change.
Through coordination among the 14 dioceses, KRYC works for the holistic growth of young people, with special attention to:
● Disadvantaged students
● Marginalized youth
● Rural development
● Environmental concerns
● Leadership formation
● Faith development and evangelization

Vision of KRYC
The Karnataka Regional Youth Commission is founded on the vision of promoting the integral development of every person. The Church is concerned with the total well-being of the human person, including:
● Physical development
● Psychological well-being
● Social growth
● Economic empowerment
● Cultural enrichment
● Technological advancement
● Environmental responsibility
● Spiritual formation

Accordingly, all pastoral plans, programs, and initiatives of KRYC are designed to foster the holistic development of young people and enable them to become responsible citizens, committed Christians, and transformative leaders in society.

"Empowering Youth, Transforming Society, Building God's Kingdom."