BSI South Regional Youth Conclave 2026 Inspires Young Ambassadors of God’s Word.
Coonoor, Tamil Nadu | June 24–26, 2026
The Bible Society of India (BSI), through its Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation Department (CPRRM), in partnership with the Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana Auxiliaries, successfully organised the first-ever South Regional Youth Conclave at the Salvation Army Christian Retreat and Conference Centre, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. The three-day gathering brought together 53 participants, including youth representatives from the five South Region Auxiliaries and delegates from the Central Office, under the theme:
“Youth – Called to Carry the Word of God” (Psalm 119:9–11).
The Conclave was inaugurated by Rev. Dr. Kavito G. Zhimo, General Secretary of the Bible Society of India, whose keynote address challenged the young participants to build their lives on the transforming power of God’s Word and become faithful witnesses in today’s world. Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi, Director of CPRRM, welcomed the participants and introduced the ministry and mission of the Bible Society of India, encouraging the youth to become ambassadors of God’s Word both in the Church and in the public sphere.
Throughout the Conclave, participants were enriched through inspiring Bible studies, leadership presentations, digital ministry sessions, group discussions, and interactive fellowship. Key presentations included “Biblical Role Models for Youth Today” by Rev. Dr. John Basy Paul and “Youth – Ambassadors for Bible Ministry” by Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi. Mr. Caleb Martin Hilton, Associate Director of Media & Communication and Information Technology, addressed the relevance of digital platforms for youth ministry, encouraging participants to use technology responsibly for sharing God’s Word, under the title “ Youth Ministry in the Digital Platform”.
A memorable eco-walk in Ooty provided an opportunity for fellowship, reflection, and appreciation of God’s creation, reminding participants of their responsibility as Christian stewards of the environment.
On our final day Rev. Jeremiah Alfred, Pastor of All Saints’ English Church, CSI, Coonoor, shared a message from Psalm 119:9–11, encouraging the youth to treasure God’s Word and faithfully live as ambassadors for Christ. In his valedictory address, Rev. Dr. Kavito G. Zhimo urged the youth to value time and reminded them the importance of being on time while firmly rooted in Scripture, and actively participate in the mission of the Bible Society of India by faithfully using their God-given gifts and talents.
One of the most encouraging outcomes of the Conclave was the participants’ enthusiastic response to BSI’s ministry. For many, it was their first meaningful exposure to the work of the Bible Society of India. They expressed a strong desire to remain connected through regular regional gatherings, online networking, and activity-based programmes. Participants also suggested developing youth counselling initiatives, mental health resources, secure online engagement platforms, and practical social service opportunities to strengthen Scripture engagement among young people.
Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi, Coordinator of the South Regional Youth Conclave 2026, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the General Secretary, Rev Jeremiah Alfred, Auxiliary Secretaries, the hosting Tamil Nadu Auxiliary, vibrant youth participants, and BSI Coonoor branch supporters, whose generous hospitality, gifts, and support contributed to the successful conduct of the Conclave. It is worth acknowledging a few individuals, such as Mr. Prem Anand, Coonoor Branch Secretary, Mrs Nithya Soundaraj for their gift of lovely Niligiri Tea from their Estate for everyone, Mrs. Ratnasundar from Gudalur Branch Secretary for a lovely snacks for all, Major John Christopher, Manager of the Salvation Army Centre in Coonoor, Mr. Gnanakadatcham, Coimbatore Branch Secretary (Father of the present Bishop of Coimbatore Diocese, CSI Rt. Rev. Dr. Prince Calvin) and Mr. Daniel Krishnamoorthy, Coimbatore area Coodinator.
Following the Conclave, meetings with pastors, church leaders, BSI supporters, and volunteers in the Nilgiri Hills and Coimbatore further strengthened partnerships for Bible ministry. Special Bible Sunday services held in Coimbatore received an overwhelming response, with congregations expressing their commitment to strengthen their partnership with BSI. Plans were also initiated to organise a BSI Branch Leaders’ Volunteer Training Conference for the Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Tiruppur, and Nilgiri regions to revitalise local branch ministries.
The South Regional Youth Conclave concluded with a commissioning service, sending participants back to their respective Auxiliaries with renewed commitment to serve as ambassadors of God’s Word. The historic gathering marked an important milestone in strengthening youth engagement within the Bible Society of India and reaffirmed BSI’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of leaders dedicated to carrying God’s Word to the Church and the wider society.
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The Tamil Nadu Auxiliary Participants led the Inaugural worship with singing, Bible reading and prayer. Inauguration was moderated by Rev. P. Moses Devadason, Senior Auxiliary Secretary, Tamil Nadu Auxiliary
Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi, Director, Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation, BSI, welcome and introduced the ministry of the Bible Society of India
Rev. Dr. Kavito G. Zhimo, GS, BSI, delivering the Keynote Address
Rev. Shashikala Alva, Senior Auxiliary Secretary of the Karnataka Auxiliary led the Ice-breaking Session very creatively
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Rev. Dr. John Basy Paul, Senior Auxiliary Secretary, Telangana Auxiliary making hos presentation. Rev Jacob Anthony K. the Auxiliary Secretary of the Kerala Auxiliary moderated the session
Rev K. John Vikram, Auxiliary Secretary of Andhra Pradesh moderated the session of Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi
Mr. Caleb Martin Hilton, Associate Director, Media and Communication & Information and Technology Department and Rev Dr. John Basy Paul moderated the session.
Group discussion in progress
Rev. Jeremiah Alfred, Pastor of the All Saints’ English Church, CSI, Coonoor
The General Secretary of the BSI, Rev. Dr. Kavito G. Zhimo, delivering his Valedictory message
Bible Sunday at the Christ Church, CSI and at the All Souls’ English Church, Coimbatore; with pastors and Church Elders
Bible Sunday at the Christ Church, CSI and at the All Souls’ English Church, Coimbatore; with pastors and Church Elders
By Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi
Director Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation
KERALA AUXILIARY
70th Annual General Meeting & Thanksgiving Service
11 July 2026, Marian Academy, Puthuppady, Kothamangalam
The 70th Annual General Meeting & Thanksgiving Service of the Kerala Auxiliary of the Bible Society of India was held at Marian Academy, Puthuppady, Kothamangalam on 11th July 2026. With grateful hearts, we thank Almighty God for His abundant blessings upon the successful conduct of the 70th Annual General Meeting and Thanksgiving Service of the Bible Society of India – Kerala Auxiliary. The meeting was presided over by our Auxiliary President, Most Rev. Dr. Theodosius Mar Thoma Metropolitan, and inaugurated by H. B. Dr. Aboon Mor Baselios Joseph, Catholicos of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church. The keynote address was delivered by our beloved General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Kavito G. Zhimo, whose inspiring message challenged and encouraged us to remain faithful to God’s mission through His Word. The gathering was enriched by the presence and greetings of Church leaders representing various Christian traditions, including Rt. Rev. V. S. Francis (Auxiliary Vice-President & Deputy Moderator, CSI), Moran Mor Dr. Samuel Theophilus Metropolitan (Believers Eastern Church), Most Rev. Dr. Abraham Chacko (Presiding Bishop, St. Thomas Evangelical Church of India), Most Rev. Cyril Mar Baselios I (Metropolitan, Malabar Independent Syrian Church), and H. G. Mathews Mor Aphrem Metropolitan (Angamaly Diocese, Jacobite Syrian Church). Representatives from various churches also conveyed their greetings, reflecting the unity of the Church in the ministry of God’s Word.
A major highlight of the gathering was the release of the newly translated Malayalam Bible in Roman Script, a significant milestone that will help make God’s Word more accessible to a wider readership. The occasion also witnessed the release of the special commemorative Souvenir, “70 Years of Bible Ministry in Kerala,” marking seven decades of the Bible Society’s faithful ministry in the state.
The programme also recognized and honoured those who successfully completed the Handwritten Bible Project, celebrating their dedication and love for the Scriptures. Awards and recognitions were presented to the highest-achieving branches and regions for their outstanding contribution to the ministry of the Bible Society. Special recognition was also given to the winners of the Mary Jones Card Collection, both at the individual and branch levels, appreciating their faithful commitment and sacrificial support for the cause of Bible mission.
More than 700 delegates, including bishops, clergy, pastors, church leaders, volunteers, and members from across Kerala, participated in this historic gathering, making it a memorable celebration of God’s faithfulness over the past seventy years.
We express our sincere appreciation to the Kothamangalam Branch for hosting the programme with exceptional dedication, warmth, and excellence. Our special appreciation goes to Chev. Prof. Baby M. Varghese, General Convenor for his outstanding leadership and generous support in making Marian Academy and all its facilities available for this event. We also gratefully acknowledge the wholehearted service rendered by the management, staff, students, volunteers, and every member of the organizing committee, whose tireless efforts contributed to the smooth and blessed conduct of the programme.
May the Lord richly bless everyone who prayed, participated, served, and contributed in making this historic gathering a great success.
Reported by Rev. Jacob Anthony Koothatinkel, Auxiliary Secretary, Kerala Auxiliary
AIZAWL AUXILIARY
Bible Society of India, Aizawl Auxiliary, Presents Bibles to Missionary Training College Students
On 8 July 2026, the Bible Society of India (BSI), Aizawl Auxiliary, organized a special Bible presentation service at Missionary Training College (MTC), Mission Vengthlang, reaffirming its commitment to equipping future missionaries with the life-giving Word of God. During the service, 18 newly admitted Bachelor of Missiology students each received a copy of the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible. The programme was chaired by Rev. Lalfakzuala, Principal of MTC, who expressed appreciation to the Bible Society of India for its continued partnership in nurturing those preparing for Christian ministry and mission.
The Bibles were presented by Rev. Remlalfaka, Auxiliary Secretary of BSI Aizawl Auxiliary, who also delivered a brief message highlighting the centrality of God’s Word in the life and ministry of every missionary. He encouraged the students to cultivate the discipline of reading, studying, meditating on, and living out the Scriptures, reminding them that effective mission begins with a deep personal encounter with God’s Word.
In addition to the student Bibles, the Auxiliary also presented one Hebrew Old Testament and one Greek New Testament to the college for the use of its faculty members. These resources will strengthen biblical language studies and support the academic and theological formation of future missionaries.
Presenting a Bible to students at the beginning of their missionary training carries profound significance. As these students prepare to proclaim the Gospel in diverse cultural and linguistic contexts, the Scriptures will serve as their guide, inspiration, and authority in ministry. This meaningful initiative was made possible through the generous and unwavering support of churches, individual donors, and friends of the Bible Society of India. Their faithful partnership ensured that these essential resources could be provided free of charge to the students and faculty. Through such acts of generosity, the Church invests not only in theological education but also in the future of God’s mission, empowering a new generation of missionaries to carry the transforming message of the Scriptures to communities across India and beyond.
Reported by Rev. Remlalfaka, Auxiliary Secretary, Aizawl Auxiliary