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.
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
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.