- Manila, Phillipines
- paxromanaimcsap@gmail.com
IMCS South Asia Program 2025: Faith, Environment, and Unity in Action
From April 6–10, 2025, student leaders from across South Asia gathered in Don Bosco Thecho, Nepal for the IMCS South Asia Program 2025, a regional initiative focused on environmental stewardship, inter-movement solidarity, and faith-based action.
The event opened with a Mass and inspiring reflections on ecological responsibility, followed by national reports that fostered cross-country learning. Participants engaged in immersive visits—to Caritas Nepal, the Tamang community, and ICIMOD—to witness firsthand the intersection of faith, indigenous knowledge, and environmental innovation.
Highlights included sessions on Laudato Si’ and Climate Action by Fr. Jiju Varghese, and hands-on planning facilitated by Ms. Anne Beatrice, culminating in country-specific ecological action plans. National movements showcased pioneering efforts—from eco-agriculture in Nepal, to sustainable farming in Bangladesh, and water and forest conservation in India.
The program closed with a unifying Mass, cultural performances, and renewed commitment to environmental justice. It affirmed the power of combining spirituality, culture, and student-led advocacy to build a greener, more just South Asia.
Valerian Kujur
IMCS Nepal
One of the central themes we explored was Laudato Si’. Given that Kathmandu is currently one of the most polluted cities, this focus was especially relevant. It prompted us to reflect deeply on ecological awareness and our responsibility to care for our common home.
We visited ICIMOD, where we saw how plants are preserved and the environment is protected—real-life examples of ecological care. Through interactions with tribal communities who live in close harmony with nature, we gained valuable insights into sustainable living. These experiences have broadened our understanding and deepened our commitment to ecological responsibility.
We carry with us knowledge and insights that will guide our actions as we return to our schools and communities. It was a meaningful and eye-opening experience that we will continue to build upon.
Arpon Adrian Gomes
BCSM, Bangladesh
The central theme of this program is Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’s encyclical on care for our common home. One session that stood out to me was conducted by Fr. Giju Vergis. He provided deep insights and helped us understand how we can begin ecological care starting from our own lives and local communities.
During this program, the three participating countries—IMCS Nepal, AICUF India, and BCSM Bangladesh—worked together to develop concrete action plans. We are committed to implementing them upon returning home. As young people, we believe we can make a real and lasting impact in protecting Mother Earth.
We visited ICIMOD, where we saw how plants are preserved and the environment is protected—real-life examples of ecological care. Through interactions with tribal communities who live in close harmony with nature, we gained valuable insights into sustainable living. These experiences have broadened our understanding and deepened our commitment to ecological responsibility.
We carry with us knowledge and insights that will guide our actions as we return to our schools and communities. It was a meaningful and eye-opening experience that we will continue to build upon.
Prema Ghale
IMCS Nepal
This was my first time attending such a program, and it has truly been a transformative experience. Before coming here, I had little knowledge about Laudato Si’, but now I have a much deeper understanding of its message and its relevance to environmental care.
One of the most meaningful outcomes for me was personal growth. I’ve always been shy, but through this program, I gained the confidence to speak in front of others. That was a significant milestone for me. I not only gained knowledge but also built up my confidence, and I hope to have many more opportunities like this in the future.
Jenny Toppo
AICUF India
I joined this program to understand the role I can play as a student and as a young person in caring for our common home. One of the most impactful moments was our visit to ICIMOD in Godavari. There, I saw firsthand how a community can manage its natural resources responsibly using sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy.
For me, the most powerful session was the one led by Father Jiju on Laudato Si’. He clearly conveyed how our individual actions and commitments can make a real difference. That session inspired me to set personal ecological goals and to engage those close to me in this mission.
This program has been one of the best experiences for me. In today’s world, it’s vital that our generation embraces Laudato Si’ and contributes actively to environmental preservation.
We visited ICIMOD, where we saw how plants are preserved and the environment is protected—real-life examples of ecological care. Through interactions with tribal communities who live in close harmony with nature, we gained valuable insights into sustainable living. These experiences have broadened our understanding and deepened our commitment to ecological responsibility.
We carry with us knowledge and insights that will guide our actions as we return to our schools and communities. It was a meaningful and eye-opening experience that we will continue to build upon.
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IMCS Asia Pacific
The International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS) Asia Pacific is a dynamic regional organization dedicated to empowering young Catholics to actively engage in social justice, human rights, and sustainable development. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, IMCS aims to nurture leadership, build solidarity, and inspire students to be agents of change within their communities and beyond.
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