Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

Rotary Club of Cochin South Hosts the 30th RYLA 2025 – Empowering Youth Through Leadership The Rotary Club of Cochin South successfully organized the 30th Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA 2025) from October 18 to 20, 2025, at the Mar Thoma Guidance & Counselling Centre, Vyttila. The three-day residential program brought together 38 enthusiastic students from professional colleges across Ernakulam, nurturing leadership, creativity, and service values among young minds. The event was inaugurated by Assistant Governor Rtn. Dr. Renju Jose, and presided over by President Rtn. Mahesh Ramdas, in the presence of RYLA Chair Rtn. Sanju P. Mathew and Secretary Rtn. George Panamkuzha.

The club was graciously honoured by the presence of District Governor Rtn. Dr. G.N. Ramesh, who attended the evening session on the opening day and delivered an inspiring address on leadership, self-belief, and Rotary’s mission in shaping future generations. Day 1 – Igniting Leadership The opening day set a vibrant tone for the program, beginning with an ice-breaking session by Shri. M. Renjith Kumar that encouraged teamwork and confidence-building. Dr. Nisha Vikraman from St. Teresa’s College led a session on nutrition and wellness, followed by theatre artist Shri. Sharan S.S., who helped participants express themselves through creativity and performance.

In the evening, Shri. Sathyajith Divakaran from MMTV Digital spoke about digital readiness and leadership basics, while National Youth Icon Award winner Shri. Anjan Satheesh inspired participants through his engaging talk “Sarga Samvadam.” The day ended with an evaluation session led by RYLA Convenors Mr. Amal M.R. and Mr. R. Krishnanand, setting the stage for deeper engagement over the next two days. Day 2 – Building Vision and Skills The second day began with a morning message by Shri. P.P. Ajimon, followed by an energetic Zumba session by Shri. Rajesh Raj. The day featured a rich variety of sessions including: Rtn. Dr. Ajay Lunavat, on financial awareness through “Money Reka.” Smt. Deepthi Lunavat, on balancing personal and professional life in “Art of Life.” Ms. Cathy Tresa Mathew, IRS, shared her personal journey in “How I Came to Be,” motivating students to pursue excellence through resilience.

Shri. John from Federal Bank engaged the participants with sales and communication skills in “Sell Like a Champion.” JC Gautham Krishnan led a hands-on session on public speaking and personality development, enhancing participants’ confidence. The evening concluded with Shri. Vincent Thomas Varghese introducing the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence, and Ms. Amritha Varshini, actress of Thudarum fame, returning with a special cultural session of “Sarga Samvadam.” The day ended with a joyful campfire and cultural night, celebrating teamwork and friendship. Day 3 – Reflection and Transformation The final day began with a morning message by Shri. M.S. Vinod of Mathrubhumi, followed by a self-defense demonstration by Sensai Vishnu, 3rd Dan Black Belt, which emphasized safety and confidence.

The sessions continued with Dr. Vinod R.R., founder of Vidya Mithra, who led “Art of Authentic Promotion,” focusing on ethical self-branding and leadership presentation. Shri. Shiju Varghese from the Narcotics Bureau of India educated the participants on drug awareness and prevention, followed by Rtn. P.D. Sebastian who conducted dual sessions on etiquette, manners, and the power of positivity. The day concluded with a group activity by Shri. P.P. Ajimon and Shri. M.S. Vinod, encouraging collaboration, and a valedictory function where participants shared their reflections and received certificates.

A Legacy of 30 Years For the past three decades, Rotary Club of Cochin South has been proudly conducting RYLA as one of its flagship youth initiatives. RYLA 2025 once again proved to be a dynamic platform for young leaders to learn, grow, and discover their potential — embodying Rotary’s spirit of Service Above Self.