By Matters India Reporter

Bengaluru: A Hindu and a Sikh are among five young people selected by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) to represent India at the Pre-Synod Meeting in Rome.

They will be among 300 young leaders from different countries participating in the March 18-24 meet convoked by Pope Francis.

. They will debate the topic “Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment,” which is also the theme of the 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, stated Bishop Franco Mulakkal, chairperson of the National Youth Commission of the CCBI.

Among the Indian delegates, Inderjit Singh from Jalandhar diocese, Punjab, will represent the Sikh religion while Sandeep Pandeyf from Vasai diocese in Maharashtra the Hindu faith.

The Catholics are all office bearers of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement: president Percival Holt the Delhi Archdiocese, general secretary Paul Jose from Kerala’s Kottapuram diocese, and spokesperson Shilpa from Odisha’s Rourkela diocese.

These five youth will join discussions on issues related to young people in the world.

The results of this event will be summarized in a document and given to the bishops participating in synod which scheduled for October 3-28 at the Vatican.

The subject of young people is the one that emerged with utmost support, says a press release from the CCBI youth commission.

“It is also in continuation of the subject on the family, which was already discussed in detail. The Pope accepted the topic on young people, and he recognized the urgency. Pope Francis expects a movement, a powerful path, a true meeting with the youth and is eager to listen to them and walk with them. This meeting will gather them all both within the Church, or those farther away,” it adds.

Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, says, “I would like even those far from the faith to see a welcoming Church that is able to offer an attractive message of hope, capable of proposing ideals.”

Bishop Mulakkal says; “We want our young people in India to be aware their existence and work for a harmonious and peace loving society. Young people are peaceful and compassionate. They are in need of guidance and patient listening. India, being the largest democracy is a young country and the entire world looks up to India.”

The five delegates from India will get an opportunity for an audience with Pope Francis on Palm Sunday.