Mangaluru: Christon Joshua Menezes has been elected President of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), Mangalore Diocese, for the 2026–2027 term after securing a record mandate in the organisation’s history.
The election was held during the 80th ICYM General Election at Rosario Cathedral Hall, where Christon defeated Avit Premson Lobo by polling 269 votes, while Lobo secured 99 votes. His victory marks the highest number of votes received by any candidate in the history of ICYM Mangalore Diocese elections.
A resident of Derebail, Christon is the son of Edward and Benedicta Menezes and has held several leadership positions in educational, religious and student organisations.
His leadership journey began at St. Ann’s School, Kuntikana, where he served as School Pupil Leader, before continuing at St. Aloysius University, where he was elected President of the Students’ Council for the 2023–24 academic year.
Within the Church, Christon has served as YCS Unit Vice President and President, YCS Unit Animator, Derebail ICYM Unit President, and most recently as ICYM City Deanery President and Central Council Member.
Apart from his involvement in Church activities, he has also been active in student politics as NSUI Mangalore South President, leading campaigns on student welfare, examination issues and local concerns. He also represented the region at the Viksit Bharat State-Level Youth Parliament held at Vikas Soudha and Vidhana Soudha.
Contesting under the slogan “Building Unity, Community and Harmony,” Christon said he aims to strengthen youth engagement, leadership and community service across the Mangalore Diocese during his tenure.
