The Hindu Business Line : Y's Men Intl meet in August

NEARLY 400 Y's Men from different countries have confirmed registrations and another 200 delegates are in the process of doing so as the countdown begins for the 66th Y's Men International Convention (IC - 04) to be held at Kochi from August 12 to 15.The biannual event, to be held for the first time in India, has evoked a great deal of interest from Europe, Africa, Australia and Japan, according to Mr P. Gopinath, General Convenor, IC - 04.

The Department of Tourism has decided to co-host the convention scheduled to be held at the Galfar International Convention Centre, Kochi. The two immediate past conventions were held at Sydney (2002) and Hong Kong (2000).

The 10th International Youth Convocation would be held simultaneously at Hotel Mermaid, in nearby Vyttila. The Youth Convocation is expected to have 150 youth delegates representing several countries. IC-2004 will witness the participation of Y's Men from countries like Sweden, Ghana and Taiwan, Korea, Philippines, Nigeria, Malaysia, Singapore, France and Switzerland. Seventy participating countries have already flown in their respective national flags to the host committee office.

These flags will be ceremoniously paraded during the inauguration of the convention.

The convention is expected to establish Kochi's credentials to being an international MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) destination, Mr Gopinath said. Kochi already offered direct connectivity to different parts of the globe via Dubai

The IC - 2004 Host Committee was also negotiating special air ticket discounts with some airline companies, with a Dubai stopper of one/two days thrown in.

Meticulous planning, excellent facilities, cultural richness and the great variety of food would go to make this convention a memorable international gathering, according to Mr Rolando Dalmas, International Secretary General, Y's Men International.

IC - 2004 is also expected to offer an opportunity to hundreds of foreign nationals to savour the beauty and serenity of Kerala. Many delegates have opted for separate tour packages (covering several parts of Kerala, and even outside destinations).

Y's Men International was started in 1922 in the US, headquartered in Geneva, and is represented in over 70 countries. The motto of this organisation is "To acknowledge the duty that accompanies every Right". It swears by the slogan, "Say no to violence".

Its main thrust is to strengthen the spirit of fraternity among members and different nationalities as also to provide service to needy persons and communities. The organisation has contributed nearly Rs 3 crore towards implementing several community service projects in India.