Mangaluru: Young people from the Diocese of Mangalore will have an opportunity to explore the rapidly evolving fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI), innovation and skill development at Skill Fiesta 2026, an initiative of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), Central Council, Diocese of Mangalore.
The programme, titled ‘AI & Innovation – From the Stars of Our Community’, is designed to provide Catholic youth with an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas and learn from professionals working in the field of technology and skill development.
The programme will be held on August 23, 2026, from 8.30 am onwards at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru.
Programme to focus on AI and innovation
Skill Fiesta 2026 aims to create a platform where young people can gain exposure to contemporary technologies and interact with individuals who are building expertise and careers in emerging fields.
The initiative is positioned as a skill development programme for youth, with Artificial Intelligence and innovation forming the central themes. Through interaction and knowledge sharing, participants will have an opportunity to understand how technological developments are creating new possibilities for education, careers and entrepreneurship.
The programme also seeks to encourage participants to look beyond conventional approaches to learning and develop skills that can help them adapt to a rapidly changing professional environment.
Experienced speakers to lead sessions
The programme will feature Rev. Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes, popularly referred to as Fr AI, Director of the Canara Communication Centre, and Mr Vinol Savio D’Costa, Founder of Sierra Learning Academy.
Their participation is expected to provide young participants with perspectives on AI, innovation and skill development, while also giving them an opportunity to interact with professionals and community leaders.
The programme’s theme, ‘Connect, Exchange Ideas and Learn’, emphasises the importance of interaction and knowledge sharing in developing new skills.
By bringing together youth and resource persons from different professional backgrounds, the initiative aims to encourage participants to ask questions, exchange ideas and explore opportunities associated with emerging technologies.
Open to youth up to 35 years
The programme is open to all youth of the Diocese of Mangalore from PUC onwards up to the age of 35 years.
Organisers have encouraged interested participants to register in advance to secure their participation. The registration deadline mentioned in the programme announcement is August 20, 2026.
The event is scheduled to begin at 8.30 am on August 23 at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru.
Encouraging young people to embrace emerging skills
Artificial Intelligence is increasingly becoming part of education, business, communication and several professional sectors. Against this backdrop, initiatives that introduce young people to emerging technologies can help them better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with technological change.
Skill Fiesta 2026 seeks to create such an opportunity for youth of the Diocese of Mangalore by bringing AI and innovation into a community-based skill development platform.
The programme also reflects the broader objective of encouraging young people to continuously learn and upgrade their skills. Rather than limiting learning to academic qualifications, the initiative seeks to promote exposure, interaction and practical understanding of emerging areas.
For participants, the event is expected to serve as an opportunity to discover new ideas, interact with speakers and fellow participants, and gain insights that could support their academic and professional journeys.
A platform for connection and learning
The organisers have described Skill Fiesta 2026 as a proud skill development initiative of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), Central Council, Diocese of Mangalore, for the 2026–27 period.
The focus on connecting youth with professionals and community achievers is intended to encourage a culture of learning and collaboration. Such interactions can help young people gain a wider perspective on technological developments while encouraging them to identify areas where they can develop their own capabilities.
The programme’s emphasis on AI and innovation also highlights the need for young people to remain open to new technologies and changing skill requirements.
Event details
Programme: AI & Innovation – From the Stars of Our Community (Skill Fiesta 2026)
Date: August 23, 2026
Time: 8.30 am onwards
Venue: St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru
Eligibility: Youth of the Diocese of Mangalore, PUC onwards, up to 35 years
Registration deadline: August 20, 2026
Contact: +91 94489 17044
Skill Fiesta 2026 is expected to provide participating youth with an engaging platform to learn about AI and innovation while connecting with professionals and fellow young people. Through the initiative, ICYM, Central Council, Diocese of Mangalore, aims to encourage youth to embrace continuous learning, develop relevant skills and explore the possibilities emerging in the technology-driven world.