The YMCA Movement originated in post-Industrial England of 19th century in the drapery establishment of M/s Hitchcock and Rogers at 72, St. Paul’s Churchyard, in which a young apprentice of 21, George Williams, took the initiative in organizing Bible classes in his bedroom in the nature of a mutual edification society, which brought in a cohesive group of twelve of his co-workers in the establishment from nearly as many denominations of the Christian church to form the very first Young Men’s Christian Association on June 6, 1844. The original site was destroyed during the blitzkrieg of World War II but a commemorative plaque still draws a steady stream of visitors to London, even now.

YMCA is a world-wide Youth-focused, Christ-centered, Mission-oriented, Ecumenical, Christian, Voluntary, Membership Movement for women and men with special emphasis on and the genuine involvement of young people seeking to share the Christian ideal of building a human community of justice with love, peace and reconciliation for the fullness of life for all creations.
National Council of YMCAs of India The National Council of YMCAs of India (NCYI) is the apex body of YMCAs across India, with over 700 YMCAs, which came into existence on February 20, 1891, in Madras, and is in the 130th year of its formation as a national body. Thereafter the national headquarter shifted to Calcutta and was housed at 86, college street in the northern part of Calcutta and later at 5, Russel in Central Calcutta finally relocated to the Massey hall, New Delhi in 1964 and in 1975 moved to Bharat Yuvak Bhavan and in 2015 shifted to K. T. Paul building in the same premises. The Indian YMCA Movement with membership exceeding 300,000 and considered the largest network of YMCAs in the Asia Pacific Region besides, its pre-eminence in the global set-up, the World’s Alliance of YMCAs. There are 125 YMCA Professional Secretaries on the national roster in India at present.

The diverse nature and programmes and activities of the Indian YMCA over the last 157 years contributed enormously toward its national stature as a youth movement unparalleled in the history of India. Contributing richly towards nation-building, YMCAs across India have projects, programmes and activities which cater to the varied needs of our society and community, be it the working-class, students, women, house-wives, children, teenagers, senior citizens. In its engagement with community and society, it is alive to the needs and demands of the under-privileged of society for whom various YMCAs have crafted ingenious programmes to bring about Human Resource Development, skill-upgradation, capacity-building, besides their overall growth and well-being. From before independence, the YMCAs have been grooming and empowering youth through their educational activities besides physical culture and recreation, not to mention vocational training institutes and career-development courses. Countless Chief-Ministers, Governors, Legislators, Corporators, Corporate Leaders, Social-Workers and the student community in large numbers vouch for the greatness of the Indian YMCA Movement. The YMCA Indian Student Hostel, London; the YMCA College of Physical Education, Chennai; the YMCA Rural Demonstration Centres, Marthandam and Kanyakumari; YMCA Maharashtra English School, Pune; YMCA Youth Centre, Bhimtal; YMCA Camp Centre, Alwaye are just about the tip of the ice-berg, as some would say, when one enumerates the worth, value and contribution of this iconic institution, the Indian YMCA to the growth and development of our nation.

YWCA is an International movement working for the empowerment, leadership and rights of women, young women and girls in more than 100 countries. YWCA of India, a leading women’s rights organization through its 128 years of presence in India is empowering and creating safe spaces for women, young women and girls. Impacting lives through its 87 member associations across 22 states, the organization is striving to eliminate various forms of gender based inequalities in India through interventions in programmes and projects that specifically address the needs of the marginalized communities regardless of age, caste, religion or financial backgrounds.

The International Award for Young People is a global, non-formal education and learning framework. The Award is available to all 14- to 24-year-olds and equips young people with the skills they need for life, regardless of their background, culture, physical ability and interests. Since its launch in India over 60 years ago, the Award has inspired thousands of young people to transform their lives and find their purpose, passion and place in the world. Completing the Award is a personal challenge and not a competition against others; it pushes young people to their individual limits and recognises their achievements. Alongside quality formal and non-formal education, the Award can play a critical role in young people’s development and help to build resilient communities. Over 80% of the Award’s programme is delivered through schools, and in India it has ensured the delivery of 4.5 lakh community service hours since its introduction.