Samskar-2024, a Sixteen-day Summer Camp for teenagers (Class 8th to 12th) which commenced on Tuesday-7th May 2024 concluded successfully on Wednesday-22nd May 2024 at Vivekananda Cultural Centre-Chennai, between 9:00 am to 12:30 pm.
Inaugural Session (7th May2024) :The simple function started with the lighting of lamp by Chief Guest Shri Ganesh ji, Chief Safety Officer–entire Southern Railways–in presence of Swami Ishapremananda ji Maharaj, In-charge of Vivekanandar Illam, and Swami Raghunayakananda ji, Director-VCC and also Manager Sri Ramakrishna Math-Chennai, with 41 registered participants (26 girls & 15 boys) along with many parents. Swami Raghunayakananda ji welcomed all and gave an overview of the purpose of the camp, summarizing it perfectly in these catchy words: 'Joyfully unlock creativity–Decode life!'
Swami Ishapremananda ji, In-charge Vivekanandar Illam, shared five golden rules (Panchsheel) to transform young minds into better human beings. He also regaled the audience with his boyhood experiences of ‘Summer Camp’ in Bengaluru Ashram called ‘Vasantha-Vihar', more than forty years ago, when he was a mere boy, as there was no mobiles or even TVs to distract young children's minds those days !
Chief Guest Sri Ganesh ji in his interactive and winsome talk given in a very friendly manner, (by asking questions moving amidst the audience), motivated young minds to learn, focus and concentration first and contribute to one’s own enlightenment and for the good of society–the very motto of Ramakrishna Mission !
During these 16 days, apart from traditional Indian Cultural values and topics like Yoga, Bhajans, Vedic Chanting, Shanthi mantras etc., inspiring incidents from Swami Vivekananda's Life-were not only discussed by students, but also gave presentations in groups on how to give practical shape in their own lives to make India great once again!
Further there were sessions by Experts in various fields, like Artificial Intelligence, Mind Body Medicine & Lifestyle Sciences, Data Analytics, Time Management, How to develop a Grand Ideal-The Swami Vivekananda Way; along with joyful learning of different Art forms like – Drawing, Colouring, Painting (on Styrofoam Plate, Glass), Mandala Art. Mala Grathana (Garland making), Kolam and KREEDA (Traditional Indian games), which relax and calm our restless minds, acting like stress-busters in the midst of the hectic lives around us were also the highlights of the kaleidoscope of colourful sessions.
Also a very senior official from Indian Coast Guard-Chennai gave a motivational talk about Patriotism, Goal setting and Nation Building and how to become good citizens.
Valedictory Session (22nd May 2024) at VCC: After the flower offering by students in presence of Swami Raghunayakananda ji, one of the students herself compered the valedictory session showing excellent team coordination!
Valedictory Session (22nd May 2024) at Mylapore Math: The unique thing about this year Summer camp was an important visit to Mylapore Math by all participants. ‘Ramakrishna Sharanam’ Bhajans were sung by all in the New Temple of Sri Ramakrishna, followed by benediction and blessings of Swami Dharmishtananda ji, Officiating Adhyaksha of Sri Ramakrishna Math-Mylapore.
During their sharing/feedback session, parents expressed happiness seeing the changes in attitude of their children observed at home–like waking up in the morning, change in food habits (not being finicky about food), and overall positive habits observed as a result of the 16 day exposure during the camp. Students also expressed their heartfelt gratitude for their rich learning experiences.
After returning back to VCC, about 60 students, parents, and volunteers were served Lunch Prasad. Motivational Quotes, Swami Vivekananda booklet and Certificates were given to each participant individually with a kind word of appreciation, personally by Director Swami ji at his office.
For a few glimpses of the camp please scroll down