Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Gujarat Prant, Bhavnagar Vibhag, Bhavnagar Branch organized a Personality Development Camp for students from 18th to 20th April at Raghukul Vidyadham, Devaraj Nagar. A total of 53 participants took part in this enriching experience.
The camp was structured to offer a balanced mix of intellectual, physical, and creative activities. It included six baudhik sessions, three group discussions (Manthan), three creative sessions, two physical exercise sessions, and two games sessions. The inaugural session was held on 18th April, graced by the presence of Adarneeya Ms. Amarjyotiba Gohil Didi and Vadodara Vibhag Sanchalak Shri Jayantilal Parmar ji as chief guests.
The theme of the camp was “Patriotism in Action”, with the objective of instilling patriotic spirit and cultural values in the participants. In one of the creative sessions, Shri Meghdeepbhai Gohil ji guided the participants on understanding the purpose of life. During the “Chalo Vato Kariye” (Let's Talk) session, Ms. Shwetaben led a unique reflective activity where participants were encouraged to converse with objects, helping them experience the idea that God is present everywhere. In the Prerna se Punaruththan session, a treasure hunt game was conducted, accompanied by stories of Veer Hamirji Gohil's sacrifice and dedication, which inspired the participants deeply.
On 19th April, Shri Pareshbhai Trivedi ji delivered an impactful session on Swami Vivekananda as a role model for youth. Shri Chetanbhai Tank ji led a discussion titled “Breaking the Narratives”, prompting participants to critically evaluate contemporary issues. The participants also engaged in Shastrarth (scriptural debate) on texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, further enriching their understanding of our cultural heritage. Shri Manharbhai Rathod ji conducted a session on “Let's Update for Future Challenges,” encouraging forward-thinking and preparedness.
The evening Bhajan Sandhya was filled with heartfelt devotional songs that created a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. On the morning of 20th April, the day began with Pratahsmaran, followed by a physical activity session where the strength-building game “Matire ki Fank” was played to cultivate bravery and courage. Participants were also trained in performing Surya Namaskar as part of their daily wellness practice.
Shri Rameshbhai Solanki ji introduced the vision and mission of Vivekananda Kendra through the topic “Vivekananda Kendra – A Thought Movement,” while Dr. Darshakbhai Dasadia ji inspired participants with his session on “Mastering the Game of Life.” Throughout the camp, participants also received training in Bhagavad Gita chanting, which helped nurture discipline, efficiency, and a sense of devotion.
Each day, participants made a personal resolution through Sankalpa, committing to practices such as daily Surya Namaskar, Gita chanting, morning prayer, and more. As part of the creative output, the Sambhaji Gan (one of the teams) created a beautiful collage using newspaper clippings and crafted an artistic rangoli using stones, showcasing both creativity and teamwork.
This camp was a significant step forward in nurturing the spirit of seva, samskar, and self-development among the future torchbearers of the nation.
