Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Dakshin Prant, Kerala Vibhag, Thiruvananthapuram Branch organized a Kishori Vikas Shibir on 22nd to the 24th of October 2023, with sessions held daily from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The venue for this event was the Hindu Mahila Mandiram in Poojapura, Thiruvananthapuram. A total of 45 participants were present, including 38 sisters, 4 staff members from the Mandir, and 3 Kendra karyakartas.
The shibir started on 22nd October with Shanti pat. Dakshin Prant Sangathak Mananeeya Radha Devi Didi conducted the first session, focusing on the subject of ‘Shreyas & Preyas’. During her interaction with the participants, she emphasized the importance of values in life. She made it clear that during our youth, we might be drawn to things that are not proper. However, when we use our discrimination, we come to realize that many of the things we like are not necessarily good for us. It is essential to strengthen ourselves to exercise our freedom and make decisions. The criteria for making decisions should be based on what is right and wrong, rather than solely relying on our likes and dislikes.
Following this session, a group discussion took place. The participants were organized into four ganas, and each gana made a presentation based on the topics discussed. The quality of these presentations was commendable.
They thoroughly enjoyed a Hindi patriotic song, ‘Nirmanon ke pavan yug mein’, and performed it very well. As usual, everyone enjoyed the games.
Next two days sessions were conducted by Radha Didi on ‘Friendship & Love’ and ‘Love towards our Motherland’. Both were thought provoking sessions and was followed by group discussions which brought great amount of clarity in their thoughts.
A total of 6 outdoor games and 4 indoor games were part of the shibir, and these experiences imparted valuable life lessons. Participants learned that:
• Truth is the very nature of human beings, it is difficult to be untruthful.
• Achieving success through unlawful means is not fair.
• The one who helps in difficult situation without any selfish motive is a real friend.
• Not competition but co-operation is the key to success.
• We have face the result of our own Karma.
• Strength is life.
• Organization is the real strength.
• We have to be strong - as an individual, as well as, - as an organization.
• Being good & being with good people is very important. Always keep on finding good people around you.
The participants expressed their thoughts very nicely. While sharing their experiences, they mentioned that even when going to bed, they found themselves thinking about ‘Shreyas’ and ‘Preyas’. The significance of making the ‘right choice’ left a strong impression on them, emphasizing that choices should not be solely based on personal ‘likes and dislikes.’ One of them shared that as she is embarking on a nursing course and will be staying in a hostel, she now understands the distinction between right and wrong choices.
All of them felt that this Shibir was a good experience and many of their doubts were cleared during the Shibir.
The Shibir concluded with guided meditation, re-caping the points of all three days, Sankalpa to be aware of the real growth, and Shanti Mantra.
