Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Telugu Prant, Bhagyanagar Vibhag organized a six-day residential Sanskar Shibir (Personality Enhancement Camp) at Vivekananda Kendra, Kaushalam, Hyderabad from 29th April to 4th May 2025. The theme of the camp was “Strength is Life, Weakness is Death”, and it saw the enthusiastic participation of 57 students from Vijayawada, Warangal, and Bhagyanagar.
The Shibir aimed to promote the fivefold development of strength—physical, intellectual, mental, emotional, and spiritual—through structured routines, disciplined practices, and engaging sessions. The daily schedule began at 5:30 a.m. and concluded at 9:30 p.m., encompassing a variety of activities designed to make each participant self-sufficient and value-oriented. Participants were grouped into ‘Gans’ under the guidance of Gan Pramukhs to facilitate coordination and bonding.
In the creative sessions, participants took part in two days of clay modeling under the guidance of Smt. Haritha, where they crafted models of elephants and tortoises using their creativity and imagination. Shri Madhu Merugoju, a state award winner in Cheriyal painting, introduced the traditional scroll painting art of Andhra Pradesh. Smt. Jayasree Salukhe and Smt. Sushma from Sanskar Bharati conducted a vibrant workshop on Rangoli, while Smt. Bhagya Lakshmi led a hands-on session on making dhoop sticks using dried flowers. A theatre workshop was conducted by Sri Arun ji, culminating in a skit titled “Vande Mataram”, which depicted the sacrifices and aspirations of India’s freedom fighters.
Physical development was fostered through yoga sessions, traditional games (Khel), Dandmaar, and Niyudh. Sri Arun ji RSS Adhikari and Balagokulam Pramukh, along with Shri Arun ji, Baudhik Pramukh, guided the students in these disciplines.
Intellectual and interactive sessions included talks by eminent speakers such as Shri P.L.N. Sharma ji on the “Amazing Kids of Bharat,” Shri Ravi Naidu ji on “Why Do We…?”, Shri V. Jayathirtha Rao on “Our Environment and Protection Activities,” Smt. Bhagya Lakshmi on “Digital Detox,” and Shri Aman ji on “Self-Realisation.”
Mental strength was encouraged through group discussions (Manthan) on topics such as patriotism, the importance of daily routine, qualities of good friends, Strength is Life, and the Sankar Varga. Emotional development was emphasized through life-sharing stories, team-building activities, and sessions on building healthy relationships, maintaining focus, and avoiding distractions.
Spiritual awareness was instilled through early morning Pratahsmaran, chanting of Karma Yoga Shlokas, evening Bhajan Sandhya, and the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa.
Distinguished guests were invited throughout the camp to share their insights and bless the participants. Among them were Shri P. Chandrashekhar ji (Founder, Badhyatha Foundation; Green Warrior Awardee), Shri Bheemaiah Pagadakula ji (Retd. Pharmacist, Gandhi Hospital), Shri N. Divakar ji (Padmashri awardee, Retd. Director, DERL & Scientist, DRDO), and Shri N.V. Anantha Krishna ji (High Court Advocate, M.A. Sanskrit).
A major focus of the camp was on expanding the reach of Sanskar Vargas in various localities. Accordingly, Sanskar Varga was conducted twice daily during the camp.
The Samapan Samaroh (Valedictory Ceremony) was held on Sunday, 4th May. Parents of all participants were invited for the concluding program. Dignitaries present on the occasion included Shri P. Srinivasulu ji (Vibhag Pramukh), Shri Arun Gaud ji (Sah Vibhag Pramukh and Shibir Adhikari), and Dr. N. Satyanarayana ji, IAS (Chairman, TS-RERA), who was the Chief Guest.
Each participant had the opportunity to perform or contribute to the final presentation, which included Surya Namaskar, yoga asanas, Dand, Niyudh, patriotic songs, the “Vande Mataram” skit, and sharing of personal experiences from the camp. Four students—including two karyakartas—who had achieved outstanding results in their 10th-grade exams were felicitated by the Chief Guest. In his address, Dr. Satyanarayana emphasized the need for children to focus on holistic development, rather than merely academic performance, and encouraged parents to support this broader growth.
The ceremony concluded on a joyful note with all participants being showered with flowers by their Gan Pramukhs and Karyakartas. Around 25 Kendra karyakartas from Bhagyanagar and various parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana played key roles in organizing and conducting the camp successfully.
