58 people participated in the Spiritual Retreat Camp conducted by Vivekananda Kendra from 21st to 28th February 2023 at Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari.
Vivekananda Kendra conducted Spiritual Retreat Camp from 21st to 28th February 2023 at Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari. Total number of 58 participants consisting of 30 brothers and 28 sisters participated from 9 states of Bharat and from France. The camp was conducted both in Hindi and English.
The camp was conducted both in Hindi and English. 39 participants enrolled for Hindi and rest 19 for English. The organizing team consisted of 14 Karyakartas from Arunachal Prant lead by Sri Ravi Sharma ji, All India Yoga Pramukh of Vivekananda Kendra.
The camp started at 6:30 p.m. on 21st February with Bhajan Sandhya followed by the inaugural session. Mananeeya Rekha Davey Didi, Joint General Secretary of Vivekananda Kendra gave the inaugural address. The participants were grouped into six ganas (teams) and the names of the Ganas were Maharshi Patanjali, Maharshi Valmiki, Maharshi Vasistha, Maharshi Aurobindo, Thakur Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda.
Breathing exercises, loosening, Surya Namaskar and various Asanas were taught during Yogasana and Pranayama Sessions. Cyclic meditation, Omkar mediation and relaxation techniques were taught during the afternoon yoga classes.
Lectures on various topics such as Concept of Spirituality, Bhakti Yoga, Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra, Messages from Upanisadas, Karma Yoga, Dharma Rakshati Rakshataha, Swami Vivekananda, Happiness Analysis, Prarthana were delivered in Baudhik sessions. Group discussions were conducted on various topics followed by the presentations on the respective topics.
All participants involved themselves in manual works like cleaning their dormitories and surrounding, meeting hall etc. during Sharma Sanskara every day. Many Mantras and Geets were taught and practiced during Abhayas sessions. For the emotional development, devotional songs were sung during Bhajan Sandhya (Evening Prayer). Action songs, collective games and inspirational incidents from the life of Ma. Eknath ji were integral parts of Prerana Se Punorutthan.
On 24th February, the whole team visited Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Ramayana Darshanam, Bharat Mata Mandir, Gramodoya Park, Arise Awake pictorial exhibition and Gangotri in Vivekanandpuram campus.
The concluding program was started at 11:30 a.m. on 28th February. Dr. Debashis, Shibir Pramukh presented the camp report and a few participants shared their experiences. All India President of Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra Mananeeya Sri Balakrishnan Ji graced the occasion and advised all participants to work for society and humanity. He appealed them to get themselves involved in various service activities of Vivekananda Kendra at their respective localities.
The camp was concluded with Kendra Prarthana at 12:30 p.m.
