Start Date: 9th Dec 2024
Location: Karauli, Lundra Block, Sarguja District, Chhattisgarh
In the serene land of Sarguja, known as the “Tank of Elephants”, a Youth Camp was held for the students of the Higher Secondary School at Karauli, a village nestled in the Lundra Block of Sarguja District, Chhattisgarh. About 120 students participated. This sacred gathering was made possible with the help of Shri Vijay Poddar, through the compassionate guidance of Shri Arun Naik, Secretary of the Hindi Zone of Sri Aurobindo Society (SAS). The school was chosen by Shri Arvind Mishra, a member of SAS from Ambikapur, in consultation with Smt. Raj Kumari, the Principal of the Karauli school. The event was lovingly supported by Shri U.C. Singh, a local member.
The morning commenced with the setting up of the SAS Chhattisgarh State Committee’s banner, symbolizing the presence of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother in our hearts.
The materials we carried for the participants’ spiritual growth included:
- Brochures on the lives and teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, illuminating their divine work.
- Copies of All India Magazine and Agni Shikha, sharing the flame of wisdom.
- SAS membership application forms, inviting the seekers to join the journey of transformation.
- A pen and writing pad for all the participants, tools for capturing the insights arising during the sessions
- 30 copies of the Navankur magazine, nurturing intellect and spirit.
- Snacks for 150 people, nourishing the body.
- Feedback forms to allow the participants to reflect upon the transformative experience.
The gathering began at 11 AM and extended into the afternoon. It started with the garlanding of photos of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, a simple yet profound act that invited their divine presence into our midst. This was followed by a meditation session, where each participant was encouraged to dive within and experience the peace of the soul.
After these moments of stillness, Smt. Indira Misra addressed the students for about 30 minutes, sharing the inspiring and transformative lives of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. She spoke about the divine mission they embodied – to guide humanity towards its highest potential, a potential rooted in the divine consciousness. She then touched upon the challenges that modern adolescents face, especially in the current age, which can be seen as tests of the spirit:
- The temptation of junk food, which dulls the body’s vitality.
- The overwhelming influence of social media, consuming precious time and energy.
- The strains in relationships between youth and their parents & peers challenge the harmony of the soul.
- The uncertainty of future prospects, in studies and work, creates anxiety and doubt.
- The practical challenges, like the lack of resources, which often cloud the path ahead.
Among these, the issue of junk food and the pressure of social media seemed to resonate deeply with the students. They felt a strong inner call to free themselves from the grasp of harmful habits like alcohol and drugs.
The excessive consumption of alcohol in the region is indeed a challenge, and we trust that the wisdom shared during the camp will help light the way for change. Similarly, the consumption of fast food, such as Instant Noodles, which undermines both health and growth, was also discussed.
Smt. Indira Misra also shared the Mother’s timeless wisdom on the importance of avoiding alcohol, illustrated through a beautiful story from the book Sundar Kahaniya.
Other concerns were touched upon as well, but always with the awareness that each challenge is an opportunity for the spirit to grow, to transcend, and to emerge stronger in the pursuit of the Divine.
The spiritual aspects of the camp reflect on the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, and how their wisdom guides the participants in overcoming challenges and striving for higher consciousness.