May 16 – June 4, 2017 ' Values Personified ' on the life and times of Lord Sri Ram was the topic of the annual Bal Vihar Summer Camp at Chinmaya Mission Delhi. 0ver 150 enthusiastic children participated across class 2 to class 8. Swami Prakarshanandaji inaugurated the event with his inspiring words to the children. His warmth and charismatic smile made the first timers instantly comfortable.
This was followed by a fun filled ice breaking session which made the kids eagerly look forward to the next 21 days. Three weeks of power packed learning with a lot of masti, laughter, craft, games, stories, yoga, group discussions, chanting and a lot more culminated in a splendid ‘Ram Lila’ performance by all the participants. This enthralling grand finale was well attended by parents and grandparents.
The last act ' Ramji ki nikli sawari’ got everyone on their feet and saw even Swamiji joining in the merriment briefly. Swamiji briefly addressed the parents urging them to set an example for their children by their own exemplary conduct. Anand Sharmaji concluded by requesting the parents to send their children for regular Bal Vihar classes so that there was a continuous input of the right values needed to nurture these young minds so that they could grow into responsible citizens which in turn would build a strong nation. The other noteworthy highlight of this camp is the Matru Puja.
To see youngsters worshipping at the feet of their mother is a moving experience. To be put on page 19 and group photo ofBV camp to be put on page 20. Reamining photos on page 21/22 It is very humbling to see a very spirited set of volunteers across all age groups who selflessly take out time from their professional and personal routine to impart such values to the children. A learning not just for the kids but also for all sevaks and sevikas (a term used for all volunteers at the Mission.) Anand Sharmaji an all-time favourite with the kids, and Saraswati Rajagopal, highly respected by all (Anand bhaiya and Sarsa Amma as they are lovingly called), the Bal Vihar coordinators ,were the guiding force behind the success of this camp.