On May 30, 2024, the BhāratShakti team organised a workshop titled Yuva Shakti: Cultivating Virtues for Self-growth for students of Sardar Patel University, Gujarat at Sri Aurobindo Society.
Participants included 24 undergraduate and post-graduate students from various departments and colleges of the university and several faculty members and university coordinators. The students were attending a Study Camp in Pondicherry organised by the university.
The workshop theme on Virtues for Self-growth was selected in discussion with Ms. Rajeshwari Singh, President of Sri Aurobindo Sadhana Kendra at Vallabh Vidyanagar which is also involved in the selection process of the students for the camp at Pondicherry. The Mother's Symbol was used as the starting inspiration and from there a few specific virtues were selected, namely, Courage, Perseverance, Concentration and Faith.
Apart from the students, Dr Niranjan Patel, Vice-Chancellor of Sardar Patel University, Dr Bhailabhai Patel, Registrar, and three professors Dr Parambhai Pathak, Prof Rajesh Kariya, and Dr. Jigna were also present.
After the initial Introductions were over, Dr. Beloo Mehra, Director, Bharat Shakti, conducted the first session which focused on Courage and Perseverance. She brought out some specific points about how to cultivate these qualities using illustrations and anecdotes. She highlighted a few quotes from Sri Aurobindo and the Mother regarding these virtues and invited students to share their understanding. She also pointed out the important connection between Courage and Faith.
Thereafter, Mr. Narendra Murty, Research Associate, Bharat Shakti. gave his presentation on Concentration and Faith. He brought out how too much exposure to Internet and Social Media has severely has impaired our ability to Concentrate. He also asked a few pertinent questions from the students to bring home the point.
The next session was all devoted to listening to students' understanding of these virtues. Each of them was asked to select a quote from a basket and then invited to share their reflection or understanding of it based on some personal experience or observation. Many relevant thoughts and insights were revealed through this type of student-led discussion.
After a tea break, students were divided into two separate groups for fun interactive games. Both these games emphasised the value of cultivating concentration and being in the moment. Students participated in these games with much vigour, enthusiasm and laughter.
These sessions were followed by a brief contemplative activity in which students had the option to either work individually or in small groups. These activities included flower arrangements, drawing and mandala colouring which were performed in total silence. This allowed for the necessary assimilation time after an intense workshop experience.
The workshop came to an end with the felicitation of the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and other professors of the University and Vote of thanks. Shri Pradeep Narang, Chairman, SAS and Dr. Alok Pandey also joined toward the end of the workshop for some group photos. The workshop was a resounding success which the students enjoyed thoroughly.
Click here for photos and video snippets of the workshop.
