The annual All India Youth Camp 2025, themed ‘A Call to New India’, was organised at Puducherry from January 4 to 12, 2025. A total of 32 youth, aged 18-28 years, from 12 states of India participated in the camp. AuroYouth, the youth wing of Sri Aurobindo Society, has been organising these youth camps for the last 37 years, to ignite a spark for growth and progress in youth, in the light of the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. Shri Kaivalyabhai, Shivakumar and Priti were the main facilitators of the camp.
The first half of the camp was held at the Sharanam Community Centre and the sessions were focused on Knowing Oneself, an exploration of one's own deeper identity, discovery of the different parts of one's being, and experiencing them through art, Nature and awareness activities.
The second half of the camp held at the Society House focused on giving brief introductions to Sri Aurobindo, the Mother, the Ashram, Sri Aurobindo Society and Auroville. Special focus was given to introduce the deeper aspects of Indian Culture; the participants were taught how to sing the national song 'Vande Mataram' and they got a taste of the different dance forms of India. There were special sessions on flowers & their spiritual significance, and what Sri Aurobindo and the Mother have said on Love & Human Relationships.
The 9-day camp concluded with a Cultural Offering by the Participants and their heartfelt expressions of gratitude. Overall, it was a most fulfilling camp for the young participants in discovering their identity and preparing themselves to lead a meaningful life.
Here is a pictorial glimpse of the Camp.
Some Feedback from the Participants:
“The session ‘Discovering Oneself’ made me start acting consciously and be aware of what happens within, when the external world gives a situation to face.”
- Anusha Joshi, Bangalore, Karnataka
“I was not aware about what the camp would be like and it was the most delightful surprise I could have got. I will be eternally grateful for it, and also for it to be the channel to bring me to Puducherry and Auroville in this lifetime.”
- Aparna Pathak, Delhi
“The session ‘Deepening one’s Senses and Opening up our Emotions’ touched my heart deeply as I never meditated before the camp. I had little faith in God but when I experienced the session, it changed my whole thought process and I experienced some power. It changed my whole life.”
- Astittwa Gupta, Delhi
“I came to explore my new identity which I believe did happen. I loved every aspect of the camp, from the most lively, caring, laughing and smiling facilitators to the food which was good and healthy.”
- K. Rahul, Karimnagar, Telengana
“Cycling, Matrimandir, Sharanam. These places/activities will stay with me for a longer time. The connection I felt at these places was truly sacred.”
- Nikhila Pelluri, Hyderabad, Telengana
“What I liked most in the camp were the organisers. They became my biggest supporters, guiding and helping me through darkness. Connecting with Nature was a very peaceful experience. Walking through trees, beautiful flowers and the beauty of nature, I felt a deep peace inside. The visit to Savitri Bhavan was one of the most unforgettable moments of the camp.”
- Rasika Joshi, Aurangabad, Maharashtra
“In one word, It is value-added Knowledge and Experience, how to live a complete life purposefully.”
- Sai Krishna, Siddipet, Telangana
“I was aspiring to connect to the creative Force in Mother Nature, and I got a beautiful touch of it. The food was deeply nourishing. The stay at Sharanam was beautiful and rejuvenating. I was inspired by the intensity of self-giving by the facilitators. The camp exceeded my expectations in its richness. The volunteers were so hard-working. Deep deep deep gratitude for the opening, expanding and tuning deeper into the soul.”
- Sanjana Reddy, Auroville
“What I liked the most is that the camp gives a practical experience to connect with our inner being and make our life better and make our aspirations strong.”
- Souzonya Krishnatreya, Delhi
“It was a very refreshing experience! I felt like my worries were taken away, and a guidance found its way to me.”
- Urvi Khale, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
“What I liked the most was the playfulness in sessions, the short trips and the clay session. I felt heard! I liked these sessions because I truly felt connected and comfortable. The camp gave me the confidence to express myself.”
- Veena Joshi, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
