The Jwala ’25 residential camp, organized by the Sreeraghavapuram Sabhayogam Kannur District Committee at Kaithapram, concluded with the aim of nurturing a sense of duty and social awareness among children.
The camp was conducted under the guidance of the Sabhayogam Family Welfare Department. The main venue was the Kaithapram Vasudevapurm Auditorium.
Day 1 of the Camp
The camp began at 9:30 AM on April 16, with 103 boys and girls registered.
At the inaugural session, Brahmashri Velloorillam Prashanth Namboothiri lit the ceremonial lamp. Organizing committee working chairman Mr. Marangad Narayanan Namboothiri delivered the welcome address. Sreeraghavapuram Sabhayogam Vice President Mr. Velliyode Madhavan Namboothiri presided over the function. Retired Professor Dr. E. Sreedharan of Kalady Sanskrit University, Payyannur Centre, delivered the inaugural speech. Sabhayogam Family Welfare – Secretary Mr. V. J. P. Narayanan Namboothiri explained the camp details. Ward member Mr. Sujith, Yogakshema Sabha Kaithapram Unit Secretary Mr. Hariprasad Kannadi, Pilathara Sanskrit College Principal Dr. Koramangalam Krishnakumar, Poornavedapuri Sanskrit Study Centre Academic Director Mr. Rameshan Kaithapram, and others offered felicitations. Mrs. Lakshmi Teacher delivered the vote of thanks.
In the afternoon, Mr. Nithin Nangoth led an ice-breaking session. In the evening, children participated in a bhajan led by the Raghavapuram Sangeetha Sabha in the temple courtyard.
Day 2 of the Camp
In the morning, children practiced yoga under the guidance of Mr. Bhaskaran and Mrs. Sujatha Antharjanam.
After breakfast, children up to class seven attended a practical workshop called “Nirmithi,” led by Mrs. Ambika Kallayi, Keerthi Kallayi, and Shivapriya Chepillam. For older children, a discussion on “Traditions, Beliefs, and Science” was led by Mr. Prashanth Babu Kaithapram, Dr. Eashwaran E. N., Mr. A. V. Unnikrishnan Namboothiri, and Mr. T. V. Madhavan Namboothiri.
Children actively participated in the discussion, asking thoughtful questions.
After lunch, classes on “Thidambu Dance – History and Presentation,” “Temple Rituals,” and “Practices in Our Homes” were conducted by Mr. Uppili Vadhyan Govindan Namboothiri, Mr. Kanapram Eashwaran, and Mrs. Shyamala Teacher, respectively. Special classes were conducted for young children under Mrs. Ajitha Teacher.
In the evening, a group of about 125 people trekked 1.5 km to Thrikkurtyeri Hill. By the beautiful lake in front of the Thrikkurtyeri temple, Mr. Bhaskaran Velloor conducted a class on “Mother Nature.” Afterwards, the children stood hand in hand around the lake and took a pledge: “Nature Conservation is My Duty.” After evening prayers at the temple, they returned to participate in the “Niramala” at Vasudevapurm Temple.
After dinner, the children presented various cultural programs, including skits and classical dances, which captivated the audience.
Day 3 of the Camp
At 7 AM, the children visited the house of the Kompankulam Agnihotri, witnessed the sacred fire, and interacted with native cows. They also visited the Kaithapram river. Mr. K. P. Hari Namboothiri, Secretary of Sreeraghavapuram Sabhayogam, gave a class on the organization’s various activities and projects.
In the “Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya” session, Mr. Mukesh Master and Mr. Jayarajan Master guided the children through topics such as the greatness of Indian culture, the importance of reading, and the warmth of family bonds.
At the valedictory function in the evening, Jwala ’25 coordinator Mr. Kanapram Shankaran Namboothiri delivered the welcome address. Sabhayogam President Brahmashri Sreekanth Karabhattathiri presided. Perinchallur Sangeetha Sabha founder Mr. Vijay Neelakandan delivered the keynote address. Dr. Kompankulam Vishnu Somayajippad gave the benediction. Yogakshema Sabha Kannur District Secretary Mr. P. N. Damodaran Namboothiri and Jwala ’25 committee members Mr. A. K. Shankaran Namboothiri and Mrs. Sreela N. S. conveyed their wishes. Family Welfare Department Chairperson Dr. Dhanya M. reviewed the camp. Those who rendered distinguished services were honoured. Jwala ’25 Joint Convener Mrs. Ratnamani M. P. gave the vote of thanks. The camp concluded with the national anthem.
Other Details
Children mainly from Kannur and Kasaragod districts participated in the camp. Accommodation was arranged in about fifteen houses in Kaithapram, including traditional nalukettu style homes.
The camp provided an opportunity for children to spend three days without mobile phones and TV, helping them to bond and share affection. Group activities strengthened relationships.
Mothers and other locals in Kaithapram took charge of the kitchen. Using local produce like jackfruit and mango, delicious meals were served all three days, making it a memorable experience.
Children’s feedback was collected in writing. The camp also initiated discussions about starting a Learning & Skill Development Centre under the Sabhayogam’s leadership.
Everyone parted with the determination to work together to make the next camp even better.