Silchar: A two-day value-based camp for students of Classes VIII to X commenced on Saturday (May 16) at Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, bringing together participants from nearly 45 government and private schools across the region.

The inaugural session, organised at the Sevashrama auditorium, began with Vedic chanting and an opening song. Swami Baikunthanandaji conducted a meditation session, while chief coordinator Swami Gandhishanandaji Maharaj outlined the objectives and schedule of the camp.

Delivering a special lecture, Swami Gyanalokanandaji of Ramakrishna Mission spoke on “The Ideal of Student Life in the Light of Swamiji’s Teachings.” He also interacted with students during an engaging question-and-answer session.

During the tea break, organisers announced a “Talent Search” competition covering a wide range of activities such as painting, essay writing, extempore speech, storytelling, devotional music, recitation, instrumental performance, and drama. Students were asked to submit their preferred categories for participation.

The registration and collection process was managed by Dr. Ratna Dey, Dr. Rajshree Paul, Dr. Ruma Purkayastha, Mahamaya Dev, Mangalabati Bhattacharyya, and Dr. Paramita Das. Meanwhile, the talent presentation and essay-writing sessions were coordinated by Dr. Rajshree Paul, Dr. Ratna Dey, Tuhina Choudhury, and Aparna Dev.

In the afternoon, educator Harihar Chakraborty delivered a lecture titled “Swami Vivekananda’s Man-Making Education,” followed by a storytelling competition for participants. Later, Swami Hitakamanandaji from Ramakrishna Mission addressed the gathering on the topic “Ideal Student Life Amid Modern Confusion.”

The day concluded with an interactive session where students posed questions to the invited speakers, followed by another round of talent presentations. Organisers also completed registrations and provided instructions for the next day’s events, including painting and quiz competitions.

Speaking about the initiative, Swami Gandhishanandaji Maharaj, Secretary of the Sevashrama and chief coordinator of the camp, said the programme aims to inspire students with the ideals and teachings of Swami Vivekananda while encouraging discipline, moral values, and leadership qualities.

Several teachers and coordinators, including Swami Gyanalokanandaji, Swami Hitakamanandaji, Swami Baikunthanandaji, Dr. Ratna Dey, Dr. Rajshree Paul, Dr. Ruma Purkayastha, and Harihar Chakraborty, extended their support in organising the programme.

The camp will continue for two days with competitions, discussions, and personality-development workshops aimed at building values and leadership skills among students.