Samskruti blooms in Prakruti |
- Reported by Shri Gajanan Heranjal
Click here for the Photo Gallery
Samskruti (Culture) has no sense in isolation. It is relative to the society to which one belongs. Thus spoke our beloved Param Poojya Swamiji, while interacting with the Shibirarthis (campers) of Samskruti Parichaya Shibiru. The Samskruti Parichaya was to give an insight into the Saraswat Culture and heritage. The Prakruti (Nature) gave an ideal environment for experiencing and discovering human capabilities, and seek Brahma in Prakruti, and within. 'Sasya Chetana' is the Camp site belonging to the Bharat Scouts & Guides Organisation, situated on the Hubli-Goa road, 8 kilometers away from Dharwad, at Daddi Kamalapur village, where the Shibiru was conducted from 15th to 20th of May, 2000.
The routine consisted of structured experiences and guided activities, The Shibiru was managed by the Campers by Panchayat system, under the guidance of Param Poojya Swamiji. The Shibiru had been designed and structured in consultation with Param Poojya Swamiji and monitored by the Shibir Sanchalaks. This design is the outcome of the experimental Shibiru held last May 1999, at Panchavati, Chitrapur.
The Shibiru commenced by ceremonious Dhwajarohan and ended with a ceremonious Dhwajavarohan by Param Poojya Swamiji. The Dhwaj is the replica of what is contained in the logo of Shri Chitrapur Math. Besides delving into the Saraswat culture and the Guru Parampara, the campers were trained in erection of tents, making of gadgets for comfort, mapping, sense direction/ star gazing, estimation, first aid, calligraphy, commando and monkey crawls, rappelling, personality/image building for successful living and production of skits. One whole day trekking expedition was undertaken near "Ulavi", a dense forest having naturally formed caves. The heavy rains on 18th May did not deter the spirits. The qualities of campers were guided by the Shibir Gaan.
The highlights of the Daily Routine are the Pratasmaran in the morning, out door sessions in the fore noon, Brahmarpan before lunch, physical activities in the afternoon, interaction between the campers and Param Poojya Swamiji in the evenings and Campfire in the night ending with Kshama Yaachana. Usage of Konkani was the under current. The campers underwent a Konkani Clinic. The Shibiru was attended by 10 boys and 7 girls between the ages of 16 and 21, with an average age of 17 years, 8 from Hubli, 6 from Bangalore, 2 from Mumbai and 1 from Chennai.
5 adult leaders (all women) between the ages of 23 and 49 years, with an average age of 30 years, attended the Sanchalak Prashikshan Shibiru (Training for Trainers), 3 from Bangalore, 1 from Mumbai and 1 from Hubli. This was run simultaneously. Training was imparted on the assessment of various target groups, their behavioral pattern, setting the objectives, designing and structuring of inputs, the usage of various methodologies of imparting training, resourcefulness in selecting the training aids, organising of the camp and the like. Not only did they live along with the campers but they were also exposed to an 'on-line' experience.
Three 'tolis' were formed who adopted the names, 'Khoj', 'Sphoorty' and 'Agni'. The Sanchalikas adopted the name 'Shakti'. Their respective mottos were 'Explore the World', 'Satyameva Jayate', 'Dadata, Jnanata, Agnata' and for the sanchalikas it was 'Badhte Chalo'. The leaders formed the Panchayat, headed by the Sarpanch. In addition to the Panchayat, there were kar sevak groups such as the Guild of Sergeants, Kitchen Squad, Hygiene Club and Reserve Party.
The Shibiru was organized by the committee convened by Shri Vikram Sirur with Sarvashri Ajay Shirali, Prakash Heranjal, Jayant Bondal and Arun Balwalli as its members. The Sanchalak (training) team consisted of Shri Gajanan Heranjal Rao as Camp-in-Charge, Dr. Srikar Amladi of 'Vasundhara' as the Ranger cum Second-in-command, Shri Madhu Bijur as the QuarterMaster and Shri Nitin Sirur as Warden.
Param Poojya Swamiji in his Ashirvachan expressed that the conduct of the camp was satisfying, but that the number of participants to the Shibiru was far from satisfying. The Shibiru according to Him is most appropriate to the younger generation to get deeper insight into the Bharatiya Samskruti and of Saraswats in particular.
Later he felt that the future camps be held at the same venue, considering its location, infrastructure facilities and the natural surroundings. The present organising committee at Hubli, feels that this could be possible if people from everywhere promote their wards to participate in such camps in future, and also come forward to sponsor lunch, dinner or breakfast, or transportation, or training aids, or mementos and the like.
iSaibar gaana
snaohmayaI maRduBaaYaI saarsvat Aaimma |
sauvyavasqa P`agaitSaIla iSaibarvaasaI Aaimma | |