Perfect youth

Nipuni Wimalapala in India

Field sessions

The youth blessed with strong intellect would definitely detect the ideal way of life - it will lead to success and peace. To achieve this status, youth must be properly instructed and guided through which they would form a better world tomorrow.

To make this a reality, Vedanta Cultural Foundation in Pune, India, conducted an international youth camp. They have conducted many local youth camps, though this is their first international camp.

The camp was held within the confines of Vedanta Academy premises, beautiful and well planned with necessary facilities. It was held from December 22 to 28 with the participation of 30 youths from different countries and its students.

The main objective of the camp was to emphasize the correct way of living life. It was taught through the ancient philosophy of Vedanta which contains the eternal principles of living. The founder of the academy, the internationally eminent philosopher, Swami Parthasarathy, conducted lectures on different topics to the youth participants giving them an understanding of the ideal technique of living without regrets of life.

Yoga lessons

Vedanta Cultural Foundation

The purpose was to expose Vedanta and its practical application into life of the youth to achieve success and peace in the ideal way. It stressed the idea that using our intellect without giving an opportunity to emotions to make us weak, we could realize the self and understand that everything happens within us and none of the outside objects can affect us. It basically targets mental and spiritual development of youth other than physical activities.

Self management, good human values, mental peace combined with dynamic actions were stressed during the youth camp. Apart from the lectures, there were many literature sessions where poetry and classic movie discussions took place. Youth were given the entire freedom to voice out what they feel and understand. It was an open forum for youth to exchange and share each other’s thoughts and views.

The schedule of the youth camp was a bit tight but most of the things were optional. The day started with prayers and then there was a Yoga session for 45 minutes done by an instructor. It was followed by either jogging or any other sport including Basket ball, Netball, Badminton or soccer. All the meals were offered in a common dining hall and importantly meals were vegetarian and very healthy. A lot of academic, formal and friendly discussions took place within the youth campers where they got a chance to express their views to an international platform.

Vedanta premises

A discussion

A lecture

Exposing her impression to the Daily News, one Sri Lankan participant Kumuthini said: “I am quite happy to be here since it is a totally new experience to me. I have been learning Vedanta in Sri Lanka and was waiting to come here to experience it. The lectures inspired me and gave a better understanding of life and I understood that happiness and peace of our lives do not depend on the world but they are within ourselves. Simplicity make us more happier and what we should improve is our intellect. And also I could exchange my culture, values and thoughts with a lot of other people from different countries which is a superb experience for me.”

Vishali from Tanzania stressed how nice it is to be in the youth camp and it is an entirely different experience for her. She is doing her higher education in London and happy to share her cultural values with others and meeting many friends from different countries. “First I did not have a proper idea but now I am enthusiastic about this. It is a nice place and I enjoy meeting new people and sharing our ideas with each other,” she said.

Paleca is from Kape Town, South Africa, who enjoyed much during the camp. She noted that “this is a different camp and what we learn here is very rare. I highly praise the discipline and the well planned environment here. It is very attractive and impressive. People are nice and friendly. I learnt a lot of things and i am quite inspired by this camp. I want to come here again,” she said.

Ravi is a medical doctor who has come to stay in the academy since he has found it interesting. He is basically from Malaysia who had lived last few years in Ireland.

He enjoys his stay in the academy and he believes that he could be a successful and intelligent person with what the academy provides.

Young Kelcy is from USA who stays in the academy for some time and said that she truly loves the place and the daily activities and its schedules. She has completed her studies and now learning the spirituality of life.

All the youth who participated in the youth camp were pleased with everything and they accepted that their ideas and views are changed in a positive manner. They left the place with good values and changed mindsets which will lead them to success and peace. The ultimate idea they absorbed was that there is a technique to live and we should learn it and excel it to have a perfect life.