Annual Volunteers Meet – 2026
On Friday, April 24, at 12:00 PM, Abhyudaya volunteers from all the learning centers gathered at the premises of Janasewa Vidya Kendra. At the start of the camp, participants were warmly welcomed. The importance of the camp’s objectives and the value of service were highlighted, and everyone was encouraged to participate actively. Teachers from the learning centers shared their experiences, noting how the motto “Learn and Teach” strengthens the bond between children and teachers and increases mutual respect, trust, and self-confidence in children.
On Saturday morning, we welcomed the day with a unified chant. How could we leave out Yoga, which is a soul-enriching contribution of our country? Even if the body resisted the practice, we persevered.
In the first program of the day, ‘Chintana-Manthana’ (Reflection and Brainstorming), Shri Arun Raj spoke about ‘Light,’ another essential facet of life. He shed light on the concept by stating, “Light is not just a physical element; it is a symbol of enlightenment. Dharma (righteousness) is the reflection of light and inner knowledge. It is the brilliant light that shows the path to truth.”
Shri Tippeswamy, the President of Keshava Kripa Samvardhana Samiti, explained the growth and values of the organization. He stated, “Sangha Shakti Kaliyuge” (The power of organization in the age of Kali) is not just a proverb; everyone should give up selfishness and develop a collective mindset. He emphasized that human society is interdependent and that seemingly impossible goals can be achieved through constant effort.
Smt. Soujanya Kaushik, a content creator and renowned orator introduced via YouTube, presented a segment from the poignant work “Not Without My Daughter,” relating it to the confusing problems faced by today’s younger generation and the need for spiritual awakening. This story describes how Betty escaped from Iran to America with her daughter, Mahtob. Though the story might evoke anger, once the chapter ends, a sigh of relief is the only way forward. She inspired us all by saying that while we should have faith, we must also have wisdom; when it comes to freedom and goals, one must act with restraint at all times.
If doubts remain in the topics we hear and are left unresolved, they turn into mere opinions. After the thinkers concluded their sessions, we formed small groups and continued theme-based discussions among ourselves.
The camp included 8 types of intellectual and physical games. Before participating in the games, the players were divided into 6 teams. Arrangements were made to ensure that every player in the team participated. Through games, a person’s physical strength, endurance, and vitality increase. Regular participation in games fosters physical well-being, alertness, coordination, a spirit of cooperation, discipline, and unity in an individual. In such games, winning or losing depends entirely on the collective effort of the team. By teaching the quality of accepting victory and defeat equally, the capacity to face life’s challenges also increases. The group games then continued.
Mobile usage, which starts with a “one-minute” mindset, ends up shining like a torchlight on our faces well into the night. Finally, the day ends only when sleep takes over and the mobile slips from our hand. Shri Kiran K. S. shared useful information, stating: “In today’s times, social media platforms are tools for extremely fast information sharing. Through WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, good deeds reach thousands of people in an instant. If one shares good work—like blood donation, helping the poor, cleanliness drives, or environmental protection—in the form of photos or videos, it immediately grabs people’s attention. However, one should not waste excessive time, share fake news or rumors, and must reduce unnecessary posts. If used responsibly, social media is a very beneficial tool.”
Shri Suresh brought the day’s program to a close by conducting Bhajans.
On the 26th, at 5:30 AM, the Unity Chant once again heralded the start of Sunday’s program. At 7:00 AM, in the presence of Lord Ganapati, we had Rudra Parayana, one of Abhyudaya’s projects, and offered it to the devotee-loving Lord Shankara.
After finishing breakfast at 8:00 AM, we prepared for the next assembly of the day.
Shri V. Nagaraj, Honorary Secretary of The Mythic Society, explained India’s contributions to the world across various frameworks:
- Contributions in Mathematics and Science: India gave the world the significant concept of “Zero” (0). Scientists like Aryabhata and Bhaskaracharya made great discoveries in the fields of astronomy and mathematics.
- Health and Yoga: Yoga originated in India. Similarly, Ayurveda is a medical system based on nature that provides methods to maintain health. The world’s very first plastic surgery was also invented in India.
- Philosophy and Life Values: The Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Vedas explain the Dharma, Karma, and self-knowledge of human life.
- Modern Contributions: Today’s India is achieving great feats in Information Technology, space research, and medical fields.
During the time of COVID, India showcased its strength and organizational capacity to the world through development, healthcare, relief work, and digital systems.
In many parts of the world, civilizations have been destroyed without a trace. India, since ancient times, has been one of the world’s most prosperous civilizations. Although invasions of India pushed the country into hardships, India has used those challenges to grow into a strong nation. He explained that the reason for all of this is our country’s strong culture and values, speaking in a way that doubled everyone’s love for the nation.
At the conclusion of the camp, Shri Ganapati Hegde, a senior volunteer of the Sangha, reminded us of the meaning of service, its qualities, and its mindset. He stated, “Returning what we have received from society in a meaningful and selfless way is called service. Furthermore, the spirit of service eliminates ego and selfishness within an individual, molding them into a humble and dedicated person. Therefore, a service-oriented mindset is not just a social duty; it is a divine value of human life.”
Prizes were distributed to the first three winning teams of the games. Along with a memento from Abhyudaya, we concluded this year’s camp with the Shanti Mantra (Peace Prayer).
Waking up every day and folding your bed is the first step of discipline. Good and small habits become great practices. Good habits foster cleanliness and an organized life. Doing small tasks regularly develops good character, which serves as a foundation for the growth of both personality and society.
“Sangha Shakti Kaliyuge” (The power of organization in the age of Kali)
“Pareshamupakārārtham Yō Jīvati Sa Jīvati” (He truly lives, who lives for the sake of helping others)