Igniting Young Minds A three-day Student Retreat at the Ashram brought together over 650 students aged 14–30 years from Shrimad Rajchandra Vidyapeeth, Shrimad Rajchandra Gurukul, Shrimad Rajchandra Vidyavihar, and Shrimad Rajchandra Skill Development Centre, creating a vibrant atmosphere of learning, introspection, and joyful bonding. The retreat began with an Ashram tour, providing the students with an opportunity to soak in the serenity of sacred spaces of the Ashram. A session on, ‘Self-Investment Tools’ by Atmarpit Rajuji and Atmarpit Siddhiji encouraged students to channel their time and energy meaningfully. Activities such as games, dance, and garba raas fostered teamwork and cultural celebration. The students watched an inspiring film which highlighted the fact that with right guidance any limitation can be overcome and desired success can be achieved. The retreat blended wellness and knowledge. Yoga, sound bath meditation, and a cardio fitness workout energised students, while an insightful session on Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Safety offered practical guidance for the digital age. Shrimad Rajchandra Skill Development Centre students got an opportunity to showcase their tech projects to Pujya Gurudevshri and mumukshus. It provided them with a wonderful opportunity to interact and explain their projects, which boosted their confidence and encouraged them to continue to innovate. One evening was marked by cultural performances on ‘Tamasoma Jyotirgamaya: From Ancient Wisdom to Colonial Disruption to a Rural Revival’ highlighting Pujya Gurudevshri’s vision to ignite a new dawn in education. The students offered Pujya Gurudevshri a hand painted shawl with the hallowed name of ‘Raj’ in different languages as a mark of devotion and gratitude. Students also received the rare opportunity to offer Rakhi to Param Krupalu Dev and to tie it to Pujya Gurudevshri on the occasion of Rakshabandhan; an experience that deeply moved the students and instilled a sense of sacred connection. The evening concluded with all participants being blessed with a photo session with Pujya Gurudevshri and a chance to personally interact with Him, creating memories to last a lifetime. The retreat concluded with a glimpse of the upcoming Shrimad Rajchandra Sarvamangal University and the distribution of souvenirs. Students departed with enriched wisdom, cherished memories, and renewed inspiration to lead purposeful lives.
