Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo and other great leaders
have pointed out that the decline of India began when the
people following the example of their decadent rulers stopped
the worship of Shakti (strength).
The activities conducted during the camp encourage the
youngsters in reviving a spirit of adventure, daring and courage.
They exhort them to strive and build their physical, emotional
and mental strength and stamina. Campers are also encouraged
to develop analytical thinking and independent reasoning.
Following activities form an integral part of the camps:
Keep-fit yogasana based exercises
Morning keep-fit yogasana based exercises
in the pure mountain air sets the tone of delightful invigoration for the entire day,
and makes people more conscious of their bodies and health.
Shramdan
Activity of Shramdan generates an appreciation of the
‘dignity of labour’, and the joy of selfless work in a team environment.
Campers take delight in getting themselves photographed
while engaged in shramdan.
Rock-climbing Course
The five-day Basic Rock-Climbing Course is an extraordinary
experience and great fun. Besides learning new techniques,
it is a challenge to one’s physical, emotional, and psychological
capacities. Makes one confront innate fear, and helps develop
self-confidence, perseverance, courage and endurance.
A brief description of the techniques taught during the
course follows:
Rock-scrambling: Scramble through uneven path
and rocky terrain, caves, and traverse on rocks.
Bouldering: Find and use variety of hand-holds & foot-holds and climb
small rocks called boulders. Learn special techniques to climb chimneys
(chimney like rockformations).
Rope-knots : Several type of knots including such useful knots as
Bowline & Figure of Eight, and Clove & Timber hitches also form part of the
curriculum for the second day.
Climbing: On the third day, the participants are ready
to climb higher pitches of rock. A rope is tied around the waist
of the camper and belayed from top by an instructor for safety.
Rappelling: Controlled walking down the slope by sliding on a rope from the heights is
called rappelling. For complete safety, a belay rope is tied around the waist of the camper.
River Crossing: Tyroline Traverse Method of river crossing, developed in the Tyrol
range of the Alps is taught to the campers. Grades are awarded on the basis of overall performance
in the course.
Trekking
The other main adventurous activity of the camp is trekking to the scenic spots in and around
Nainital. Beginning with a mere three kilometres in the Ayarpatta Hill on the first
day of the camp, the participants trek to such renowned spots as Land’s End, Dorothy Seat and Tiffin Top on
the subsequent days. A popular trek with the campers is through the jungle to Sri Aurobindo Peak (not on the
beaten trek!).
Few tourists today climb the lofty 2622 metre high Naina Peak, the highest point in hundreds
of square kilometres. From Naina Peak, one can see on a clear day, to the East & Northeast, an arc
of over sixty degrees with snow-covered mountains including Trishul (23,000+ feet) and Nanda
Devi (25,000+ feet).
And to the South and West, is visible an enchanting panorama of the whole
town of Nainital and the plains, which takes one’s breath away by its beauty and grandeur. The
views can be compared favourably to the one of Alps & the nearby lakes visible from the Rigi mountain in Switzerland.
The 16-kilometres trek to Kainchi, to our knowledge, is not undertaken by any tourists or groups. The path meanders
mostly downhill through enchanting woods and vegetation and also follows a stream for a while. It
skirts along the picturesque village of Bhowali Gaon and ends at the back of the famous Baba
Neeb Karori Ashram. Participants later return by local buses via Bhowali to Nainital.
Baba Neeb Karori is credited with numerous miracles. His name is derived from one such interesting tale. Around 1942, he was asked to get off the
train at Neeb Karori, a small railway station near Pilibhit, as he had no ticket. He sat down under a tree at the station. Thereafter
despite all efforts, the train would not move. Finally, the English guard had to apologize and request the Baba to board the train,
and lo, the train immediately started.
Talks & Discussions
Every evening talks on such varied topics as meditation, India’s
struggle for independence, Integral Yoga, fear, nutrition,
exercise & health, and national problems of overpopulation, energy
& water crunch, corruption and its causes, and religious
harmony induce the youth to think, critically analyze and make
resolutions to meaningfully contribute to their solutions.
- What is meditation? A simple method of meditation for beginners
- Struggle for Independence: Sri Aurobindo's political contribution to the
movement for Freedom in collaboration with Bal-Pal-Lal, and Deshbandhu
Chittaranjan Das
- The Integral Yoga of Sri Aurobindo, its relevance for humanity and evolution
- Fear: Why does one get afraid? Conquering Fear.
- Modern Commercialism: Detrimental effects on Health due to improper Nutrition
and rapidly changing life-style. Tips for healthy eating.
- The Mother. Sri Aurobindo Ashram at Pondicherry and Sri Aurobindo Ashram -
Delhi Branch. Sri Aurobindo Society. Auroville - The International City of Dawn.
- Health contd.: Importance of exercise. Proper breathing. Yogasanas for
flexibility of body. Pollution as health menace.
- National Problems: Overpopulation & Resource crunch. Scarcity of Energy -
Solar and alternative energy resources. Need of Harmony in a nation of
phenomenal diversity. Corruption and Karma Theory.
Venue
Van Niwas, the Himalayan Centre of Sri
Aurobindo Ashram - Delhi Branch is situated at the very top of a
hill (elevation: 7400 ft/2220 metre) with a campus area of about 4
acres and magnificent scenery all around.
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