Each day opened with prayer, beginning with the Shri Sankata Nashana Ganapati Stotram and the Krishnashtakam. Through interactive storytelling and character studies, the children explored the leadership of Lord Rama and the divine play of Lord Krishna. The concept of Navavidha Bhakti was brought to life through the inspiring stories of Hanuman, Sudama, and the Alwar and Nayanar saints, transforming abstract ideas into relatable life lessons.

A highlight of the camp was the Sanskrit module (Shibiram), which introduced the children to Deva Bhasha through activity-based learning rather than rote memorization. The children especially delighted in a Sanskrit adaptation of “Johny Johny Yes Papa” (Mruttika Bhuktha…?) and learned the soulful Sanskrit Birthday Song composed by Swami Tejomayananda ji.

Physical and creative expression formed an important part of the experience. In yoga sessions, children connected with nature through “Animal Pose” practice—mimicking the strength of the elephant and the agility of the frog, kangaroo, and crab. The arts were celebrated through Ganesha clay modeling, bead-knotting, and paper cone-flower making, while music and movement came alive through the Saptaswara song and a Pancha Bhoota presentation that highlighted the rhythmic connection between music and the five elements.

The camp also wove in life skills and sustainability. In Fireless Cooking sessions, the children became “Little Chefs,” preparing nutritious treats such as Poha, Amrit Payasam, organic lentil Energy Bomb Ladoos, and a tricolour salad. Earth Day modules introduced the idea of “Dharmic Environmentalism,” teaching the children to recognize the sanctity of nature and the importance of self-reliance and reducing food wastage.

A brief introduction to Nakshatra Vidya connected the children to early Bharatiya Vigyanam, covering the navagrahas and the relationship between astronomy (Bhu-gola Shastram) and the wisdom guided by the Rishis. The story of Samudra Mathanam—and the origin of the shadow planets Rahu and Ketu when Vishnu took the Mohini avatar—was highlighted, along with a brief mention of the Panchangam as a traditional way of recording important milestones used in religious rituals.

The camp culminated in a spectacular skit and presentation, where the children showcased their mastery of Sanskrit action words, rhymes, and greetings, along with all they had learned over the three days. Certificates were distributed to the children, and Pujya Swamiji’s books were presented to the dedicated volunteers with the blessings of Jayakumar Guruji.

Throughout the planning and execution, the team was ably guided by Guruji and the experienced volunteers of Arsha Seva Kendram, making the entire experience deeply enriching and gratifying. It was heartening to see that the children left not merely with crafts, but with a deeper sense of identity and a community of friends—a reflection of the idea that Abhyasa (Practice) and Bhakti (Devotion) are the two wings with which a child soars toward a noble character.

Deepest gratitude is extended to the parents for their participation, to the volunteers for their selfless seva, and above all to the children, whose energy and curiosity made Summer Camp 2026 a truly divine experience.

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Key Highlights:

• The Guru-Shishya Parampara: Swamiji explains the significance of the lineage (parampara) starting from Lord Shiva as Dakshinamurti, who imparted knowledge in silence, to Adi Shankaracharya, who traveled extensively to teach through words (bhashyas) to address the suffering of humanity
• The Concept of Adyasa (Superimposition): A central theme of the talk is adyasa, or the false perception/delusion that causes human suffering. Swami explains how Adi Shankaracharya masterfully used the example of the shell and silver to illustrate how we superimpose limitations upon our own infinite nature (Brahman)
• The Cause of Sorrow: The Swami discusses the fundamental problem of human sorrow, explaining that it arises from ignorance (avidya) about our true nature. He emphasizes that Bhagavad Gita and Brahma Sutra serve as essential tools to dispel this ignorance
• Organizational Vision: Adi Shankaracharya is highlighted not only as a profound teacher but also as a great visionary who established four mathas across India to ensure the continuity of this vedantic knowledge for future generations  

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He is especially known for the Poompavai Padhigam, part of Mylapore’s temple legacy—the plaintive song in which the boy saint Gnanasambandar asks the young girl Poompavai to return to life as her grieving father holds her ashes. That poem is incomparable; it records the temple’s antiquity and its festivals, many still observed today. He sings six times through the day, from the Thiru Palliezhucchi at dawn to the soothing Ardha Jama Puja at night, and he takes particular joy in reviving rare songs, like Sundarar’s ‘Meela Adimai.’Sargurunathan’s work represents the living continuity of a precious, intangible cultural heritage.

Arsha Seva Kendram honoured the Odhuvar ji with the award of Arsha Seva Chudamani for his extraordinary contributions to the Odhuvar community and the preservation of this tradition.

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The venue itself carries a profound spiritual lineage. Established by the legendary Pujya Sri Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam is a traditional place of total learning, nestled in the serene Anaikatti valley—a setting where great Mahatmas have taught.

Each day of the retreat began with the Sri Dakshinamurthy Abhishekam, where participants chanted together in the presence of the Lord, setting an atmosphere of sanctity and focus for the day ahead.

The teaching was led by two masters. Acharya Jayakumar ji guided participants through the verses of Bhartrhari’s Nitisatakam, offering a practical roadmap for living a life of values and navigating worldly life without losing sight of one’s spiritual core. Acharya Srinivasan ji explored Mastery over Raga-Dvesa through the Bhagavad Gita (Verse 3.34), with a notable focus on the phrase Tayorna vashamāgachet—the instruction not to come under the spell of likes and dislikes—using practical examples to show how conflicting thoughts can be managed and neutralized. Participants were also blessed with discourses from Swami Sadatmananda Saraswati and Swami Shankarananda Saraswati, whose presence lent the retreat a deep spiritual grounding. Daily Yoga and Dhyana (Meditation) sessions complemented the teachings, helping seekers relax the body and steady the mind.

The retreat also showcased the wider work of Arsha Seva Kendram. The organization runs Arsha Gokulam, a holistic development centre for 65+ underprivileged High School and College students in Mysuru. Three of these college youth presented the breadth of ASK’s seva activities, sharing the changes they had seen in their own lives. ASK’s school infrastructure improvement projects—such as benches and water filters for rural government schools in Kovilpatti—have positively impacted many children and have been featured in the Tamil newspaper.

A highlight of the event was a Tevaram and Tirumurai performance by Odhuvar Sri Sargurunathan, whose rendition of these sacred Tamil hymns was soul-stirring. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the Odhuvar community and the preservation of this tradition, Arsha Seva Kendram honoured him with the award of Arsha Seva Chudamani.

Throughout the retreat, participants were supported by the Ashram’s hospitality, including sumptuous satvik food that complemented the meditative schedule. Mealtimes became an extension of the classroom, as seekers gathered to discuss their learnings and form lasting bonds.

The retreat offered participants a clearer vision of themselves and a sense of inner fullness. More than just an event, it served as a meaningful start to 2026—conveying that being with oneself, Ekaante, is not about loneliness, but about discovering a source of fullness within.

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Arsha Seva Kendram celebrated this year’s Bhagavad Gita Jayanti on November 30 and December 1, 2025. On November 30, the students of the Kendram were blessed to receive an Anugraha Bhashanam from Swami Shankarananda Saraswati of Arsha Vidhya Gurukulam. On December 1, the students chanted the verses from the Bhagavad Gita. We present here a summary of Swamiji’s inspiring talk.

Search for Ultimate truth and freedom

The Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita are dialogues, but in the Gita, the exchange between Krishna and Arjuna feels more relatable to today’s human being. Arjuna, as a kshatriya, is bound to fight against adharma, yet he resists his duty and considers renouncing action through Sanyasa. His struggle mirrors our own tendency to avoid what we dislike and cling to what we prefer, driven by raga-dwesha (likes and dislikes). However, unlike us, Arjuna faces the painful dilemma of fighting revered figures such as his Guru and grandfather. Seeing Krishna as the all-knowing guide, Arjuna turns to Him for clarity on what is truly right: whether to follow the path of Preyas, doing karma or the path of Shreyas, absolute freedom where nothing remains to be accomplished, the state beyond all duties and attainments.

व्यामिश्रेणेव वाक्येन बुद्धिं मोहयसीव मे ।

तदेकं वद निश्चित्य येन श्रेयोऽहमाप्‍नुयाम् ॥3.2

Karma Yoga

Karma is every action we perform, rooted in the freedom to choose. It is kartrutantram – dependent on the doer or agent, and therefore never-ending. Escaping karma is not possible; instead, one should engage in karma yoga, focusing on the action itself without identifying with the results. Human action is only one of hundreds of factors influencing even a single outcome.  Since outcomes are beyond our control, they must be surrendered to Bhagavan.

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन |

मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि ||2.47

Bhakta and Bhagavan

The four types of Bhaktas are those who seek Bhagavan in distress (Artha Bhakta), for fulfilling desires (Arthaarthi Bhakta), for knowledge (Jignaasu Bhakta), or with true wisdom (Gnani Bhakta). Bhagavan is unborn, eternal, unchanging, and the ordainer of all, manifesting creation while remaining untouched by it.

अजोऽपि सन्नव्ययात्मा भूतानामीश्वरोऽपि सन् ।
प्रकृतिं स्वामधिष्ठाय सम्भवाम्यात्ममायया ॥4.6॥

He is nitya (beyond time), sarvagata (all-pervading), avyaya (unchanging), and sanatana (ever existing). The Gnani Bhakta (wise person) realizes Bhagavan not through imagination but by recognizing Him as the indwelling witness in the heart and intellect—the one who watches every thought arise and pass away.

ईश्वरः सर्वभूतानां हृद्देशेऽर्जुन तिष्ठति ।
भ्रामयन्सर्वभूतानि यन्त्रारूढानि मायया ॥18.61॥

He is the cause of whatever occurs in vyavahaara as karma-phala-daata (the giver of the fruits of action) yet remains untouched by everything—avyaya. Surrendering with this clarity brings complete freedom, total peace, even when the mind is disturbed. It is eternal (sthanam)- that in which you are. You cannot be away from it. (shasvatam).

Uniqueness of the Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita is not only a Moksha Shastra but also a Yoga Shastra, teaching us to perform our duty without being swayed by raga and dveṣa. In this way, it offers guidance for both absolute liberation and relative fulfillment, setting itself apart from other scriptures.

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The session began with traditional prayers invoking Adi Guru Dakṣiṇāmūrti and the entire Guru Paramparā, establishing a deeply spiritual atmosphere. Through his calm and soothing voice, Guruji transported participants into a tranquil meditative state, reminiscent of an early Margazhi morning in India.

Participants were guided to relax the body and especially the eyes, acknowledging modern-day visual strain. Guruji then explained the importance of meditation as taught by Bhagavān Sri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gītā, referencing teachings from Chapters VI and XII. He elaborated on the progression from abhyāsa (discipline and practice), to jñānam (knowledge of Ātma and life’s ultimate goal of mokṣa), to karma-phala-tyāga (renunciation of the results of action), which ultimately leads to śānti (peace).

Meditation (dhyānam) was defined as a sustained mental engagement with Saguṇa Brahman, and Guruji guided participants through a visualization of Sri Krishna in their chosen form. This was followed by devotional chanting and japa of Om Kṛṣṇāya Namaḥ, accompanied by symbolic offerings of flowers, creating a deeply personal and blissful inner experience.

The session concluded with a heartfelt Serenity Prayer, three Omkāras, and a śānti mantra. After gently opening their eyes, participants were left immersed in a profound sense of calm, devotion, and inner serenity.

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The meaning of “Arsha Vidya Gurukulam”  is translated as “A place of receiving knowledge given by the Rishis”. This nurturing space fosters the transmission of wisdom from ancient sages to modern seekers, emphasising the importance of experiential learning and personal growth. Participants leave with not only knowledge but also a renewed sense of purpose and connection to their heritage.

In an era of digital overload and hyperactivity, 30 unique children, aged 8 to 12 years, with their parents gathered at Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, Anaikatti, Coimbatore, for a two-and-a-half-day summer retreat( 23rd May 2025 to the first half of 25th May 2025) that promised something different — a holistic, joyful, and grounding experience in the lap of tradition.

This wasn’t just another summer camp. It was a celebration of Indic living, an immersion into the treasures of the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), and a heartfelt effort to reconnect both children and their parents with time-tested values.

What set this camp apart was its inclusive, family-oriented approach. While children learned to appreciate tradition in a fun, experiential format, parents were taught Advaita Vedanta and insights into the essential aspects of Sanatana Dharma, while appreciating the urgent need in the current society for Hindu families to rediscover their identity and goals.  This term refers to physical and mental health.  Health is a byproduct of the teachings of Advaita Vedanta, but not the direct teaching.  Rather than just passive observers, parents became active co-learners, walking the path of inner transformation alongside their children.

As the camp concluded, there was a visible change — children humming slokas joyfully, children expressed their interest in attending winter camps, parents reflecting more mindfully, and families pausing to enjoy each other’s presence. The take-home wasn’t a certificate or a badge, but something far deeper:

A lived experience of India’s timeless wisdom — rooted, relevant, and radiant.

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Eighteen schools bloomed. In Parnandabali, songs replaced the clinking of carried water bottles. In Idaiseval, sickness waned and scores soared. In Nachiyarapuram, clean water arrived, and safe toilets followed.

 From floor‑math to firm desks, from parched silence to laughter, ASK built more than waterlines; it built bridges to dignity, hope, and health. Now, a girl lifts a steel tumbler, sunlight shimmering within. She drinks, smiles, and begins to write on paper, and into her future.

“What changed? Just water, a desk, and a quiet belief: every drop and every child matters.”

1800 students across ten schools now drink clean water—Idaiseval leading the chart. Srinivasan Ji’s leadership inspired more schools to join the movement. Regular Thirukkural classes deepened values, and one school’s inauguration saw songs, recitations, sweets, and smiles.

Health improved. Dignity restored. Hope awakened.
  Pipes + Purifiers + Benches = Stronger Students

• ASK’s interventions spanned 18 schools across three categories, ensuring broad-based access.
• Middle schools (2 locations) and special schools (2 locations) saw the most concentrated improvements, while primary schools (14 locations) ensured every village child could drink clean water and sit at a sturdy desk.
• The synergy of clean water, ergonomic benches, and community buy‑in under Srinivasan Ji’s leadership has transformed classrooms into canvases of possibility.

School Locations and Types

1. Government Middle Schools

• Idaiseval
• Ayyaneri

2. Government Primary Schools

• Railway Colony
• Padanthapuli High School
• Padanthapuli Primary School
• Thalaikallupuram
• Namashivaya Puram
• Sivagnanapuram
• Villiseri
• Meithalaivan Galt
• Sallirapatly
• Gopalapuram
• Nachiyarapuram
• Nallstinupattur
• Suraikaipatli
• Hechilapuram

3. Shenba Special Schools

• Salaipudur
• Kamaraj Special School
  
  

These improvements have resulted in:

• Increased student attendance and participation
• Better classroom discipline and focus
• Appreciation & strong support from school management and teachers
• Healthy and dignified learning environment for children from economically weaker backgrounds

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