32nd State-Level Youth Inspiration Camp, 10-15 August
This year's State-Level Youth Camp had a focus on raising awareness and organizing efforts across Maharashtra to combat child marriage and work towards family and community strengthening to to prevent the separation of families.
We were honoured that Padmashri Shri Popatrao Pawar took time away from his model village of Hiware Bazaar, to motivate and inspire the campers to support our aim of making our ditrict child-marriage-by 2027. IN tital aroud 250 youths, aged 17 to 30, enthusiastically participated in the residential camp, jointly organized by our Yuva Nirman and Udaan projects with the Rotary Club of Ahmednagar.
It was an action-packed program of activities to stimulate campers mind, body and social awareness. Workshops and discussions throughout the week addressed critical topics such as family empowerment, mental health and economic management. Sessions led by experts provided detailed insights on governmental support structures and the importance of youth engagement in social causes. Below are just some of the highlights from the five days of the camp.
10 August
In his inaugural address, Padmashri Popatrao Pawar emphasized the need for youth vigilance and awareness amid the explosive socio-political scenario in India, which has become focused on emotional issues rather than fundamental concerns.
A massive child marriage awareness rally travelled through the streets of Ahmednagar city, spreading awareness of the laws and issues from Wadia Park to Delhi Gate. Led by Dr Suresh Sabu, District Governor of Rotary Club of Ahmednagar, participants loudly relayed their messages with slogans such as "We will stop child marriage" and "Save the daughter, educate the daughter," reached a diverse range of spectators. A streetplay and the sheer mass of our crowd made a significant impact as we made our way through key city locations, effectively raising community awareness about child marriage and our pledge to end it.
12 August
A practical workshop saw prominent speakers and experts in the field, including Advocate Baghyashree Jerandikar and our own Director, Hanif Sheikh, discussed the definition of a child, the ban on child marriage, legal frameworks and governmental roles. Participants engaged in group discussions on child marriage's causes, impacts and solutions.
Later in the day the campers joined our Rehab Center residents and staff to enjoy a two-woman play entitled Yes, I am Savitribai, which highlighted Savitribai Phule's contribution to education and women's rights.
13 August
We are grateful to all the campers who donated their blood as part of our blood donation drive, organized in collaboration with Sai Seva Blood Bank, boosting their much needed stocks and potentially saving lives.
14 August
Acclaimed author Amruta Deshpande shared the keys to success during her session, emphasising that young people must strive for growth and empowerment.
An engaging marathon with separate categories drew enthusiastic participation from all attendees who were able to enjoy the fresh air and rural environment of the camp surrounds.
15 August
The camp concluded with the celebration of Independence Day. Renowned sculptor Bhagwan Rampure emphasized the connection between art, childhood innocence and the creative energy required for innovation. The closing ceremony was marked by participants taking our child marriage pledge to build on what they had learnt and join our mission to work towards a child-marriage-free Maharashtra and ensure every child's right to family.
Our 32nd youth camp demonstrated our strong commitment to highlighting and addressing social issues, nurturing community responsibility among the youth, and highlighted the positive impacts of organised efforts towards a better society. Participants engaged in dialogues, awareness campaigns, community service and artistic expression, marking a significant step towards empowering the younger generation to take charge of societal change.
94% of attendees would attend a future youth camp
94% would recommend the camp to their friends
92% of attendees rated the camp as excellent or very good
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