At Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Chandigarh, the Bal Sanskar Shivir (Sunday Sessions) was conducted from 20 July to 9 November 2025. Sessions were held every Sunday from 8:30 am to 12 noon.
A total of 43 students (23 girls and 20 boys) from Chandigarh and surrounding areas participated. Around 30 devotees and volunteers assisted in conducting the classes. Each child received a kit containing a folder, stationery, festival calendar, memory book (daily diary) and the Surpath bhajan book.
Highlights of the Shivir
- Prarthana and Meditation in the temple
- Yogasanas and Pranayama sessions
- Moral and cultural lessons based on the lives and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, Swami Vivekananda, and other great spiritual personalities; stories from Ramayana, Mahabharata, teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Buddha, Sri Shankaracharya, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and lessons on Indian festivals and pilgrimages (age-wise modules)
- Value-based classes (Concentration, fearlessness, purity, etc.) for students aged 11–15
- Arts and Crafts: pottery, Madhubani and Warli painting, paper art, origami, sketching, rangoli, etc.
- Chanting and Music: Pranam mantras, Vedic mantras, stotras and bhajans
- Ashrama Seva on Sundays: cleaning temple and classrooms
- Inspirational movies and group games for team building
- Children’s library arranged to encourage reading habits
- Daily good-habit tasks maintained in personal diaries
- Breakfast served after yogasana sessions
Concluding Ceremony – 16 November 2025
The concluding programme of the Shivir was held on 16 November 2025, with active participation from the students through compering, Vedic chanting, an opening song, a short play on Divine Personalities and Divine Places of India, and bhajans.
- RKM children’s literature books were given as awards for best performances in yogasana, art & craft, storytelling, good attendance, bhajan singing and diary maintenance.
- An Art & Craft Exhibition featuring works of students and faculty was organised.
- Speeches were delivered by the Chief Guest, Dr. Sapna Nanda (Principal, Govt. College of Education, Sec. 20), and Swami Bhitiharananda.
- All volunteers were honoured with laminated photographs of Swami Vivekananda.
- Parents and a volunteer shared feedback on the Shivir.
- A Newsletter summarising the Shivir activities was released.
- Participation certificates and flower plants were distributed to all students.
- Lunch prasad was served to all attendees.
The programme was attended by more than 120 participants, including students, volunteers, parents and devotees.
