MORE than  60 youths between the ages of seven and nineteen years, from various villages between Canal No 2, West Bank Demerara and Parika, East Bank Essequibo, graduated on Sunday last following a three-day youth camp held at the Windsor Forest Arya Samaj Mandir. The three-day camp, which began on Thursday last, was organised by the West Demerara Central Arya Samaj in collaboration with the Windsor Forest Arya Samaj with the objective of sensitizing and creating awareness of spiritual teachings and social issues affecting human society.
According to camp Coordinator Ms. Dhanrajie Haimraj, the youths were exposed to Vedic Psychology, Vedic Philosophy, the teachings of the Satyarth Prakash, fundamentals of Vedic Satya Sanatan Dharma and Hindi, among others. Haimraj said a number of other topics were also discussed including stress management, domestic violence and child abuse.
She said the objective of the camp was achieved, with participants showing keen interest during the interactive sessions.
Addressing the closing ceremony on Sunday, President of the West Demerara Central Arya Samaj Mr. Jaidev Dudhnath said he was very pleased with the youths’ participation at all levels during the three-day exercise.
Dudhnath, who conducted a brain-teasing session each day, told the large gathering that he was impressed with the responses from the youths during those sessions.
He said the interaction was a tremendous boost to the morale of the youths and felt that it was a much needed ingredient for self confidence and capacity building.
Noting that there was a high degree of discipline during all the sessions, Dudhnath congratulated the youths and also their parents whom he said lend their support in very tangible ways.
Dudhnath also praised all the resource personnel whom he said contributed significantly to the success of the camp. He singled out Mr. Devendra Rameshwar whom he thought was the leading presenter and a ‘driving force’ who displayed commitment and dedication throughout the three-day exercise. Others include Ms. Vidawatie Mohabir and Mr. Atmanand Ackloo.    
He also disclosed that the camp would become a yearly feature with perhaps a longer period. 
The youths received certificate of participation and copies of scriptural and other texts. The president’s trophy was awarded to Sharmilla Ramlall who was adjudged best participant.