Sevalaya conducted a Value Education cum Sports Summer camp for school children from
28 to 30 Apr 2025 and a Naturopathy Camp for surrounding villages at Sevalaya’s
Vellaiyappa Reddiyar Aavudaiparvathi Ammal Memorial Centre, Melaseithalai, Thoothukudi.
The valedictory function for the camp was conducted on 30 Apr 2025. Dr M Prabhu, Principal,
Don Bosco College of Arts and Science, Keela Eral, Thoothukudi and K Suresh, Panchayat
President, graced the occasion as Chief Guests. Thangavelsamy V, Retired Professor,
who donated the premises at Melaseithalai to Sevalaya also participated in the function.
55 students participated in the summer camp. 50 villagers participated in the Naturopathy
camp conducted by Dr Nalvaazhvu and Dr Moovappan and received advice on healthy food
habits for their health issues. The doctors also spoke about the importance and
benefits of Naturopathy. Dr Sumangali conducted a session on simple exercises and
laughter yoga for the students. They also spoke about the benefits of naturopathy and
a millet-based diet and the various causes of body pain. Prabhu in his speech
praised the training camp and noted that Sevalaya has thrived due to the support of
three great leaders, Bharathi, Gandhi and Vivekananda who have guided it to excellence.
He praised Sevalaya for functioning aligned with the principles of Mahakavi Bharathi
who championed women empowerment, Mahatma Gandhi who encouraged rural
development and Swami Vivekananda who stood for youth power. He advised the
students to set goals in life and narrated a short story titled ‘You have
to Dream’, a theme advocated by Dr A P J Abdul Kalam. He also narrated a
motivational incident from the life of champion runner Usain Bolt. Suresh in his
speech also praised the camp for students and requested that it be extended
to a week, citing its benefits. He also promised that the playground
would be prepared to support future camps and encourage further student
participation in outdoor activities. Thangavelsamy in his speech said that
India was far behind other countries when it comes to achievements in
sports. He advised the students to do well in sports and bring laurels
to the country. He also expressed his wish that a Naturopathy Hospital be
constructed at Melaseithalai by Sevalaya. The Chief Guests presented awards
to the students in various categories such as discipline, yoga, participation,
leadership and best sportsperson. The overall championship was won by the
Bharathi team with 546 points, followed by the Gandhi team with 420
points and the Vivekananda team with 315 points in the 2nd and 3rd place.
With various activities such as yoga, sports, value education sessions,
role play sessions and quiz programmes, Sevalaya has been conducting
the summer camp for children since 2023. The camp is aimed at spreading
the teachings of Sevalaya’s inspirational icons, Mahakavi Bharathiyar,
Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda, shortly called BGV. Every day of
the camp began with inspirational speeches about their lives.
V Muralidharan, Founder and Managing Trustee, Sevalaya spoke about the
life of Bharathiyar, highlighting his love for human beings. Bhuvaneswari
Muralidharan, Honorary Correspondent, Sevalaya narrated the life history
of Mahatma Gandhi. Kanchana S, Head, Value Education spoke about the
life history of Swami Vivekananda and the importance of gratitude.
Students also visited Bharathiyar’s house in Ettayapuram. Healthy organic
lunch, snacks and dinner were served to the participating students on
all three days. During the camp, various sessions were conducted for
the students by Sevalaya staff. Kingston A A, VP, Operations spoke
about Sevalaya’s activities, its short term and long term goals and
growth over the past 37 years. Janakiraman R, Coordinator, BGV conducted
quiz programmes and video sessions on the importance of honesty,
hard work and education. Anthony Lourdu Raj A, Counsellor conducted engaging activities and
role play sessions for the students. Alex Michaelraj, Computer Instructor and Centre Head,
Sevalaya’s Melaseithalai centre spoke on the theme of time management and planning.
Nimal A, Teacher, Physical Education, conducted various physical activities and sports
for the students. Earlier V Muralidharan, welcomed the Chief Guests and appreciated
the students for their participation in the camp. Mementos were presented to the Chief
Guests. Kingston A A, VP, Operations, Sevalaya delivered the Vote of Thanks.
He thanked Sevalaya staff for their efforts in making the 3 day camp a grand success.
