For 16-year-old Pranav Kumar, attending ashram camps has been transformative, providing him with discipline, direction, and a renewed commitment to his education. The annual camps, organized by the Fiji Sevashram Sangha and led by Swami Sanyuktanand, emphasize character building and personal growth.
Pranav, who began attending the ashram in 2021, is currently accompanied by his younger brother. As the eldest of three siblings, he has faced significant challenges, having lost both parents. Now living with his grandmother and uncle’s family, these experiences have instilled in him a resilience that belies his age.
Before his time at the ashram, Pranav struggled with concentration on his studies, often spending excessive time on his phone and social media. “I wasn’t very focused before, but since coming to the ashram, I’ve changed,” he reflects.
He attributes this positive shift to the teachings of Swami Ji and the structured camp program, which has introduced him to yoga, physical education, discipline, and responsibility. “At first, I couldn’t even do Padmasana, and Surya Namaskar was very hard. But with practice, it gave me strength,” he shares.
Life at the ashram fosters both independence and teamwork. Participants wake early, engage in communal activities like sweeping floors, and complete daily responsibilities together. “At home we might be lazy, but here we stay active. It’s fun because you also get to socialize with people from different cultures and religions. Even if you don’t realize it at first, the ashram changes you for the better,” Pranav notes.
Now more focused and motivated, Pranav aspires to become a lawyer—a dream he believes is achievable thanks to his experiences at the ashram. His journey reflects the positive impact of the camp program, not only on individuals but also on the broader community, as it fosters personal growth and mutual respect among youth from diverse backgrounds.
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