For Pranav Kumar, 16, attending ashram camps has been a turning point in his young life, helping him find discipline, direction, and renewed focus on his education.
Held annually by the Fiji Sevashram Sangha under the guidance of Swarmi Sanyuktanand, the student camp focuses on character building and personal development.
Pranav, the eldest of three siblings, began attending the ashram in 2021 or 2022. He is currently at the camp with his younger brother.
Having lost both parents, he lives with his grandmother and his uncle’s family — a reality that has shaped his resilience and maturity beyond his years.
Before joining the camp, Pranav admits he struggled to concentrate on his studies and spent much of his time on his phone and social media.
“I wasn’t very focused before, but since coming to the ashram, I’ve changed.”
He credits Swami Ji and the camp program for teaching him yoga, physical education, discipline, and responsibility — lessons that have carried over into his daily life and schoolwork.
“At first, I couldn’t even do Padmasana, and Surya Namaskar was very hard. But with practice, it gave me strength.”
Life at the ashram, he said, encourages independence and teamwork. Participants wake early, open gates, sweep floors and take on daily duties together.
“At home we might be lazy, but here we stay active. It’s fun because you also get to socialise with people from different cultures and religions.
“Even if you don’t realise it at first, the ashram changes you for the better.”
Now more focused and motivated, Pranav hopes to one day become a lawyer — a goal he says the ashram experience has helped him believe is possible.
