Seventeen-year-old volunteer Eshita Prasad says growing up attending ashram camps has helped shape her values, identity, and outlook on life.
The camp is organised by the Fiji Sevashram Sangha and led by Swarmi Sanyuktanand. It is a registered spiritual, socio-cultural and educational program.
Eshita, who has been attending camps since she was four years old, is now an active junior volunteer, contributing through dance, music, and youth activities at the ashram.
“Coming to the ashram has taught me a lot of moral values, respect and discipline,” Eshita said.
“It has also helped me learn more in depth about my religion, including mantras and our scriptures. Because of this, I know my culture well and practise it in my daily life wherever I go.”
Eshita said the knowledge gained at the ashram had given her confidence to speak proudly about her culture with friends outside of school, describing it as a key part of her identity.
“Attending ashram has made me realise the importance of yoga in life. I am now able to focus for longer periods in school and understand the importance of doing well academically.”
The camps also address social issues affecting young people, including drug abuse and cyberbullying, encouraging participants to make positive life choices.
One of the most popular activities, she said, was lathi — a traditional form of stick fighting used for self-defence.
“Lathi is very fun and a useful skill. We go around teaching younger kids and get to know a lot of people during this activity,” Eshita said.
She believes the camps play a vital role in guiding young people towards becoming responsible and successful members of society.
