COMMUNITY LIVING CAMP : ചിരന്തന ☘️🍃 - DAY 1 (12 February 2024)

               Chiranthana DAY - 1

Day 1 of Chiranthana began with the lotion and hand wash making by the student teachers of II B.Ed. This activity was organised on behalf of EARN WHILE YOU LEARN: Socially Useful Productive Work programme. Mrs. Smitha, Sri. Ummar and Sri. Sukumaran Sir from Gandhi Bhavan, Thycaud, guided the entire process. The activity began by 9.30 am at the college classroom. While some students went on to collect empty water bottles, the others arranged the raw materials needed for making the lotion and handwash. Once all the arrangements were made, the process started and everyone actively participated in the making and packing of the products. 

The packed bottles were then labelled and arranged in boxes. The aim of this programme was to sell the products at affordable prices, while at the same time gaining a profit, which was then handed over to the college. After lunch, we started our journey to the camp venue - Grameena Patana Kendram via the school bus of Model Boys School, Thycaud. 

                 The First Impression 

The moment we got down the bus with all our luggage, what we saw was a huge, steep slope that we had to conquer inorder to reach the venue. This walk uphill was extremely tiring, especially with the heavy luggage. But once we reached there, all the sweat and lethargy vanished; we were welcomed by a beautiful, green, calm setting that was extremely comfortable and attractive. The first impression, though not a pleasant one, was immediately replaced by a warmth that was welcoming. 

           The beginning of Chiranthana

Following the student registration, all of us assembled at the cozy hall of Grameena Patana Kendram. The way the hall was maintained was truly impressive. We could closely feel the proximity to nature because we were surrounded by lush green trees with the chirping of birds. 

By 2 pm, the official inauguration of Chiranthana was initiated. Dr. Anju I, the Associate Professor and the Chief Camp Co-ordinator, delivered the welcome speech. This was followed by the Presidential Address by Dr. A V Sujith, the Principal of GCTE. Dr. V K Santhosh Kumar Sir and Dr. Omanasheelan Sir were expected to offer felicitations; however they could not make it to the camp due to other duties. Dr. Sreeja S K, Camp Co-ordinator and Assistant Professor of GCTE, delivered the vote of thanks.

                   The Camp Song 

Keerthana Anil and Gowri Venu of II B.Ed suprised all of us with strokes of poetry that stood close with the theme of the camp. They wrote a camp song together for Chiranthana, tuned it, and sang it for all of us. It was indeed a commendable effort from their part.

                          SESSION 1 

    A rendezvous with ചങ്ങാതി ചേട്ടൻ 

The Camp sessions kickstarted with a vibrant and dynamic session with the resource person of the day, Sri. Brahma Nayakam Mahadevan Sir. A four and a half hour long session with him was nothing short of a magical one. It began well, slowly changing its pace as time passed. The session was highly interactive. Within a span of few hours, we came to know our classmates much better than we did in the past one and a half year at college - their family, personal favorites, emotions and feelings, insecurities, likes, dislikes, and what not... The session was truly enlightening. Sir guided us, also made us sing and dance together. Every student mingled with all their fellow classmates; this I feel was the most striking aspect of the session. 

                   Off to our rooms 

Following the first session, we went to the rooms alloted to us. One room was occupied by five. The rooms were large, well kept and maintained. The lush green trees and plants all around kept the rooms cool at all times. 

           Preparation of Camp News 

After the sumptuous dinner, we freshned up and went back to the hall to write the day's camp news. Groups were already formed for the survey that is to take place in the coming days. We worked in groups and created our newspapers.