From Self to Social Transformation

Our 35th State-Level Social Awareness Training Camp, organised by our Yuva Nirman project brought together more than 160 young people from Maharashtra and other states for three inspiring days of learning, interaction, reflection and social awareness.

Day 1 | Connecting & Inspiring

The camp began with registration and the engaging “Me and My Fellow Participant” session led by Nitin Wabre and Omkar Khuntale, helping participants build communication, confidence and new friendships.

Participants explored Snehalaya’s journey through the documentary “Manusakichi Goshta” (A Story of Humanity) and the India–Bangladesh Cycle Journey documentary. Project Director, Hanif Shaikh introduced the participants to Snehalaya’s various projects and its work with vulnerable children and communities.

Day 2 | Building Empathy & Awareness

The second day began with yoga and meditation, followed by Shramdaan, encouraging discipline, teamwork, dignity of labour and collective responsibility.

An impactful experiential session by Shubhangi Koparkar encouraged participants to step into the lives of people facing different social challenges, including farmers, labourers, elderly people, abandoned children and victims of child marriage. The session helped participants understand that social issues require empathy, sensitivity and action.

Awareness sessions on HIV/AIDS and the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) focused on health, child protection, rights and social responsibility. An online interaction with Dr Girish Kulkarni and Rajeev Kumar encouraged young people to identify a social issue that truly moves them and take meaningful action.

The day also featured inspiring stories from Yuva Nirman volunteers, showing how personal challenges, volunteering and guidance can lead to meaningful social action.

Day 3 | Learning Through Experience

The final day connected learning with real-world experience. Participants visited Snehalaya projects including our Snehankur Adoption Centre, Snehasparsh Rehabilitation Centre and Manasgram, gaining insights into child protection, rehabilitation, mental health and social reintegration.

The Sadbhavana Cycle Yatra was again highlighted as an example of how youth can use travel, dialogue and community interaction to spread awareness and promote social harmony.

Sessions by Dr Vinay Koparkar, Anil Gawde and advocate Shyam Asawa focused on youth responsibility, the journey of Yuva Nirman, social work and democracy, inspiring participants to become active citizens rather than passive observers.

A Journey Beyond the Camp

The camp concluded with reflection and feedback, giving participants an opportunity to share their experiences and recognise how their perspectives had evolved.

The 35th Yuva Nirman Camp was more than a three-day programme—it was a journey from awareness to empathy, empathy to responsibility, and responsibility to action.