For the first time, a JKYog Yuva Camp was organised at JKYog Bhakti Ashram, Cuttack, under the guidance and presence of Swami Mukundananda from 1st to 2nd January 2026. Held on Bhakti Diwas, the New Year camp was a meaningful offering for JKYog youth, helping them begin the year with clarity, positivity, and purpose.
The two-day camp brought together young participants for a vibrant blend of Yog, spiritual learning, seva, cultural activities, and team bonding. Every session was thoughtfully planned and organised by the dedicated JKYog Yuva volunteers of Bhakti Ashram. The enthusiasm, discipline, and wholehearted participation of the youth reflected the success of the camp, as attendees concluded the shivir feeling inspired, refreshed, and deeply motivated.
Yoga and Pranayam Sessions Under Swamiji’s Guidance
One of the most memorable highlights of the camp was the Yoga and Pranayam sessions conducted under the direct guidance of Swamiji on both days. The sessions included Surya Namaskar, warm-up exercises, stretches, supine postures, forward and backward bends, pranayam, light cardio practices, and several other yogic exercises designed to improve both physical and mental well-being.
Alongside the practical demonstrations, Swamiji shared valuable health insights connected to each asan, helping the youth understand the deeper purpose and benefits behind the practices. His guidance transformed the sessions into an enriching learning experience rather than merely a physical routine.
The Yog sessions were also filled with moments of joy and lightness. Practices like Hasyasan brought waves of laughter throughout the hall, while Jhulan Ludkasan created a playful, cheerful atmosphere among the participants.
Guided meditation sessions further elevated the experience, as the youth were led through subtle body relaxation and visualisation practices centred on Divine Vrindavan and meeting Radha Krishna. These meditative moments helped participants experience calmness, concentration, and inward focus.
Learning Yog and pranayam directly from Swamiji made a lasting impact on the youth. The sessions beautifully combined discipline, enthusiasm, health awareness, and spiritual consciousness, making the camp a truly uplifting beginning to the new year.
Swami Mukundananda’s Workshops on Focus and Decision-Making
As part of the Yuva Camp, Swamiji conducted insightful workshops on both days, followed by interactive question-and-answer sessions that allowed participants to seek practical guidance and spiritual clarity.
Day 1: Absolute Focus
The first day’s workshop was held outdoors amid greenery and the soothing shade of trees, creating a calm and refreshing environment perfectly aligned with the topic of focus. Swamiji spoke on the subject of Absolute Focus, explaining how extraordinary results emerge when the mind learns to remain steady and undistracted.
Using relatable examples and practical observations from daily life, He explained how distractions dilute talent, while imbalance and overexertion reduce effectiveness. Swamiji narrated the inspiring example of Arjun from the Mahabharat to illustrate the power of one-pointed concentration.
The session also explored the nature of the mind, its tendency to seek pleasure, the concepts of voluntary and involuntary attention, and the importance of nishchay, or firm determination. Through simple yet powerful illustrations, Swamiji encouraged the youth to cultivate internal beautification and character refinement, aligned with JKYog’s guiding motto: “Do good, be good, feel good.”
Day 2: Choices and Decision-Making Skills
The second day’s lecture focused on Choices and Decision-Making Skills. Swamiji explained how every choice emerges from personal values, and how these values are shaped by belief systems influenced by association, experiences, media, and repeated messaging.
Through stories, historical examples, and relatable situations, He demonstrated how assumptions and unexamined beliefs often spread widely, even when they may not reflect the truth. Swamiji also shared personal reflections from His own life, explaining how faith in God guided many of His important decisions.
Using visual illustrations and practical scenarios, the youth were encouraged to examine whether their perceptions arise from truth or assumption. References from the Upanishads, including “Asatoma Satgamaya” and teachings from the Kathopanishad, further emphasised that right knowledge leads to correct beliefs and wise decisions.
The workshops left the participants deeply reflective and inspired, equipping them with practical wisdom to navigate modern life with clarity and purpose.
Art and Craft Seva Encouraged Creativity and Team Spirit
Another engaging aspect of the camp was the Art and Craft Seva activity, in which the youth participated enthusiastically, with creativity, dedication, and a spirit of devotion. The activity gave participants an opportunity to express bhakti through hands-on seva while strengthening teamwork and coordination.
The youth were divided into groups, with each team entrusted with a specific seva project. Activities included creating Jagannath, Balbhadra, and Subhadra craft work, Radha Krishna shringar, flower and bead mala making for Shree Maharajji and Radha Krishna, pagdi seva, Bal Gopal dress making, crown making for Krishna and Radharani, temple structure decoration, rath and umbrella creation, backdrop design, and Radha Krishna paintings.
The atmosphere was filled with joy, cooperation, and togetherness as the youth worked with focus and sincerity. Beyond creativity, the activity helped participants absorb the deeper values of seva, humility, and collective effort.
Swamiji personally visited the workspace, observed the seva projects closely, and interacted with the youth as they explained their creations. He appreciated their sincerity, enthusiasm, and commitment, making the experience even more encouraging and memorable for the participants.
The session concluded with group photographs with Swamiji, capturing precious memories that the youth will cherish for years to come.
Cultural Activities and Games Filled the Camp with Joy
The Cultural and Games segment brought another dimension of excitement and warmth to the Yuva Camp. Filled with laughter, bonding, and vibrant participation, the activities gave the youth a refreshing opportunity to relax and connect with one another.
The girls enthusiastically participated in musical chairs, dumb charades, and bhajan antakshari, creating an atmosphere full of cheer and excitement. The boys enjoyed a friendly cricket match that became especially memorable when Swamiji joined the game, bringing smiles and delight to everyone present.
The cultural presentations showcased the creativity and talent of the Yuva through skits and performances based on Vidur Leela, Dhannajaat Katha, a graceful peacock dance, and a thoughtful presentation on the purpose of life. Each performance carried meaningful spiritual messages and heartfelt emotions.
Swamiji attentively watched the performances and appreciated the sincerity, creativity, and teamwork demonstrated by the participants. The session concluded with Swamiji personally distributing participation certificates, making the moment deeply special for the youth.
A Truly Inspiring Beginning to the Year
The first-ever JKYog Yuva Camp at Bhakti Ashram successfully brought together Yog, spirituality, seva, learning, creativity, and joyful bonding in a deeply enriching environment. More than just a camp, it became a transformative New Year experience that encouraged the youth to begin 2026 with greater focus, positivity, discipline, and devotion.
The camp beautifully reflected the spirit of JKYog Yuva: motivated, united, spiritually grounded, and dedicated to self-growth and service. Participants returned with cherished memories, renewed inspiration, and a stronger connection with Swamiji, with one another, and with their spiritual journey ahead.
