Indian parents today are increasingly concerned about their children's limited exposure to the country's rich culture, heritage, and history. Recognizing this need, Arsha Seva Kendram presents a valuable opportunity through their Family Summer Camp, scheduled from May 23rd to 25th, 2025, at the serene Arsha Vidya Gurukulam in Anaikatti, Coimbatore. This thoughtfully designed program offers an enriching experience for families with children in grades 4 to 9 to immerse themselves in Bharatiya Samskriti, an initiative spearheaded by its visionary founder, Dr. Jayakumar Srinivasan Ammangudi.
Who is Dr. Jayakumar Srinivasan Ammangudi?
Dr. Jayakumar Srinivasan Ammangudi embodies a fascinating synthesis of the analytical precision of the scientific world and the profound wisdom of ancient Indian philosophy. His academic journey began at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1985. For a substantial period of 25 years, Dr. Jayakumar immersed himself in the dynamic landscape of the chemical industry in the USA. A significant chapter of this career, spanning two decades, was spent at the helm of supply chain management and optimization within the world's largest polyethylene manufacturing company, an $80 billion enterprise. His success in this demanding corporate environment speaks volumes about his strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and leadership qualities.
However, a parallel intellectual and spiritual journey was unfolding, which he proudly calls the turning point in his social life. In 1996, a pivotal moment occurred when Dr. Jayakumar began his formal study of Vedanta under the tutelage of the revered Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati of Arsha Vidya Gurukulam. This marked the beginning of a profound engagement with the timeless wisdom of Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy.
Story of Arsha Seva Kendram
Foreseeing a growing global interest in Indian philosophies and Sanskrit – a trend that later materialized in the Central Government's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 – Dr. Jayakumar established the non-profit institute Arsha Seva Kendram (ASK) in Coimbatore in 2019. This marked the formalization of his long-held vision to provide a platform for the study of Advaita Vedanta, Sanskrit, and traditional Indian knowledge systems. Today, ASK boasts a faculty of over 15 dedicated teachers who conduct more than 20 diverse courses in these areas. Beyond academic instruction, the Trust actively runs a flagship holistic development center catering to over 70 children and youth, engages in cultural and educational revival initiatives in remote villages, and extends support through disaster relief efforts, all sustained by the generous donations of its students.
Through Arsha Seva Kendram and his multifaceted engagements, Dr. Jayakumar Srinivasan Ammangudi is passionately working towards bridging the gap between contemporary society and the profound wisdom of India's ancient traditions, empowering individuals, especially the youth, with a deeper understanding of their heritage and its relevance in today's world. The Family Summer Camp is just one facet of this larger vision, aiming to instill an appreciation for Bharatiya Samskriti in the younger generation within the nurturing context of family.
Genesis of the Summer Camp
Dr. Jayakumar, underscores its distinctive historical focus: "We've designed this summer camp to illuminate facets of Indian history that commonly remain outside the scope of traditional education. My conviction is that a robust historical understanding precedes any other framework." Regarding the program's structure, he explains, "The engaging sessions and activities for the children have been thoughtfully crafted by Smt Sundari Venkatraman, Smt Hemalatha Ramesh, Smt Rukmani Gopal, Mr. Ramachandran and other specialists. Simultaneously, I am committed to ensuring that parents are equally enriched by the historical and spiritual content of this camp. It is through this parallel learning journey that we can collectively pave the way for a brighter future for our children."
Our initial six-week children's camp in Bangalore was met with tremendous enthusiasm, immersing the young participants in yoga, prayers, shlokas, and a diverse array of Indian cultural traditions. The following year, while condensed into an intense three-week program, the camp continued to leave a lasting positive impression. Children departed with smiles that spoke of joy, a newfound clarity in their thinking, and a discernible wisdom in their eyes.
What can be expected at the camp?
Participants can look forward to a harmonious blend of activities, including
all within a welcoming and inspiring ambience. The children will also be exposed to the vast joy of Bharatiya Sanskriti and Vedanta. To ensure a cohesive family experience, the organizers kindly request that at least one adult member accompany the participating children.
Highlights of the camp
Engaging activities for children :
Enriching activities for parents :
Why choose children?
When asked about the focus on children, Dr. Jayakumar explained, "Children are, undoubtedly, the hope of the future. In my interactions with numerous parents, I consistently observe their deep concern for their children's well-being and the significant energy they invest in securing that future. However, contemporary lifestyles often leave parents with limited time to immerse their children in our cultural ethos." He further elaborated, "Exposing children to these fundamental cultural values is crucial in shaping them into responsible individuals with a strong sense of national purpose." Regarding the genesis of the camp, Dr. Jayakumar stated, "This event is a direct response to the repeated requests from parents who desire a holistic and culturally enriching experience for their children."
Reflecting on his interactions with Gen Z and Gen Alpha children, Dr. Jayakumar drew upon his experience handling youth at the Houston Meenakshi Temple. He observed, "Children, regardless of their generation, possess an innate readiness to learn. The key lies in adopting an experiential approach that captivates their interest. Truth and honesty are paramount in engaging with them, and they consistently respond positively to adults who treat them with sincerity. In essence, this aligns with the core of Vedanta, which is the pursuit of ultimate truth."
Role of a Guru
Elaborating on the significance of a guru in a child's development, Dr. Jayakumar described the guru as a "Maha Vakya Upadesha Kartha" – the revealer of the ultimate truth. He elucidated this profound concept, stating, "This ultimate truth, while seemingly simple, holds immense complexity: You are That." He further distinguished the roles of science and spiritual guidance, noting, "While scientific inquiry can illuminate the paths of artha (wealth), dharma (righteous conduct), and kama (desire), the pursuit of moksha (liberation) invariably necessitates the guidance of a true guru."
The Arsha Seva Kendram Family Summer Camp, envisioned and brought to life by the dedicated efforts of Dr. Jayakumar Srinivasan Ammangudi and other scholars, stands as a beacon for families seeking to reconnect with the profound wisdom and rich heritage of Bharatiya Samskriti. The camp aims to bridge the realms of science and spirituality, underscoring the holistic approach of Arsha Seva Kendram, aiming to cultivate not just knowledgeable individuals, but responsible, culturally aware citizens who embody the timeless wisdom of their heritage. This family camp is more than just a summer activity; it is an investment in a brighter future, nurtured by the enduring values of Indian culture and tradition, experienced and learned together.
For Further details, Contact : Meera Narayanan, 90191 02301
Vigneshwaran, Senior Correspondent of TheVerandahClub.com is both a skilled digital content writer, story teller and marketer by profession, as well as an avid independent writer driven by his passion. His literary talents extend to crafting beautiful poems and captivating short stories including the Sehwag Tales series. In addition to these creative pursuits, he has also authored a book titled "Halahala," which can be found on Wattpad.
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