ചിരന്തന(Day 1)

The student teachers were asked to gather of the General Hall-1 by 9:30 am for the SUPW session. It is on innovative initiative aimed at combining practical skill development with Financial empowerment for students. It provided hands-on experience in the manufacturing of hygiene products including lotion and handwash while simultaneously preparing to generate money through their sale.

Sri. Ummer, Sri. Sukumalan and Smt. Smitha from Gandhi Bharan, Thycaud were the resource persons. We received training in the formulation and production of handwash and lotion. This involved understanding the key ingredients, their properties and the precise measurements required for quality products we learned to mix ingredients such as soap base, assential oils and antibacterial agents to create an effective and fragrant hand wash. The lotion production involved combining moisturizing elements, fragrances and preservatives to create a soothing and nourishing product.

Student teachers actively participated in the Packaging and branding as well. Empty bottles were collected and brought to the college as a means of being relevant to the theme of the camp. The finished products were transferred into containers. Additionally, Swadeshi' label was pasted on the bottles as part of branding them.

The Journey to Grameena Patana Kendram was tiring. Everyone struggled to climb the steep slope with heavy bags on their back The place was stunning The fatigue vanished as we made it to the top. After placing our luggage in the designated places, we assembled in the conference hall for inaugural ceremony.

•Inaugural Ceremony

The ceremony was formally inaugurated by Shri. Brahmanayakam Mahadevan, social activist and master trainer. He shared his happiness of seeing an authentic, eco-friendly banner in a camp after so long and congratulated Chinju and Gowry for handcrafting the beautiful piece. Keerthana Anil and Gowry sang the camp song. Dr. AV Sujith delivered the presidential address, while Shiba TC shared felicitations. Dr Anju I delivered welcome speech and Dr Sreeja S.R delivered vote of thanks. Ashly L Paul compered the function.

•Puthiya Lokam Puthiya Kazhcha (3:00-6:00pm)

The session led by Brahma Nayakam Mahadevan was incredible. Through icebreakers, group discussions and collaborative exercises, attendees developed communication skills and empathy. We were asked to create large groups based on rows and columns of our seating arrangement, followed by smaller groups based on blood group, accessories and other similarities Finally, all of us had a pair with whom we discared our intuitions and self-reflections. It was like being on an experiential learning Journey.

The resource person had a charming vibe which captivated every one of us. We laughed, cried and had lot of fun. The reflections of the session shared by the student teachers shed light on how the session had been one of a kind. The session demonstrated how strengthened Interpersonal connections contribute to a supportive learning environment.