Over 200 children and teenagers from across India gathered at Shoolini University in Solan last week for a residential summer camp organised by the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS). Running for seven days, the camp is based on the ‘how-to-live’ teachings of Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda and is the largest in the history of YSS Youth Services.
Designed for boys and girls aged 12 to 17, the programme combines twice-daily group meditations, satsangas, chanting, and initiation into Yogoda Satsanga techniques of energisation and concentration with sports, arts and crafts, and nature hikes.
Inaugural ceremonies for the girls’ and boys’ sections were held on the morning and afternoon of May 31. YSS ‘sannyasis’, joined by Shoolini University Founder Chancellor Prof PK Khosla and Vice Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla, lit a ceremonial lamp to mark the opening. Swami Lalitananda read out a message from Swami Chidananda Giri, president and spiritual head of YSS/SRF, who called on the young participants to use the camp to build self-discipline and inner strength through faith in God.
Swami Nirmalananda, addressing the girls’ camp, cited Paramahansa Yogananda on why a setting like Shoolini’s matters: “School-aged children should be taken away from the temptation-surrounded atmospheres of modern cities and placed amidst nature and in the company of trained teachers ideal in health, morality, and worldly and spiritual efficiency.”
Prof PK Khosla said, “These children are very fortunate to receive this opportunity to meditate at such a young age. I wish these students become the rising stars of this nation.” Prof Atul Khosla urged them to pair ambition with practice: “Many of you will diligently follow Guruji’s teachings. I am sure Guruji would also want you to add success to spiritual growth.”
Addressing the boys’ camp, Swami Shankarananda reminded participants that the search for God is the highest purpose of human life. “What remains with the soul is our good works and love of God. Congratulations to all of you for starting on the spiritual quest at such a young age,” he added.
June 1, 2026
