17 students from Navsrijan took part in the 8th edition of the Spiritual Retreat held from 12th May to 16th May 2025 at Seth M.R. Jaipuria School. This year’s retreat was graced by esteemed facilitators Prof. Sampadananda Mishra, Prof. Vinod Solanki Ji, Sushrut Badhe and Chitra Badhe, whose presence and guidance illuminated the spiritual path for the students.
At the heart of the retreat lay the deep purpose of self-exploration through India’s ancient spiritual wisdom. Through profound sessions and reflective activities, the students embarked on an inward journey to discover their true essence and awaken their spiritual consciousness.
Day 1 commenced with the Vedas, the eternal wisdom gifted by the Rishis. Prof. Sampadananda Mishra set the tone for the retreat by introducing the purpose and essence of the spiritual journey, helping students tune into the deeper realities of life. Students learnt the art of blowing the conch, Shankh Naad which is an age-old symbol of awakening and purity, guided by Prof. Mishra, who also beautifully explained its spiritual significance.
Day 2 focused on the Upanishads. Prof. Mishra introduced students to the essence of Upanishadic teachings, followed by a calming meditation session with Upanishadic chanting. In the afternoon, Mrs. Chitra Badhe led a creative activity where students created rangolis and floral patterns inspired by sacred Upanishadic symbols. The day concluded with an enlightening session on Atmapuja Upanishad by Prof. Mishra and a graceful movement session, where students experienced inner harmony through meditative dance.
Day 3 was devoted to the Bhagavad Gita. Sushrut Badhe and Chitra Badhe guided the students into the teachings of the Gita. Anjali Jaipuria Ma’am delivered a deeply moving talk on the journey from Karma to Karma Yoga, which stirred deep introspection among all present. The day ended with a powerful session by Sushrut Badhe and Chitra Badhe on Atma Samyama, that is, self-mastery and control of the mind, drawn from the Gita’s timeless insights.
Day 4 was centered on Savitri, Sri Aurobindo’s epic poem that reflects the soul’s aspiration towards the Divine Life. Prof. Vinod Solanki Ji brought the legend alive by weaving its spiritual and symbolic dimensions in an evocative session. Inspired by Savitri’s verses, students engaged in a creative art activity led by Anjali Jaipuria Ma’am, drawing their interpretation of selected passages. The evening concluded with a meditative Love Bath, where students were guided into a deep and silent journey within, experiencing stillness and surrender.
On the final day, the students showcased their learnings through a presentation based on the inner battlefield of Kurukshetra, which reflected the depth of their understanding and the transformation they had undergone. Through the skit, students conveyed how the true battle lies within the mind and victory comes through awareness and self-mastery.
The five-day retreat was not just an event, but a soulful experience and an inward pilgrimage for each participant. The dedication of the facilitators and the vision of the school to nurture such spiritual grounding in young minds truly stand as a beacon of light in today’s world.
