Camps in the past Alakananda was held in 2000 near Sacramento, California. Click here for an additional article on Alakananda. Since Gangotri in the year 2002 , the family camps have been successful in inculcating a love for the language in the young and old alike. As with the river of its namesake, this event was the spring from which many sustained activitites took life and continue to this day. Paavanii in the year 2003, saw a huge number of participants from all over the country - Houston to Chicago, Maine to California, Florida to Seattle. Click here for an additional article on Paavanii. Sindhu and Mandaakinii in the year 2004, was an answer to participants, eager for a camp, even if short. Bhaagiirathii (east cost) and Haimavatii (west coast) in the year 2006 was the start of a trend to cater to growing enthusiasts from across the country. Click here for a press release on Bhaagiirathii. Shraddhaa in 2007 is a residential camp exclusively for teenagers, conducted by youth who grew up in US and have made Samskritam as part of their lives. | A scene from an evening's programme - Paavanii 2003: Extract from article written by a participant: "I overhead my older son telling his carpool pal, “We’re going to some camp that my mom wants us to go to.” A teenager periodically struggling for approbation; clearly, there was an awkwardness for him to spell out what the camp was about. Sighing within, I hoped that this embarrassment would soon dissipate. What I did not know then was how quickly this would vanish and even morph into something more than I had hoped for." ...... "After we unpacked and proceeded to retire for the night, I heard my sons call out “Amba, shubha raatrih.” (Good night, mother). Phew! What a difference one Memorial weekend can make!! And, for the Kalavar family this one will always be memorable! " Click here for the complete article. |