Soul Connects

The Yoga Institute’s Reach Out Camp

- Kum. Rekha Balgi

The same sentiment prevailed at the Reach Out Camp on 9th October 2024 at The Yoga Institute.

The camp has been continuing for eighteen years with a mission to spread the message of inclusion and to embrace diversity. The event fostered compassion and celebration of the human spirit.

The unique gathering brought together people with special needs and challenges, parents, educators and The Yoga Institute teacher trainees to embrace the six-hour challenge to celebrate "Togetherness".

Yoga, music, dance, art, games, singing, interaction, integration and more were an intrinsic part of the unique experience and learning while applying the lessons and principles of Yoga philosophy.

For most of the Institute trainees, this was a first encounter of this kind. Heartfelt responses from them shared below echo the celebration of 'Oneness and Unity in Diversity' to be cherished forever and provides an apt insight into the connections made

"Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity.

Today, I felt a great emotional connection with the lovely kids."

"It's been a pleasure to be a part of this Reach Out. I did not get a chance to spend a lot of time with one specific kid, but at one point when I was clicking pictures, kids randomly came and hugged me so tight; their smiles were so touching. They are really not people who need to learn anything, we need to learn a lot from them. How to love unconditionally, how to smile through whatever curve balls life throws us, how to be strong and flexible, and at the same time how to not worry and be happy in the present.