Camp - EKATHA
CAMP - EKATHA.
In today’s educational context, teacher education goes beyond classroom learning to focus on the holistic development of future teachers. As part of this vision, the B.Ed. programme includes the Community Living Camp, which offers student-teachers a valuable opportunity to learn through shared living, cooperation, and social engagement. The camp helps nurture essential qualities such as leadership, empathy, self-discipline, teamwork, and social responsibility.
In this spirit, a five-day Community Living Camp titled “EKATHA – Arise, Awake and Realize the Power You Hold” was organised from 26th to 30th October 2025. The camp reflected the ideals of unity, inner awakening, and collective growth. Conducted under the leadership of student coordinators Mrs. Shereena Jasmin and Ms. Sreeleksmi Murali, with Mrs. Minimol Justus, Vice Principal, as the camp convener, the programme featured a range of academic, cultural, and community-oriented activities. Overall, the camp successfully strengthened the students’ cooperative spirit and prepared them to become socially responsible and effective future teachers.
DAY 1 - 26/10/2025
The Community Living Camp EKATHA 2K25 began with students arriving at the venue and collectively cleaning and preparing the campus, creating a disciplined and welcoming environment. The inaugural programme commenced at 10:00 a.m., anchored by Aiswarya, with a prayer song by Jeena and Monica. The welcome address was delivered by Mrs. Shereena. The inauguration was done by Shri. Vishnunadh, Hon’ble MLA of Kundara, who lit the ceremonial lamp along with Janab Abdul Kareem Sir, Dr. Lekshmi Natarajan Ma’am, Smt. Minimol Justus, and faculty members. The inaugural, keynote, and presidential addresses emphasized social responsibility, leadership, and the vision of the camp. The session concluded with felicitations, a vote of thanks by Ms. Sree Lekshmi, and a garland offering to Mahatma Gandhi.
An interactive session on Leadership Through Life Skills was conducted from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. by Adv. C. Sudheer, focusing on self-awareness, positivity, and leadership qualities. The resource person encouraged reflection through thought-provoking questions and introduced the three S’s – Simple, Smartness, and Smile. The session used stories, activities, and discussions to build confidence, communication skills, and emotional maturity. A memento was presented to the resource person at the end of the session.
An awareness programme on Fire & Safety and Disaster Management was held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., led by Mr. Shivakumar T, Station Officer, Fire & Rescue Office, Kollam. The session covered fire hazards, emergency response, first aid, and disaster preparedness. The PASS technique for using fire extinguishers was demonstrated through live practical sessions. The programme enhanced participants’ confidence in handling emergency situations responsibly. A memento was presented as a token of appreciation.
A fruit tree planting drive was organised from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. as part of the camp’s environmental initiative. Five saplings—guava, papaya, rambutan, and apple chamba—were planted by the participants. The activity promoted sustainability and environmental awareness. It served as a lasting symbol of the camp’s commitment to nature.
The first day of EKATHA 2K25 concluded with an informal reflection meeting where participants shared their experiences and learning. The day successfully blended learning, service, teamwork, and social responsibility. The activities reflected the true spirit of the camp’s theme and marked a meaningful beginning to the Community Living Camp.
DAY 2. 27/10/2025
The second day of the camp began at 7:00 a.m. with a yoga and meditation session guided by Dr. Lekshmi Natarajan, Principal. The session included warm-up exercises and the practice of Bhastrika Pranayama to improve concentration and lung capacity. The activity promoted physical fitness, mental calmness, and positive energy for the day.
• At 11:00 a.m., a survey on “Youth Empowerment and Their Role in National Development” was conducted. Students were divided into teams and visited nearby residential areas to collect public responses. The activity helped students understand societal perspectives on youth participation. All teams returned by 1:00 p.m. after successfully completing the survey.
• At 2:30 p.m., participants took part in an Anganwadi cleaning drive, making the surroundings clean and child-friendly. The activity continued until 5:30 p.m. and highlighted the importance of teamwork and collective responsibility. It strengthened students’ sense of social commitment and community service.
• The second day concluded with a reflection session, where participants shared their experiences and learning. The day successfully integrated physical well-being, social awareness, and community engagement. All activities reflected cooperation, teamwork, and dedication to service.
DAY 3. 28/10/2025
The third day of the Community Living Camp began at 7:00 a.m. with a yoga session conducted under the guidance of Ms. Reshma. The session included warm-up exercises, Tadasana, Vrikshasana, Pranayama, Bhastrika Pranayama, Butterfly Pose, and concluded with Shavasana. The practice refreshed both body and mind and set a positive tone for the day.
• At 10:00 a.m., a session titled “Mind Speak – Unlocking Communication, Creativity & Confidence” was conducted by Mr. Jijo Jayachandran, Talent Curation Executive, K-DISC, Government of Kerala. The session encouraged creative teaching through games, activities, and brainstorming techniques. It enhanced communication skills, creativity, and self-confidence among student teachers. The session concluded with reflections by Adith and Jeena, highlighting the practical classroom applications of creativity and confidence-building strategies
• From 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., an awareness session on “Road Safety: Journey of Awareness, Education, and Action” was led by Shri. Shanavas H, Sub-Inspector (RTD). The session focused on accident prevention, safe driving practices, and the importance of following traffic rules. Active interaction and a short refreshment break at 3:00 p.m. kept the session engaging and impactful.
• The third day concluded with reflection and teamwork, as student teachers actively participated in learning, creativity, and service-oriented activities. Despite challenges such as rain and fatigue, all committees worked with dedication and cooperation. The night reflection session captured the true spirit of teamwork, making the day meaningful, productive, and joyful.
DAY 4 29/10/2025
The fourth day of the Community Living Camp at H.K.M. College of Education, Umayanalloor reflected teamwork, discipline, and unity through meaningful community-oriented activities. Each programme was carried out with enthusiasm and a strong sense of collective purpose.
• At 7:00 a.m., a yoga and drill session was conducted to promote physical fitness and mental calmness. The session energized the participants and prepared them for the day’s activities.
• From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., a cultural session titled “Thudi: Nadum Nattu Pattukalum” was conducted by Mr. Satheesh K, Faculty of Art Education, Department of Malayalam, HKM D.El.Ed. Students actively participated in singing Malayalam folk songs. The session created an atmosphere of joy, cultural bonding, and emotional enrichment.
• Between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., student teachers presented a flash mob conveying strong messages of anti-drug awareness. The performance highlighted creativity, rhythm, teamwork, and social responsibility. Following the flash mob, students created an anti-drug awareness visual on the school compound wall, using art as a medium for social change.
• The day concluded with a campfire celebration at 8:00 p.m. on the main ground. Participants gathered to sing, share experiences, and celebrate the bonds formed during the camp. The session brought warmth, joy, and togetherness.
• The fourth day ended with a deep sense of fulfillment and unity among student teachers. The activities successfully blended cultural awareness, creativity, and teamwork. The dedication of all committees ensured the smooth conduct of the day and reflected the true spirit of the Community Living Camp.
DAY 5. 30/10/2025
• The Refreshment Committee began work at 5:00 a.m., preparing breakfast with dedication and teamwork. The Organization Committee simultaneously handled cleaning and waste management, ensuring a clean and hygienic camp environment.
• The day began with a Physical Education session led by Sharath Sir, which included warm-up exercises, stretching, minor ball games, yoga, and a pair massage session. The activity promoted physical fitness, relaxation, and mental well-being among participants.
• From 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., a Self-Defence and Martial Arts session was conducted by Sensei Aji Anandan and Senpai Sujitha Aji. The session focused on defensive postures, balance, coordination, and alertness. It emphasized confidence, presence of mind, and awareness as key aspects of personal safety. Interactive drills and demonstrations made the training practical and empowering.
• A brief camp report was presented by Noora, highlighting the major activities and achievements of the five-day programme. Representatives from various committees shared their reflections, experiences, and learning outcomes.
• The Valedictory Ceremony began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Janab Abdul Kareem Sir, Chairman of HKM Group of Institutions. The function was attended by Dr. Lakshmi Natarajan, Principal, Smt. Minimol Justus, Vice Principal, and faculty members. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Athira G, followed by the presidential address by Smt. Minimol Justus, the inaugural address by the Chairman, the keynote address by the Principal, felicitation by faculty members, and the vote of thanks by Mr. Alen David.
• A song performance by teachers and students added a joyful and emotional touch to the programme. After the photo session and final cleaning of the venue, participants returned home with cherished memories and a deep sense of fulfillment.
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