Sadwazhi 2025: Five Days That Taught Us How to Live, Learn, and Lead Together

“Some lessons are not taught through lectures, but through living together, sharing responsibilities, and growing as one.”

The five-day Community Living Camp Sadwazhi 2025, organised by KUCTE Kollam from 1st to 5th December 2025, was more than a curriculum requirement—it was an experience that reshaped our understanding of education, relationships, and responsibility. Living together as a community, away from routine classroom life, helped us discover values that are essential for teachers but rarely assessed through exams.

The name Sadwazhi, meaning “towards upliftment,” reflected the true spirit of the camp. Each day unfolded with a unique theme, carefully designed activities, inspiring sessions, and moments of reflection that helped us grow emotionally, socially, and professionally.

Day 1- 01/12/2025 – Udgama (The Beginning).

The first day marked the beginning of a shared journey. The morning rally and flash mob, performed by the entire batch option-wise, instantly set the tone of unity and enthusiasm. It was powerful to see everyone moving together with a common message, and the appreciation from the chief guest Gopakumar made us feel proud of our collective effort. His words stayed with us—that meaningful actions speak louder than mere words—shared through real-life stories and professional experiences.

The inaugural session formally welcomed us into the camp, reminding us of the purpose of community living in teacher education. Throughout the day, committees worked actively behind the scenes, teaching us the importance of planning and coordination. Sports activities in the evening brought laughter and relaxation, while the cultural programme allowed hidden talents to shine. The reflection session at night helped us pause and understand that Udgama was not just the beginning of the camp, but the beginning of personal growth.

Day 2 - 02/12/2025 – Kanavu (Dreams and Vision)

Day 2 was about looking inward and dreaming forward. The morning routine, exercise session, and reading of the camp newspaper created a sense of structure and belonging.

The session “Mindful & Mindshifting” by hariharan unni was deeply engaging. Through breathing exercises, group activities like the human tangle, writing down personal worries, and playful tasks, we learned how emotional awareness and mindfulness are essential qualities for teachers. These activities helped us understand how personal wellbeing directly affects classroom behaviour and student relationships.

In the afternoon, “Art and Life” by K P A C Leelakrishnan reminded us that creativity is not optional—it is essential. The nāṭaka songs and reflections on art brought warmth and nostalgia, connecting culture with life lessons. The treasure hunt (Manoranjanam) in the evening was pure joy, reminding us that learning can be fun, collaborative, and energetic. Day 2 truly encouraged us to dream—not just for ourselves, but for the learners we will one day guide.

Day 3- 03/12/2025 – Karuthal (Care and Responsibility)

Day 3 revolved around care—of the body, mind, and society. The fully practical yoga session was refreshing, grounding, and energising. Performing asanas together helped us realise the importance of physical wellbeing in a teacher’s demanding life. The first yoga class was taken by Dr. Amrita G Krishnan and Remya S Babu

The cyber security session by Syamkumar was eye-opening. Learning about real cyber cases, safety practices, helpline numbers like 1090, and apps such as CEIR and M-Kavaj 2 made us more responsible digital citizens. It also reminded us of our future role in guiding students safely in the digital world.

The evening musical concert by our own batchmate Chamdhu was a proud moment. Watching someone from our community perform with confidence reminded us that every learner carries unique talents. The day ended with reflection, reinforcing the idea that Karuthal means caring not only for others, but also for oneself.

Day 4 - 04/12/2025 – Chedassu (Insight and Awareness)

Day 4 invited us to understand emotions, creativity, and human connection more deeply. The counselling session " Prabodana" by Sradha helped us reflect on emotional intelligence, stress, empathy, and mental health—areas often overlooked but crucial in education.

The session “Dhrishyavismayathiloode” by Haseem Amaravilla was filled with activity-based learning. Tasks like guiding a blindfolded partner helped us understand trust, communication, and responsibility in the most practical way. These experiences made us realise how learning becomes meaningful when it is felt, not just heard.

By 5pm there was also a musical concert by symphony orchestra of our own college led by Rajeev uncle our dear office staff adding beauty and harmony to the evening setting a delightful tone for the camp.

The campfire was the emotional heart of the camp. Singing together, sharing laughter, and sitting under the open sky created a sense of belonging that words cannot fully capture. It reminded us that community living builds bonds that classrooms alone cannot.

Day 5 - 05/12/2025– Susthithi (Balance and Stability)

The final day focused on balance, health, and closure. The energetic Zumba session by Zin Josephine George filled the morning with positivity and joy, while the entertainment quiz by M Jayan brought excitement and teamwork.

The valedictory function was a moment of reflection and gratitude. Delivering the Vote of Thanks as a Student Camp Coordinator allowed me to look back at the collective effort behind the camp’s success. The final cleaning activity symbolised responsibility and closure—leaving the space better than we found it.

Sadwazhi 2025 taught us lessons that no textbook could—how to live together, lead responsibly, reflect honestly, and care deeply. As a Student Camp Coordinator, the camp strengthened my leadership, communication, organisational, and reflective abilities.

More than anything, this camp reminded us that teaching is not just about content delivery—it is about human connection, empathy, balance, and community. These five days truly guided us on a path towards upliftment.