May 2018 – The Veterans Camp 2018 was a heartwarming gathering of our elders, many of whom, despite their age, showed a remarkable spirit of resilience, laughter, and joy. At times, it felt like being surrounded by carefree children, full of energy and excitement, sharing in moments of fun and camaraderie. It was a deeply meaningful experience, and it was wonderful reconnecting with many familiar faces I hadn’t seen in years.

One of the key highlights of the camp was the Bauddhiks (intellectual sessions), which focused on topics such as Dharma, the challenges we face, and the strength we carry within. There was a clear sense of direction regarding the role of the Proudh Gan (elders group), and everyone felt empowered by the discussions.

In terms of Shareerik (physical activities), yoga played a crucial role and was well adapted to meet the needs of everyone. There was almost no one who wasn’t able to participate in the sessions, even those with walking sticks or difficulty walking. For many, chair yoga became a great alternative, allowing them to stay active while avoiding the risk of sitting idle or engaging in trivial conversations.

It was truly inspiring to see so many elders actively engage in the most challenging yoga sessions for up to half an hour, with some participants even expressing that they could have gone for an hour. This demonstrated that a significant portion of the Proudh Gan is capable of taking on more challenging physical exercises. We must continue to offer such challenges and not soften the approach when it comes to Shareerik in the Proudh group.

This mindset should be carried forward to the Shakha (local branches) level. We should encourage the Proudh to engage actively in yoga—whether it’s the more challenging poses or the gentler chair yoga—so that the majority of our elders can benefit from improved health and well-being.

Dillon Shah
Leicester