5DAYS COMMUNITY LIVING CAMP 'CHIRAD' 🪔🥳

As part of the B.Ed. curriculum, a residential camp was organized from 21st to 25th October 2025.

The main theme of the camp was “Artificial Intelligence (AI)" and Art.

AI is opening new pathways in the field of education, teaching–learning processes are becoming more personalized,

more convenient (through automated assessments and AI tools),

and more interactive.

It also ensures 24/7 learning support, teacher assistance, and accessibility for students with disabilities.

In Kerala, innovative experiments such as the introduction of AI teachers like “IRIS” are increasing students’ interest in learning.

Art is a powerful form of human expression that reflects emotions, thoughts, culture, and creativity. It allows individuals to communicate ideas beyond the limits of language. Through painting, music, dance, sculpture, literature, and many other forms, art captures the beauty of the world and the depth of human experience. It inspires imagination, encourages critical thinking, and helps people understand diverse perspectives. Art also preserves culture and history, connecting generations across time. Whether created for joy, awareness, or storytelling, art enriches life and brings people together through shared experiences.

 To create awareness about these possibilities, the camp titled

“Chirad – A Light to Path” was organized.

Day -1

On the first day of the camp, the students were divided into three groups, and each group was assigned specific responsibilities.

Group 1 handled the cultural programme,

Group 3 was in charge of cooking, and

Group 2 was responsible for cleaning.

This formed the time table for the day.

The camp activities for the first day, October 21, began around 10:00 AM with the logo release and inaugural ceremony. The chief guest was Sri B. T. Shaijith, the recipient of the 2025 Kerala State Teacher Award and principal at Kottarakkara Boys Higher Secondary School. From 11:30 AM, he conducted a session where he clearly explained how a teacher should be and the ways in which a teacher should conduct themselves.

The lunch distribution was done by Group 3, and a traditional feast (Sadhya) was served.

In the afternoon, there was a session by Vishnu Prasad Sir, focusing on the possibilities of AI in teaching and how AI can be effectively used in the teaching–learning process. At 4 PM, refreshments were served followed by cleaning. Since Group 2, including me, was responsible for cleaning that day, we completed the task. The group in charge of food, Group 3, began cooking for dinner.The dinner menu included dosa, sambar, chutney, and omelette.

By around 8 PM, after dinner and freshening up, the cultural programme was conducted. The day’s activities concluded by 10:30 PM, and everyone went to bed by 11 PM.

DAY-2

Day2

Today was the second day of the camp.

Everyone woke up around 5:30 AM, and yoga began at 6 AM. Initially, the plan was to conduct yoga on the rocky hilltop, but due to unfavorable weather, the session was held in the college general hall instead. The yoga class was led by Shivananda from the Physical Science Department and Anushree from the Malayalam Department. Before the yoga session, bed coffee was prepared for everyone — the boys were in charge of this task.

After yoga, Group 2, which was responsible for food, went to prepare breakfast, while Group 1 handled the cleaning duties. By 10 AM, everyone was ready. From 10 AM onwards, a Tholpavakoothu (shadow puppet play) performance was scheduled. Although it was supposed to start at 10 AM, due to some reasons it began only at 11 AM and continued until 1 PM.

After the performance, one of the artists introduced the puppets and demonstrated how they are made.Lunch was served around 1:45 PM. In the afternoon, a session was handled by Sri Aji R., popularly known as the “IQ Man of Kerala.” It was an amazing and thought-provoking class. He explained what can be done to ensure better teaching and how AI can be integrated effectively into teaching practices. I also shared my feedback about the session. The classes concluded by 4 PM. After that, the groups went on to complete their respective duties.For dinner, kanji (rice gruel), green gram curry, and pappadam were served. Our group was responsible for cooking today.

By 8 PM, the cultural programmes began. Today’s performances included a skit, a group dance, and a folk song.

The programmes concluded by 10:30 PM.

DAY -3

The third day of the camp began with vibrant energy. Early in the morning, an energetic Zumba session was conducted under the leadership of Nikhita Thomas from the Social Science Department. This class, which beautifully blended dance and exercise, filled everyone with enthusiasm. After the Zumba session, each group moved on to their assigned duties.By 10 AM, everyone had breakfast and gathered in the general hall. The Fire and Rescue Department’s session was the highlight of the day. I delivered the welcome address for the programme. Officers from the Kottarakkara Fire and Rescue Department practically demonstrated essential life-saving techniques, including various first aid methods and CPR procedures, which are crucial in daily life. It turned out to be a very valuable learning experience for all students.Lunch was served at 1:30 PM. Today’s meal—rice, fish curry, and thoran—was delicious and satisfying.In the afternoon, a folk art performance titled “Kaduṁthudi Thaalam” added a unique charm to the camp. Filled with the vibrant rhythms and spirited beats of the countryside, the performance captured everyone’s excitement. In the evening, Group 1 had cooking duty. They prepared tasty chapati and chicken curry, which were served around 8 PM.

After dinner, the cultural programme for the night began. Our group presented today’s performances. The cultural feast, filled with songs, dances, and short plays, beautifully completed the day’s events.

By 11 PM, everyone retired to their rooms for rest.The third day of the camp was a productive one, filled equally with learning and recreation.

DAY -4
The fourth day of the camp was an exciting one-day trip to Ernakulam. We began our journey at 5:30 AM by bus. We travelled in two buses—

the Malayalam, Commerce, and Physical Science classes were in the first bus,

while the English, Natural Science, and Social Science classes were in the second bus.

The entire day turned into a rich experience filled with knowledge, fun, and exploration.Our first stop was the Hill Palace Museum. This visit greatly helped us understand Kerala’s ancient royal governance, history, and cultural heritage. Next, we visited Fort Kochi and experienced the Water Metro ride. The scenic beauty of the seashore and the iconic Chinese fishing nets were major attractions. After that, we visited Jew Town. The historic buildings and the antique charm of the narrow streets added a special flavour to the trip. We then spent some time at Lulu Mall, where everyone enjoyed shopping and recreation. Meals for the day were arranged from various hotels: Breakfast: Idiyappam, appam, egg curry, bread, jam,Lunch: Biryani,Evening: Tea,Dinner: Mandi.The entire journey was filled with unity and joy. We returned to the camp at 2:30 AM. Although we were physically tired, the experiences of the day gave us immense happiness and energy.

This trip turned out to be one of the most memorable days of the entire camp.

DAY 5

The fifth day of the camp, which was also the final day, was filled with wonderful experiences and beautiful memories. The day began with everyone having breakfast together, marking the start of the final day’s activities. After breakfast, a survey on “Awareness About Fire and Safety – Electricity and Gas” was conducted. This survey, which shared essential safety knowledge, was very useful for the students. Following this, an experience-sharing session was held, where each participant reflected on and shared the learnings and insights they gained over the past camp days. For lunch, fried rice, chicken curry, and ice cream were served. It was a delicious and joyful meal for everyone. After lunch, the valedictory function was conducted. Speeches and remarks expressing gratitude for the successful organization of the camp and the enriching experiences were presented. At the end of the ceremony, a special activity was held where everyone dipped their hands in paint and placed handprints on a cloth as a memory of the camp. This became a beautiful symbol of remembrance. Finally, a photo session was arranged. Students, educators, and the entire camp team captured many lovely moments together. Afterwards, everyone dispersed carrying heartfelt experiences and cherished memories. This day was not just the end of the camp, but the completion of a meaningful journey filled with new learnings, innovations, and renewed confidence.