By Prema Tigga – Community Wellbeing Eastern India
Introduction to the Camp
‘Reejh Rang’, a one-day youth leadership camp, was successfully organized on 3rd June 2025 at St. Mary’s Middle School in Chiropath, Orsa Panchayat. Over 132 children and youths from villages including Potmadih, Ambakona, Chetma, Surkai, Orsa, Nawatoli, Chiropath, Jarsidih, Basdih, and Chirchiri participated, with the number rising to 145 by the end of the event.
Opening Ceremony and Welcome Address
The camp began with the pledge of the Preamble to the Constitution. Traditional Headman Narendra Nagesia introduced the theme of the event and welcomed the guests and youth participants. Cordula Kujur greeted all guests and explained the purpose of the gathering.
A speaker addresses a full hall of enthusiastic youth participants from various villages.
Four major questions were posed to spark reflection and discussion, and they were as follows:
- How do you perceive the things around you?
- How will you face upcoming challenges or crises?
- How will you recognize the art within yourself?
- How will you share your art with others?
Interactive Group Activities and Cultural Expression
The participants were then divided into 13 groups. Various concepts—such as equality, social structures, community, culture, and identity—were explored through games and activities facilitated during the camp. Youths also performed dances to Nagpuri and Hindi songs, celebrating their culture and traditions.
Community and Youth Leadership in Organizing
The success of the event was made possible through the support of the Gram Sabha of Orsa Panchayat, Paat Agragami Mahila Sangh, and Keystone Foundation. The responsibility for organizing the event was entrusted to the youths themselves, and the hosting efforts were led by Anand, Amit, Larangsai, Subodh, Asunta, Swati, Jasoda, Amrit, Priyanka Nagesia, and Sachet Kujur.
Guests and Key Participants
Notable attendees included:
- Traditional Village Headman: Mr. Nagendra Nagesia
- Community Leader: Mrs. Bimla Nagesia
- Mrs. Sangeeta Khalkho
- Sister Sushma Dungdung
- Teacher: Mr. Rajeshwar Nagesia
- From Keystone Foundation: Mrs. Cordula Kujur and Prema Tigga
- JAWA President: Rozalia Tirkey
- General Secretary of Central People’s Struggle Committee: Jerome Jerold Kujur
Closing Remarks and Future Vision
The core objective of the camp was to unite the youth, bring out their thoughts, interests, and talents, foster leadership, promote mutual understanding, and inspire community development. In her closing message, Prema Tigga thanked all participants and announced that the next leadership camp is scheduled for October, highlighting plans to organize such camps regularly to provide continuous opportunities for youth to develop leadership, social skills, and self-identity.
Future Plans
- Regular Camps: Organize youth leadership camps two or more times a year.
- Skill Development Programs: Launch vocational training, communication skills workshops, and leadership development sessions for youths.
