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For the first time, 11 Pardhi students from Panna participated in the Summer Camp at Bhonsala Hindu Military School, Nashik, marking a significant milestone in their educational and personal development journey. Facilitated by Last Wilderness Foundation (LWF) and made possible through the generous support of Morningstar India, this unique opportunity introduced the students to an environment that challenged, inspired, and broadened their horizons beyond their own communities.
The group comprised six girls and five boys, who attended different courses conducted between 13 April and 31 May 2026. Two boys participated in the Military Training Course , while the remaining students attended two batches of the Personality Development Course.
For many of these children, this was their first opportunity to travel outside their home district, stay away from their families, and interact closely with peers from diverse regions, cultures, and life experiences. Such exposure is especially important for children from historically marginalised communities like the Pardhis, as it helps broaden their worldview, strengthens social confidence, and enables them to engage comfortably with people from different walks of life. These experiences play a vital role in building aspirations, breaking down social barriers, and equipping young people with the confidence to pursue opportunities that may once have seemed beyond their reach.
The camp was designed to foster self-confidence, discipline, leadership, physical fitness, mental resilience, and teamwork. Before the children travelled to Nashik, LWF worked closely with their families to obtain consent, complete application formalities, and arrange all necessary documentation, including school character certificates and medical fitness certificates. The Foundation also provided the students with essential camp materials and ensured their safe travel and well-being throughout the journey from Panna to Nashik and back.
Throughout the camp, the students participated in a diverse range of activities designed to build physical fitness, discipline, creativity, and leadership. These included physical exercise, yoga, parade drills, swimming, rock climbing, horse riding, shooting practice, wrestling and self-defense training, leadership exercises, and communication skill development. They were also introduced to the effective use of technology, including demonstrations of drone camera operations, providing them with valuable exposure to modern technological applications. As part of the programme, the students visited the School of Artillery, where they gained first-hand insight into military equipment, training systems, and the role of technology in defence operations. Creative sessions such as painting and sculpture making, along with cultural activities, encouraged self-expression, teamwork, and confidence, making the camp a truly holistic learning experience.
The impact of the camp extended far beyond the training itself. Students returned with greater self-confidence, improved communication skills, enhanced adaptability, and the ability to interact comfortably in unfamiliar environments. Living and learning alongside children from varied backgrounds encouraged them to appreciate diversity, build meaningful friendships, and develop a stronger sense of belonging in wider social settings.
Providing opportunities like these is essential to ensuring that children from Pardhi communities have equal access to experiences that nurture leadership, resilience, and ambition. By investing in such exposure, we are helping create confident young individuals who are better prepared to pursue higher education, meaningful careers, and become positive role models within their own communities.
