Set against the forested landscape of Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh, part of the Kanha–Pench tiger corridor, 125 young participants from across India and 10 International Youth Exchange students came together for RID 3261’s international and inter-district RYLA, a three-day leadership camp that combined training sessions, outdoor activities and cultural exchange.
Hosted by RC Balaghat Royal and RC Raipur, the programme was conducted in association with Team Amit – Aseem Mitrata Ki Taqat (the power of boundless friendship), the leadership theme of RID 3261 under DG Amit Jayaswal. “RYLA is not just about leadership training, it is about helping young people build confidence, understand social responsibilities, and develop a global outlook through friendship, cultural exchange and teamwork. When students from different states and countries come together in an environment like this, they return not only with new skills, but with a broader perspective on leadership and society,” said DG Amit Jayaswal.
Baljeet Singh was the RYLA chairman; Naveen Bhawasar and Kawaljeet Singh Chabbra were the advisors. The IYE students were from the US, Mexico, Brazil, France, Belgium and Germany.
Sessions on communication skills and public speaking were led by Dr Santosh Rai, a Chhattisgarh-based educationist and founder of the Dr Santosh Rai Institute, who is recognised in the Golden Book of World Records for earning over 20 academic degrees within ten years. “His workshop focused on confidence-building and leadership development among participants,” said Uttam Kumar Garg, president, RC Raipur.
Yoga and Zumba sessions followed by workshops on career guidance, ethics in leadership, mental wellness and stress management, were part of the event. A jungle trekking activity was one of the highlights of the RYLA, “as participants worked together in teams through unfamiliar forest terrain, building trust, coordination and camaraderie,” he said. Mona, a participant from Chhattisgarh, said the programme helped her step out of her comfort zone and connect with students from around the globe. “The best part of the RYLA for me was making new friends and experiencing the jungle trek. We had to work together throughout the activity, and that helped us bond very quickly. I’m leaving with a lot more confidence and many good memories.” Cultural programmes, including a Baiga tribal dance performance, added a local dimension to the camp experience.