Deendayal Research Institute (DRI), Chitrakoot (M.P.) Between 6th Feb to 13th Feb 2018.

After the two consecutive successful conduction of 'During Vacation One Week For Nation' programmes in 2016 and 2017, it was expected to receive overwhelming response from the students all across Maharashtra. Within 10 days of the announcement of the program on the website and in social media 600 plus students registered for the event.

This time the entire registration process was strictly through the website only. Payment of registration charges was online. With the help of website membership of 'Sevankur' reached up to 92 colleges in Maharashtra. The journey began from Pune on 6th Feb 2018 by Pune-PPTA express at 9 PM. After taking breakfast at Itarsi and lunch at Jabalpur all students got down at Satna at 4.30 PM on 7th Feb 2018. Arrangement of refreshment was at local residential school at Satna. Students reached Chitrakoot at 9 PM after travelling 85 KM from Satna by 6 buses.

Padmashree Hon. Nivedita Bhide ji (Vice President, Vivekanand Kendra) was chief guest for the inaugural function organized on 8th Feb 2018. She explained the 'Indian Perspective of Life' in the most lucid way.

Chitrakoot project was conceived under the visionary leadership of Saint Late Shri. Nanaji Deshmukh, who belongs to Hingoli district of Maharashtra. He happened to be Ex. Union Cabinet Minister & MP and RSS full time Pracharak. This project is the live example of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay's philosophy of 'Integral Humanism.' All the delegates visited 10 units of the Arogyadham project in detail. The day ended with interview session of Hon. Nivedita Bhide ji conducted by students.

On 9thFeb 2018 students enjoyed a long morning walk around Kamadgiri Hill which has the historic importance of Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama stayed in Chitrakoot for more than 12 years during his Vanvas and used to take morning walks around Kamadgiri every day. Delegates visited Udyamita Vidyapith where local youth is trained in one of the skills to earn his bread and butter. In Hon. Nanaji's vision is that every youth should be self-employed and society should be self-reliant in all respects.

In the afternoon session Hon. Mukundaji (RSS Pracharak) expressed his views on 'Carrier and Idealism.' Students visited 'Sadguru Netra Chikitsalaya' which is one the most modern set up of ophthalmology in entire India.

The hospital has daily OPD of more than 2000 patients, 1000 plus surgeries that too only in ophthalmology in a small place like Chitrakoot inspired many students.

Hon. Nivedita Bhide ji expressed her views on 'Role of youth in nation building' in the most simple language which helped students to carve out their role in coming years. Day ended with a cultural program of 'Ganga Aarati' where river Mandakini is worshiped regularly at 8 PM by lighting lamps.

On 10th Feb 2018 day began with sports for one hour in open ground. Students enjoyed the session very much. After the opening ceremony of the free medical camp we visited Krushi Vidyan Kendra which is 40 KM away from Chitrakoot. Students got acquainted with various initiatives of KVK. The night stay was planned in small villages, where students will have firsthand experience of life in small villages & their difficulties. They reached villages in a group of 5-7 and enjoyed the stay.

Next day morning with wholehearted participation of local villagers 'Swachhata Abhiyan (Clean India Initiative)' was conducted by students. Students witnessed the joy of community participation.

Pandit Deendayal Upadhya took his last breath on 11th Feb 1968, and hence as a tribute to him it was celebrated by organizing free medical checkup camps at 101 places in tribal areas. More than 20,000 patients were examined, medicines worth 7 lakhs were distributed free of cost.

On 12th Feb the experience sharing session of all the students was organized in a group of 15-20 students. On the way to Satna from Chitrakoot all the delegates visited Sati Anusuya Ashram. This place has historic importance from the Ramayana period.

Return journey started from Satna by Varanasi express at 4.30 PM. Reached Nashik on 13th Feb at 7 AM. Hon.Dr.Dilip Mhaisekar (Vice Chancellor of MUHS, Nashik), Shri. Anil Dhumal (Industrialist) were chief for the concluding ceremony organized by Shri. Guruji Rugnalaya. Student's representatives shared their experiences. Everyone noticed the enormous enthusiasm, dramatic shift in attitude of the students after the journey & wanted to contribute for the betterment of the society.