The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) students' camp, initially planned at a school campus in Kollegal, Karnataka, has been relocated to Amaralaya Sevadham. The valedictory ceremony of the camp was held at the new venue, marking the conclusion of the training programme.
Controversy Over Venue Selection
The decision to move the camp came amid arguments that school campuses should be reserved strictly for educational purposes or general summer camps, rather than being used for organisational training by groups like the RSS. Critics contended that allowing such camps on school grounds could blur the lines between education and ideological training.
Details of the Relocation
T R Sathish Kumar, in a report published on 10 May 2026, highlighted that the camp was shifted to Amaralaya Sevadham, a venue located in the Chamarajanagar district near Kollegal. The valedictory event took place at this new location, ensuring the programme continued without disruption.
The RSS has not issued an official statement on the relocation, but sources indicate that the move was made to avoid controversy and maintain focus on the camp's objectives. The camp aimed to provide training and character development for students, a core activity of the RSS.
Reactions and Implications
Local education activists welcomed the relocation, reiterating that school campuses should remain neutral spaces for learning. They argued that using school premises for organisational camps could set a precedent, potentially leading to similar requests from other groups.
Meanwhile, supporters of the RSS expressed disappointment, stating that schools often host various activities during holidays and that the camp was a constructive use of vacation time. The debate highlights ongoing tensions in Karnataka over the use of public educational infrastructure for non-educational purposes.
The camp's valedictory ceremony featured speeches and cultural programmes, with participants receiving certificates. The event concluded peacefully, with no further incidents reported.
