Strengthening the Foundation of Active Citizenship
Days 3 to 5 of the School for Social Transformation (SST) 8.0 marked an intensive learning phase focused on constitutional literacy, active citizenship, and collective visioning. The programme was hosted at the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA), Kottarakkara, providing participants with an immersive residential learning experience.
All sessions across these three days were directly led by Mr. Sudesan V, Director, KILA, supported by the KILA faculty team. While session schedules and facilitator names varied across programme documents, the learning process was consistently anchored by his leadership and participatory approach.
Day 3 – Youth and Active Citizenship
Theme: Constitutional Foundations
Participants departed from Lakeshore Retreat early in the morning and arrived at KILA by around 9:00–9:30 AM, followed by breakfast. Members from the SST team, including Naji, Ijas, Jaseel, Abhilash, Farbani and Manasa Guru were present to support the transition into the KILA phase. The sessions formally began around 10:15 AM.
Day 3 focused on understanding the Preamble of the Indian Constitution as the foundation of active citizenship. Participants were divided into groups, with each group engaging in discussions on key constitutional values. Initial activities facilitated by KILA faculty members set the context, following which Mr. Sudesan V led in-depth discussions and interactive exercises.
Through group work, chart preparation, and open conversations, participants explored concepts such as justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. The learning environment prioritised dialogue over lectures, encouraging questions, reflection, and shared understanding. Additional discussion-based sessions were held both before and after lunch, further deepening constitutional awareness.
The day concluded with an informal evening interaction titled “Chai and Chill with Arjun”, a relaxed, free-flow conversation designed to encourage openness and reflection beyond structured sessions.
Day 4 – Constitutional Literacy and Values
Theme: Reflection, Participation & Collective Learning
Day 4 began with breakfast, followed by a gathering at the hall and a recap session to consolidate learning from the previous day. The sessions throughout the day continued to focus on constitutional literacy and civic responsibility, facilitated through participatory methods.
Participants engaged in multiple sessions and group discussions, allowing them to reflect collectively and connect constitutional principles with real-world contexts. The learning process remained interactive and discussion-driven, reinforcing critical thinking and peer learning.
The evening sessions shifted towards community bonding and informal engagement. A homely sharing session, followed by fun activities, created space for relaxation and connection. The day concluded with Antakshari and an engaging quiz conducted using Mentimeter, adding energy and collective participation to the learning experience.
Day 5 – Dreaming the Future
Theme: Visioning, Expression & Action
Day 5 focused on synthesis, expression, and future-oriented thinking. The morning sessions featured a Moot Court exercise, conducted in two parts, which began around 10:30–11:00 AM and concluded before lunch. This activity helped participants understand constitutional processes through role play and discussion.
After lunch, participants were divided into groups and individually selected Articles of the Constitution that resonated with them. Each participant reflected on their chosen article, discussed its relevance, and shared insights with the group, enabling a personal and collective connection with constitutional values.
The day culminated in the Dreamers Festival, where all 18 participants presented their dreams and visions for Kerala in 2040. This special session encouraged imagination, hope, and responsibility, aligning personal aspirations with collective social transformation.
Strengthening the Foundation
The three days at KILA played a crucial role in grounding SST 8.0 participants in constitutional values, participatory learning, and active citizenship. Through dialogue, experiential activities, and reflection, participants strengthened their readiness for the next phase of the SST journey.