She Battled Multiple Sclerosis and Built a Summer Camp That’s Shaped Generations!

Three decades ago, when hobby summer camps were not that common, Siddhi Creations was setting a precedent.

Behind it was Sudha Iyengar. She was keen that young children enjoyed their vacations while also picking up on some life skills.

But few knew that Sudha was running these summer camps despite her ‘Multiple Sclerosis’ diagnosis.

She and her husband R B Iyengar, a scientist and close associate of Professor C N R Rao were living in Amsterdam where he researched and she was a yoga trainer. But when Sudha was diagnosed with MS — the degenerative disorder of the nervous system — they moved back to India.

Initially, she taught at the MES Kishore Kendra in Malleswaram but after a few years, the disease progressed.

A friend suggested she create a play area within the house compound, or perhaps a library. The idea soon metamorphosed into a summer camp for children.

Located at the couple’s home in Malleswaram, which was thrown open to the children, it was a big hit.

Teachers here worked voluntarily. Many were known to her, some whose children had been tutored by her.

Sudha put great effort into designing the summer workshop for kids through meticulous planning, networking and creativity.

A day at the camp would see around 30 students, aged between 4 and 12, with teachers and volunteers.

The sessions would change every half an hour and would cover music, art, drama, story-telling and so on.

Sometimes experts in various fields would give a talk on their subjects or coach the children in the art of miming, music among other things.

Sudha herself would write plays, often based on mythology, and direct the children in them.

While the initial fee was  Rs 25 per student, in later years the amount was increased to Rs 1000. This was used for materials required for the classes. Anything remaining after the camp would be donated to NGOs.

Though the summer camps were eventually discontinued, in their heyday, they were a great model.