It was a summer camp with a difference in Madurai that brought together children from families that suffered torture from across Tamil Nadu.

Among them, sharing a huge personal loss, were five girl students – Madhumathi, Manoranjani, Kalpana Chawla, Mounith and Kiruba. All of them had lost their fathers. They were allegedly shot dead by Andhra police in 2015 on suspicion of smuggling red sanders.

Even as families fight for justice, the eight-day meet has given them a time of joy, friendship and learning.

One of them, Kiruba, explained the impact of the loss. She says, “My father passed away when I was little. My mother works in a farm. My brother now works after discontinuing school in the 9th grade. This is my first time coming to a camp.”

The engaging meet excites children with a range of creative activities, from clay modelling to painting and from traditional dance forms to parai.

Banumathi, another student, said, “Everyone took good care of me and taught us new things. They encouraged us to come forward and talk and corrected us even if we were wrong. I like it.”

Not long ago, Banumathi lost her brother. He died after alleged police torture. She and her sister Vaishnavi are finding healing in the camp.

Vaishnavi added, “There are a lot of people from poor families. They listen to our problems and help us get over them. They ask us to be happy and smiling. Now I have a lot of new friends and I’m very happy.”

The meet also focused on the intellectual and career aspirations of the children, including life skills. There was also awareness on drugs, and mobile and social media addiction.

Vaishnavi, a student, says, “There are a lot of people from poor families. They listen to their problems and help them sort it out. They ask them to be happy and smiling. Now I have a lot of new friends and I’m very happy.”

The camp by People’s Watch, a human rights organisation, was first started in 2001 and has positively impacted hundreds of children from torture-affected families. Two such past participants, who have now turned professionals, led the camp this year.

Henri Tiphagne, Executive Director, People’s Watch, said, “These camps are meant for children to enjoy their childhood – at least the one week they have with us – and to prepare for an education which would change their lives and the lives of their community. Today we are happy many of our camp participants are professionals, as lawyers, as teachers and as social workers.”

Certainly, a camp of hope, healing and resilience that also throws light on the long-term impact of torture on families of victims.