Jeevan Vidya Introductory Course by Sambhaavnaa Institute, Palampur [July 9-15, English]: Register Now

About Sambhaavnaa Institute

Sambhaavnaa Institute of Public Policy and Politics nestled in a small village called Kandwari, in the lap of the mighty Dhauladhar mountain ranges in Himachal Pradesh, is an alternative learning and living space for those concerned with social and political change.

Founded under the aegis of the Kumud Bhushan Education Society in 2004 Sambhaavnaa’s main mission has been to nurture value-based leadership by encouraging individuals, especially the youth; to discuss and develop a critical perspective on the ideals and ideas that define a just society.

What is Jeevan Vidya?

Jeevan Vidya (JV) is a proposal for understanding coexistence and living in accordance with coexistence as defined in philosophy called Madhyasth Darshan.

JV proposes that each person can live according to an ‘understanding based living’ and in absence of proper understanding they live according to their assumptions. According to JV, understanding is that which takes one towards harmony in self and at the same time harmony with others.

If harmony is absent then it is just an ‘assumption’ not understanding, which needs to be examined. In fact, education is the journey from assumptions towards understanding.

Those of us who have engaged with JV have slowly developed a ‘worldview’ that helps in living a more harmonious life.

About the Introductory Course

• It is usually a 7-day residential course.
• It is conducted by one or two facilitators
• The facilitator puts forth proposals for the participants to examine.
• Participants’ clarifications on the proposals introduced during sessions are welcome and addressed.
• This course is free of Do’s & Don’ts, therefore there is no preaching.
• This course is not associated with any religion, sect, or commune.
• Normally, the classroom sessions last for over 6 hours, so the participants need to be mentally prepared for that.
• Besides the above-mentioned formal interaction time, participants are free for informal interactions.
• There are no mandatory rules in this course. Participants are suggested to maintain civility, cooperation, and politeness with each other, to nurture a learning and contemplating environment within the participant group.
• This course does not have any fee. It is offered as a sharing, for mutual joy.
• The accommodation & food is chargeable as per the hosts. Basic and simple dorm style accommodation is provided along with simple vegetarian food.

About the Facilitator

Ashok Kumar Gopala aged 51 years was born and brought up in Delhi and presently lives with his wife (Sheila) and two daughters in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. In past he has also lived in Noida and Dehradun. During his professionally active days (1994-2007) he worked as an IT professional.

From 2008 to present he is engaged as an Organic Farmer as well as Facilitator for Jeevan Vidya workshops. His school & University education was done from The Army Public School New Delhi, IIT Delhi & Kakatiya University, Warangal.

During his days in IIT Delhi (1988-92), Ashok discovered that he was not inspired by the options offered by the mainstream (modern, urbanised) way of life. Fortunately for him soon he came across Jeevan Vidya (JV) in 1993 through his professor, Dr. Yash Pal Satya. After an initial examination of Jeevan Vidya he started believing that this was the path he wanted to explore further.

Under the guidance of Shri A. Nagraj (original propounder of Jeevan Vidya) the process of understanding JV was then undertaken together by the husband-wife team of Ashok & Sheila. This has been a journey of 24 years, and has brought many changes in their personal, family and social life.

In this process they have at various points in their lives, made several choices based on their understanding of JV and moved towards a more harmonious & sustainable way of life. The choices made have been in the domain of relationships, parenting, occupation and health.

The family is now based in Raipur, Chattisgarh, while engaged in the educational programs of JV. They have two small farms in Roorkee, Uttarakhand & Bemetara, Chhatisgarh where organic agriculture is practiced through natural farming techniques.

These farms provides their family and friends with pure, organic food. As a part of their sustenance, they also produce some healthcare products at their home.

General Details

• Language: English
• Venue: Sambhaavnaa Institute, Village Kandbadi, Post Kamlehad, Tehsil Palampur, Kangra, 176061.
• Dates: July 9-15, 2023

Participant Contribution

• Simple accommodation will be provided at the venue from 5 pm onwards from 9th July till 5 pm 15th July, 2023
• Breakfast, lunch & dinner comprising of simple nutritious vegetarian food. Tea will be provided twice a day.
• The cost of organizing this 8-day workshop is presently coming to ₹9500/- per person.   We acknowledge this amount can deter many prospective participants from committing therefore we are offering it at a reduced amount of Rs. 5500/- for everyone. It is requested you consider paying the full amount if you feel such programs need to be promoted in society. You may contribute the balance amount of Rs. 4000 (9500-5500) anytime before, during, or after the workshop. Charges include accommodation and food; participants are requested to remit the amount of Rs. 5500 at the time of registration.
• No fee/payment or donation is expected or accepted by the facilitator for any Jeevan Vidya activity (lectures, meetings, workshops etc). These are shared for mutual joy.

Location

Sambhaavnaa and Udaan are located between Palampur and Baijnath, on NH 154 (Mandi – Pathankot Road). The precise location is Kandbari village, which is 3 km off this highway at Dhraman.

Please visit, getting here.

Contact Information

For any other info: WhatsApp or call: 889 422 7954 (between 10 am to 5 pm), or e-mail: programs@sambhaavnaa.org

Click here to register.