Applications for Earth Shastra 2024 are now closed.

As we enter 2024, the world is on an edge. We are experiencing multiple crises converge simultaneously including environmental, social, political, economic and personal. Media is full with news of climate emergency, wildfires, droughts, wars, political oppression, and mental health crisis. While these crises might look separate and distinct on the outside, they share many common roots.

How do we respond to such crises? It's clear that just dealing with the symptoms is not enough. The governments and corporations of the world are naively running after technological solutions that will supposedly take us out of the crises without realizing that the challenges run deeper. There is a need of more fundamental questioning and understanding of the systems from where these crises are born. But there are hardly any spaces for youth where such introspection can happen.

Earth-Shastra is a 9-day immersive journey in the lap of mountains, that will bring together 30 young changemakers from across India - to do precisely that. To slow down with a community of like-hearted people amidst nature and make sense of the climate emergency and converging crises of our times. Its a leadership experience to orient one’s life path as a response towards greater harmony with oneself, others and nature. The focus is to develop the capacity to understand the big picture and the humility to start with small actions. It inadvertently involves focus on personal transformation and nurturing deep community over the 9-days and beyond. The immersive journey will involve nature connects, reflective circles, hands-on activities, creating everyday solutions. After six remarkable editions in Palampur, Palghar, Udaipur, Uttarakhand and online, we are launching the 7th edition that shall happen in Kumaon region, Uttarakhand from 6th - 14th April, 2024.

This edition is being created in partnership with Kautik (a Kumaon based conscious retreats company) and Tautik (our friend-mentor in the Himalayas).

Details

Dates

9-day immersion program
Begins at 11 a.m. on 6th April 2024 in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand and ends at 7 p.m. on 14th April 2024 in Kathgodam, Uttarakhand.

Location & Weather

We will be in Rudrapur and Nainital region of Uttarakhand.
Temperatures shall vary predictably between 22°C to 32°C.

Travel & Accommodation

Food, stay and all other mandatory requirements during the program will be taken care of.
Stay will be basic with shared accomodation and baths.
We will camp for two nights in a forest as part of the program.
Participants will have to reach the venue by Day 0 night or early morning on Day 1 on their own.

Financial Contribution

Putting together all the different parts of this whole program incurs significant financial cost, which includes costs of Facilitation, Program Design, Food, Accommodation, Transport, Material & Logistics, Mentoring etc.

The actual total cost for hosting 30 participants for 9 days is 42,000 INR per participant. Due to generous contributions of our donors and previous participants, we are able to subsidize the cost to Rs. 30,000 per participant. We hope that you are able to cover the full cost of the program. However, we understand that for some participants, this amount might be difficult, so we have a few options of partial financial assistance available to those who truly need it. The details of the same are available in the application form. While we have limted capacity to support all financial assiatance requests, we will try our best. So do not hesitate to apply if you align with the program.

An Invitation: For those who have the means, please consider stretching your budget a bit more so that we can offer more financial assistance to those coming from challenging and marginalised backgrounds. We wish to make this program accessible to people from all backgrounds and your generosity will go a long way towards that.

Cohort Composition

We are intentionally trying to create a diverse community of participants from across India to enable rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. The preferred age is 18-35 y/o (exceptions case to case basis).

We have 20% total diversity slots for individuals from disadvantaged communities. We encourage individuals from region, religion, ethnic, sexual, and cultural minorities and people from other such structurally marginalised groups to apply.

Application Process

We work with the principle of mutual selection to invite participants to our programs. The hope is for the program and community to be in the service of the participants' journey and viceversa. The Application process is a three step process:

Step 1: Filling the application form
Step 2: A short call (around 10-15 min)
Step 3: A longer conversation to understand each other better (around 30-40 mins)
Note: We will confirm your selection on a rolling basis, so apply early!

Applications Closed

FAQs

Q. I resonate with the objectives of the program. But I want to understand why the program costs Rs 30,000? Is it worth it?

A. The 9-day immersive journey has many components which include travel between three locations, camping in the forest, accommodation, food, cost of facilitators and mentors, and a backend team that processes applications and spreads the word about the program. Many former participants who have experienced the program have told us that the true value of the program is much higher. For people who are looking to understand the crises from a fundamentally different lens and join a community of like-hearted people, Earth Shastra is a great starting point. For some participants, ES inspired them to successfully transition to a career that aligns with their values, some found life-long friends, some found collaborators for their projects, and for some, it was a healing experience being in the mountains with a loving community. Every participant takes away something meaningful back depending on what they are seeking in life. So whatever it is that you are seeking, chances are you’ll receive it in the program.

Q. I like the program and I wish to participate but I don’t think I can pay 30,000. Should I still apply?

A. Yes. We understand that for some participants this might be a big amount. So we will try our best to assist people by offering partial assistance. Being a non-profit, we are limited in our capacity, and can’t promise to everyone, but we will try our best to assist those who truly need it. Please opt for the appropriate financial support in the application form.

Q. The program involves camping in a forest for two nights. Is it safe?

A. Yes, we will be accompanied by local guides who have been living in the area for many years. The trek to the forest is not very tough, just ensure you are fit to walk. You will be in a group of 30 people along with experienced guides.

Q. What happens after the 9-day Program ends?

A. At Youth Alliance, we say that the program actually begins after 9 days. All participants become part of the 800+ strong Alumni community that continues to engage with each other actively through various forums such as Action Learning Days, Alumni Gatherings, Online events, and City Meetups. Our Alumni are spread across the country and work in diverse fields such as arts, technology, education, social entrepreneurship, health, environment, and many more. Being part of a diverse and beloved community like this enables many more things in people’s life journeys beyond the program.

Q. Will there be a re-fund of the contribution amount if I withdraw before the program?

A. Following amount from the contribution would not be refunded if the intimation of withdrawal happens on the following basis before the program: