Introduction

The Sadhana Forest Scholarship is a five-year programme, with four years of full-time, residential  participation followed by a one-year mentored incubation period. The scholarship includes immersive service, sustainable living, and self-directed education.

During the first four years, all participants live full-time in off-grid, solar-powered, low-waste campuses, following a lifestyle grounded in compassion, sustainability, and Seva (selfless service). This includes a 100% vegan diet and complete abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and all intoxicants for the entire duration of the five-year programme. Commitment to these core principles is essential; any violation will result in immediate removal.

This is a life-changing opportunity for those who want to dedicate themselves to meaningful service, community life, and long-term ecological impact.

During the programme, participants will:

  • Live and serve at Sadhana Forest Auroville (Tamil Nadu), field centers in Meghalaya and Tamil Nadu, and/or international sites in Haiti, Kenya, and Namibia
  • Contribute full-time to reforestation, water conservation, biodiversity restoration, and community living
  • Have the option to pursue distance or online education (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Diploma, or Certificate) with mentorship and allocated study time
  • Train local communities in reforestation and water conservation to build long-term climate resilience

Daily responsibilities during the first four years include both ecological restoration and the upkeep of the Sadhana Forest campuses – digging, planting, carrying materials, maintaining compost toilets, food composting, cooking, cleaning, and other essential community tasks.

Fifth Year – Incubation Phase

The fifth year is a flexible incubation period. Participants are not required to stay on campus. They may:

  • Design and implement their own ecological or social initiative
  • Pursue further specialization and/or higher education
  • Explore a meaningful path approved by their Sadhana Forest mentor

With guidance and mentorship, this year supports a strong transition into long-term service and leadership.

Program Structure

The Sadhana Forest Scholarship is a five-year continuum of learning, leadership, and Seva across Sadhana Forest centers in India and abroad.

Year 1 – Foundation

Location: Auroville, Tamil Nadu
Focus: Ecological restoration fundamentals, community living, veganism, sustainability, and Seva immersion
Participants learn water conservation, reforestation techniques, sustainable living, and community management.

Year 2 – Field Immersion

Location: Meghalaya or Virudhunagar
Focus: Field management, coordination, and community facilitation
Participants support rural and tribal communities, conduct training sessions, and manage on-ground implementation.

Year 3 – Leadership Development

Location: Auroville, Meghalaya, or Virudhunagar
Focus: Core team coordination, organizational leadership, and mentorship
Participants support decision-making processes, mentor new members, and refine communication and facilitation skills.

Year 4 – Global Exposure

Location: International centers in Kenya, Namibia, Haiti (or another aligned site)
Focus: International ecosystem restoration and independent project work
Participants gain cross-cultural experience and may pursue dissertation research at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD level.

Year 5 – Incubation and Launch

Location: Participant’s chosen project site or University
Focus: Independent ecological/social project development
Participants design and implement their own initiative or pursue further professional and/or academic pathways with ongoing mentorship.

Eligibility

  • Indian citizens or residents aged 18 years or above
  • Commitment to long-term service and community living
  • Commitment to learning, no prior experience needed.

Learning Opportunities

Participants may combine formal and informal learning, including:

  • Skill-based learning (ecology, natural building, facilitation, communication, project management, creative arts, etc.)
  • Distance/online Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programmes
  • Diploma or Certificate courses
  • Self-directed, experiential learning through daily Seva  

The Scholarship supports all learning paths, formal or informal, structured or exploratory, helping participants develop clarity, purpose, and practical skills.

Perks and Benefits

  • Live in a sustainable, off-grid, vegan, community
  • A supportive co-learning space
  • Study while you serve
  • International exposure opportunities
  • Leadership and management experience
  • Mentorship for independent projects
  • Cross-cultural collaboration with global volunteers
  • Deep immersion in reforestation, water conservation, and ecosystem restoration  

In-Program Support

  • Vegan meals and accommodation on-site
  • Mentorship and guidance from Sadhana Forest team members
  • Support for dissertation, research or independent project work
  • 30 study leave days each year  

Applications

Applicants must complete the official Scholarship application form and undergo the structured selection process.

Applications open: 15 November 2025
Applications close: At 200 applications, or 15 December 2025, whichever comes first.

There are limited seats. Applications are reviewed in the order received. Early applicants get priority for interviews.

Apply now! https://forms.gle/js8dyKZHhZma3NKV6

Selection Process

  1. Submit the online application form
  2. Outstanding candidates’ references are contacted within 7 days
  3. References must respond within 7 days
  4. Selected applicants are invited for an online interview
  5. Final decisions are communicated within 7 days of the interview