Now, a course for activism and change

The Sambhaavnaa Institute of Public Policy and Politics at Kandbari village near Palampur in Himachal Pradesh is offering a 2-month foundation course for activism and change starting from October 1, 2014.

The Institute said social activists including Vandana Shiva, Aruna Roy, Prashant Bhushan, Soni Sori , Dayamni Barla, Binayak Sen, Teesta Seetalwad, Arundhati Roy, Himanshu Kumar, Jean Drez, and Devendra Sharma would be resource persons for the program.

The institute offers need-based financial assistance

“Buniyad is designed as a program for young social activists - who have been working on the ground for a year or two - to bring together theory and practice. On the one hand it would help them place their learning and experiences in a larger socio-political context; on the other hand it would look to providing an exposure to a wide range of perspectives and skills,” said a note from Ira Saxena, Programs Manager, Sambhaavnaa Institute of Public Policy and Politics.

It further added, “The 2-month program would be divided into three parts. The first 3 - weeks would be spent at Sambhaavnaa Institute where a diverse faculty of social and political activists, academicians and practitioners would interact with the participants.

“The next 4 weeks would be spent by the participant in fieldwork working on an issue or in a geographical location different from their previous experiences. Participants would be sent to a diverse range of organisations.

“The last 2-weeks would be spent in Sambhaavnaa where we would attempt to integrate theoretical approaches to on - the - ground experiences. The varied inputs of the participants from a range of organisations and social initiatives will also help the group evolve a deeper understanding of different approaches to social change.”

The program fee of Rs. 13,500/-would include training cost, food and stay at Sambhaavnaa Institute.

The Institute adds that “need-based financial assistance is available. Do not let your inability to pay, be the reason for not applying!( You can select options for full or partial fee waiver in the online application form.) In case you opt fee waiver, you have to give reference of a known social activist who knows about your work.”

The course would mainly be conducted in Hindi.

Application form for the program is available on their website - TWL Bureau