Satyarthi Summer School

Introducing World’s First-Ever Learning Program on Compassionate Action

We are thrilled to launch a first-of-its-kind, immersive summer experience for college students ready to take on the world’s toughest challenges—with Compassion.

The world is grappling with many complex challenges. Wars, systemic injustices, extremism and climate crises are all on the rise. The most vulnerable and marginalized populations are the worst sufferers. Also, there is an alarming increase in feelings of disconnectedness, loneliness and apathy.

It is clear that we need a new path—one that leads to justice, equality, peace, and sustainability. Our Founder and Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi believes in the urgent need to globalise Compassion. He defines Compassion as the force born out of feeling the suffering of others as our own, that drives mindful and selfless action to end that suffering.

To stand up against injustice and inequality, the world needs Compassionate Leaders. People like you who believe in doing their bit to create a better world, for everyone.

That’s why we have created our first-ever, fully sponsored Satyarthi Summer School (SSS): a 30-day residential program from 8th June to 5th July 2025 in New Delhi, where a chosen cohort of 25 students will come together to practice mindful problem-solving to address complex challenges. You will learn and work with grassroots communities, global experts, and change leaders, including Mr. Satyarthi to experience compassion as a force for transformation.

You believe in change. We believe in you.

Apply by

15 May 2025

Offers out by

25 May 2025

Program Dates

8 June – 5 July 2025

Location

New Delhi

Why Join?

SSS is India’s first summer school focused on Compassionate Action—combining grassroots exposure with expert-led training. Not just that, it is a fully funded immersive experience!

Learn

Interact with the Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi and community leaders

Apply

Go beyond theory and use the Satyarthi Compassion Framework to solve real problems, in real communities

Solve

Tackle urgent challenges on the ground, not just case studies

Build

Supercharge your 4Cs- Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration & Creativity in high-stakes environments

Create

Craft bold, inspiring narratives that move people to act

Network

Find your tribe and connect with 25 peers selected from across India

Learn

Interact with the Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi and community leaders

Apply

Go beyond theory and use the Satyarthi Compassion Framework to solve real problems, in real communities

Solve

Tackle urgent challenges on the ground, not just case studies

Create

Craft bold, inspiring narratives that move people to act

Network

Find your tribe and connect with 25 peers selected from across the world

Lead

Supercharge your 3Ds: Dream big and better, Discover your inner power and outside opportunities, and Do what it takes to act NOW

What Makes SSS Different?

You will build real-world skills that matter

In just 30 days, you will learn how to break down complex social issues, create actionable solutions, and communicate them with power and purpose. Whether it’s writing stories that shift perspectives, using photography and film to spark change, or understanding how local problems connect to global issues — you will gain practical tools you can carry into your career and everyday life.

Diversity of professional skills

You won’t be stuck in a classroom

You will be out solving real problems—learning by doing, reflecting, questioning, and building solutions. Delving deep into our award-winning model of Compassionate Communities™ and engaging with the grassroots movement of SMGC, by interacting with youth, children, and women amongst others.

You will build real-world skills that matter

You won’t be stuck in a classroom

Who Can Apply?

Students aged 18–30, enrolled in educational programs (undergraduate or master’s level)
Open to all disciplines, from engineering to sociology
We are looking for individuals who embody our values of compassion, excellence, courage, humility, and honesty.
We believe in equal opportunity and actively encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Selection Process

We are curating a small, driven cohort of 25 Compassionate Leaders, people who are curious, committed and driven to engage in solving real-world challenges through the lens of compassion. Our selection process is divided in 3-stages

Written Application: We want to get a sense of your strengths and fit for the program. A detailed application form will be sent to you after you sign up for the program.
Telephonic Interview: A short conversation to get to know you better and understand your perspective and intent.
Final Panel Interview: A more in-depth interaction with our team members, to know your readiness and potential as a compassionate changemaker.

You will hear back from us at each stage. We believe in transparent and timely communication.

Cost

This is a free/sponsored program for you. The only cost you will have to bear is that of travel to and from New Delhi. However, we would seek a refundable security deposit of INR 5,000 upon selection. This is to help ensure that we garner maximum attendance from every participant.

Certification

While we don’t offer course credits, you will receive:

A Certificate of Completion
A Personalized Fieldwork Report & Experience Letter from the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion

FAQs

When should I arrive in Delhi to attend the Satyarthi Summer School?

You will be expected to make your own arrangements to reach New Delhi by 8 June 2025 between 10:00 - 14:00 hrs and travel back on 6th July 12:00 - 17:00 hrs. You may choose to travel with a co-participant from the same city, as we will connect cohort members online before the summer school starts. Our team will also be available to guide you with travel tips, directions, and anything else you need to reach the venue smoothly.

What is the summer school schedule?

During the week, you will engage in a mix of field work, in- classroom teaching and group work. Some days will be given off to engage in any sight-seeing and other activities. A more detailed schedule will be shared with you closer to the date of joining.

What is the cohort size for Satyarthi Summer School? How many participants will be accepted?

The cohort size will be 25 participants, each hand picked based on a selection criteria. We want this cohort to be small and intimate, encouraging learning amongst peers and a chance to make lasting friendships.

How is this a free summer school?

We believe everyone deserves a high-quality educational experience, and at SMGC we practice our values of compassion, excellence, courage, humility and honesty. We are offering the first edition of the Satyarthi Summer School to those students who display the passion, commitment and a desire to be Compassionate Leaders.

In case of a medical emergency, is there support available?

There will be supervision of the students within the summer school. Our team will provide care at the earliest and inform the emergency contacts of the students.

Which majors/disciplines/degrees can apply? Do you have any discipline specific requirement or eligibility criteria?

We believe everyone should learn the Compassion framework of mindful problem-solving. The summer school is designed to support multi-disciplinary learning, and we strongly encourage students from non-humanities fields like engineering, science, mathematics, and so on to apply. Every discipline is welcome.

Do I need to read and write in Hindi and English? Is there a language requirement?

As you will be in groups and supported by our summer school team, we don’t expect a sophisticated grasp of either language. But a working knowledge of both languages will elevate your experience.

Can I participate with my partner or friend?

Yes, certainly. They will need to apply and be accepted in the program separately. If accepted, we can’t guarantee that you will share a room, as living spaces i.e. room allocation will be gender segregated.

Ready to Apply?

Applications open on 17th April and close on 15th May 2025. Spots are limited, and we review applications on a rolling basis. Fill up this form to show your interest (or nominate somebody you know) in the selection process and we will reach out to you with a detailed application process within 72 hours.

Can’t wait to get started? Skip the queue and Apply Here.

ABOUT US

SMGC is a global movement to ignite ‘Compassion in Action’ in the world. It is born out of four decades of Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi’s revolutionary life and path-breaking endeavour as a social reformer.

CONNECT WITH US

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