Our Offerings
Our programs are structured to plant seeds of thought, nurture independent learning, and create supportive networks for sustained growth.
These include immersive retreats with interdisciplinary facilitators and diverse participants, individual coaching with mentors from varied fields, and ongoing pathways to participate in the work of aligned organisations.
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Groundwork : A Life Skills Camp
A residential learning camp by Under the Banyan
Groundwork is a fully immersive, residential learning camp designed as a pause from everyday momentum — a space to reflect, learn, and reorient how we live with ourselves and others in a world of complexity and change.
Across six packed days, participants engage in deep conversations, practical learning, and embodied practices, guided by a diverse group of facilitators. Days are thoughtfully structured and full — balancing inquiry and rest, intellectual engagement and physical grounding — with nature walks, yoga, shared meals, and learning sessions forming the rhythm of camp life.
Upcoming Session Details
Open for ApplicationsThe Learning Journey
Six Areas of Exploration at
GROUNDWORK
Our learning journey unfolds across six interconnected modules, each exploring a vital aspect of living well. Together, they move between inner grounding and outward action —exploring tools to better understand yourself, relate to others, and engage meaningfully with the world around you.
Deepen the Roots
Exploring identity, learning styles, creativity, and independent inquiry — understanding how you work, think, and grow.
Grow the Branches
Building personal agency, communication skills, collaboration, and the capacity to work with feedback while shaping future possibilities.
Enrich the Soil
Working with body, breath, mind, nourishment, health, and healing — cultivating everyday practices that support wellbeing.
Nourish the Tree
Developing financial awareness, planning skills, and long-term resilience around money, security, and life transitions.
Navigate the Digital Web
Understanding digital life, AI, online engagement, ethics, safety, and responsibility in an increasingly networked world.
Expand the Canopy
Engaging with questions of service, sustainability, social impact, and our responsibility to the wider world.
Groundwork is an alternative learning program. Knowledge is gathered and shared through dialogue, reflection, shared experience, and practice — supported by time in nature and a close-knit residential setting that allows relationships and insights to deepen organically.
The camp is open to anyone seeking a more grounded, thoughtful, and integrated approach to life and work. Groundwork brings together people at different stages of life, united by curiosity and a willingness to learn.
About the venue
The Sambhaavnaa Institute of Public Policy and Politics is an alternative learning and living space for those concerned with social and political change. Nestled in the village of Kandwari, in the lap of the mighty Dhauladhar ranges of Himachal Pradesh, Sambhaavnaa's primary objective 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.
Here, we will have simple dormitory style accomodation, wholesome meals, and a beautiful landscape.
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Invite Light
1-1 coaching for intentional growth
Invite Light is our one-on-one offering for continued, intentional growth. These in-depth sessions with our facilitators create space to reflect, clarify direction, and stay connected to the questions that emerge during the retreat.
Participants are supported in integrating their insights, navigating transitions, and applying learning to real-life situations at their own pace.
Twenties can feel like a race.
The first job, career choices, financial independence, relationships, expectations from family, and the constant comparison with peers who seem to be "ahead." During these years, self-doubt, decision fatigue, and quiet anxiety about whether they are on the "right" path are normal emotions to experience.
The reality: How 'normal' do we actually feel?
Let's welcome, a new friend, "Coaching"
According to the International Coaching Federation (ICF), coaching is a thought-provoking and creative partnership that helps individuals maximize their personal and professional potential. In simple terms, it is a space where you get to pause, think clearly, and choose intentionally.
A coach does not give advice or ready-made answers. Instead, they listen deeply and ask incisive, perspective-opening questions that expand how you see yourself and your choices. Coaching helps you notice your strengths, clarify what matters to you, and make decisions that feel aligned and not imposed.
"You don't have to have it all figured out!"
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Synthesis
Integration of skills through immersive internships
Synthesis offers participants the opportunity to integrate their learning through immersive internships with aligned organisations.
This phase bridges reflection and action, allowing individuals to apply the skills, values, and habits cultivated through our programs in real-world settings.
- Guided Mentorship Structured reflection and personalized feedback.
- Collaboration Strengthening capacity for shared responsibility.
- Purposeful Contribution Carrying learning beyond the classroom and into lived experience.
FAQs
We create learning spaces that bring together self-understanding, life skills, and meaningful connection—so you can navigate life with clarity and resilience.
You can begin by exploring a program that resonates and filling out the application or inquiry form linked on that page.
We offer immersive group experiences like Groundwork, as well as modular formats such as one-on-one coaching (Invite Light) and project-based learning or internships (Synthesis).
Our spaces are open to people across ages and life stages. We are especially interested in supporting young adults as they navigate early transitions, while remaining open to anyone who feels aligned with the work.
There is no fixed age limit. What matters more is your readiness to engage, reflect, and participate in a shared learning environment.
No. Our programs are designed to be accessible regardless of background. You don't need prior knowledge—just openness and willingness to engage.
If you're looking to pause, reflect, build life skills, or find direction, this may be a good fit.
For immersive programs like Groundwork, yes. Coaching and other offerings are more flexible and can be engaged with over time.
Yes. We design and facilitate programs with universities, organisations, and teams.
You can continue through one-on-one coaching, or explore internships and projects where possible.
Yes. If your work aligns with our approach, you can reach out through the Contact page.
Follow us on social media or sign up through the website to hear about upcoming programs.
Use the Contact form on the website—we'll get back to you as soon as we can.