Bija Vidyapeeth (Earth University) is Navdanya’s learning centre is dedicated to education for sustainable living and earth citizenship which is located at Navdanya Biodiversity Conservation Farm in Doon Valley, Uttarakhand, nestled between the Ganga and the Yamuna, the Shivalik and Himalayan mountain ranges. Navdanya has created a biodiversity sanctuary for birds, butterflies, insects and soil microorganisms, through saving more than 1500 varieties of seeds and trees. Here, nature in its diversity and dynamism is the highest teacher. We draw inspiration from India’s ancient Aranya Sanskruti – of learning from nature and forests for how to live as Vasudhaiva Kutumbukam (The Earth Family)

Bija Vidyapeeth (Earth University) draws inspiration from Rabindranath Tagore, who created Shanti Niketan, a university based on living in and learning from nature. He was also the inspiration behind the Schumacher College, with which the Bija Vidyapeeth is associated as a learning center. Tagore said:

“India’s best ideas have come where a man was in communion with trees and rivers and lakes, away from the crowds. The peace of the forest has helped the intellectual evolution of man. The culture of the forest has fueled the culture of Indian society. The culture that has arisen from the forest has been influenced by the diverse processes of renewal of life, which are always at play in the forest, varying from species to species, from season to season, in sight and sound and smell. The unifying principle of life in diversity, of democratic pluralism, thus became the principle of Indian civilization.”

In Tagore’s writings, nature is not just the source of knowledge and freedom; it is the source of beauty and joy, of art and aesthetics, of harmony and perfection. It symbolizes the universe.

Here at the Navdanya farm you can join in organic practices, learning from nature, nature as teacher, learning from farmers; farmers as teachers. Through active participation and observation you will gain much knowledge from farmers. Sir Albert Howard was sent to India by the British to introduce chemical farming and industrial agriculture. He found the soils fertile and no insects in the field. In An Agricultural Testament, Howard said,

“I could do no better then watch the operations of these peasants and acquire their traditional knowledge as rapidly as possible. For the time being, therefore, I regarded them as my professors of agriculture. Another group of instructors were obviously the insects and fungi themselves.”

At Navdanya we do not just grow crops and biodiversity, we are cultivating community. You learn to be a member of the Earth community and the community of Bija Vidyapeeth (Earth University). You will learn from community by being part of a community and participating in community activities.

You may join us on the farm for:

• Learning Programmes
• Self-organized courses for colleges, universities and organizations can come to Bija Vidyapeeth and use the space and facilities by organizing their own workshops. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
• The School Program. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
• Informal internships throughout the year as a Bijak (literally means ‘the sower of seeds’, which for us is learning and spreading the knowledge of biodiversity and the practice of Earth Democracy). As a Bijak you become a part of a way of life here at Bija Vidyapeeth, you learn to sow, care for and harvest biodiversity. Our intention is that you take these learnings, processes and this way of being with you and sow these seeds in your community.

Each Bijak will participate in one of these activities for 3 hours per day and learn through service (please remember to note your preference in your Bijak Application).In addition to this, one hour will be dedicated to cleaning common areas as Navdanya’s philosophy is based on taking care of and being responsible for the commons. The rest of your time may be divided into sharing their knowledge and skills to other Bijaks plus afternoon sessions from Navdanya team.
Bijaks must be self-directed, self motivated and inspired to learn from nature and community. We consider this to be an active pursuit on the part of the individual who chooses to spend their time here. The farm and its biodiversity changes throughout the year, providing one with huge opportunities to learn from nature. You are becoming a part of a community and are encouraged to join in the flow of an existing community and process.

If you do not have the spirit of service and you are not inclined to give shramdaan (the gift of labor for cultivating community), Navdanya is not the place for you, please refrain from applying.

Those interested should apply at least two months prior to arrival to allow for necessary communications before the scheduled date and to ensure there is space at the farm during your stay. Keep in mind the visa processing time according to the Indian consulate and embassy in your country. Please be aware that space is limited, especially during certain times of year due to courses or school groups and we cannot always guarantee space. Please fill out the online application.

Download Bijak Application Form

In case you want to be associated with Navdanya for long term research please communicate this in detail in your application.

Those who are interested in Navdanya’s advocacy and political work are requested to direct their queries to the Delhi office ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), where such activities are facilitated. Alternatively please mention if you are interested in this type of work in your application and that you would prefer to be in the Delhi office.

At Bija Vidyapeeth and Navdanya in Dehradun, you have the opportunity for active participation in creating an alternative based on agroecology and learning by doing.

Prior to your arrival please go through the Visitor’s Guide (upload updated guide) so that you may get acquainted with our farm, ashram and current processes.

Attachments:

bijak-application.doc

Visitor Guide to Navdanya