About Outreach

Our outreach program is an invitation to pause, step away from the noise, and reconnect with what feels genuine. These short journeys, held at ‘Hosa Jeevana Daari’ near Melukote, offer a space to reconnect with nature, with other like-minded people, and with a slower rhythm of life. Rooted in care, simplicity, and deep reflection, these programs open a doorway to possibilities that are often overlooked.

Our programs are designed for those who feel the need to pause and look inward, particularly young people who often find themselves adrift in a fast-paced world. With children increasingly surrounded by screens, structured schedules, and artificial experiences, we believe in the power of unstructured time spent in the natural world. The days spent in gentle learning and togetherness help foster empathy, awareness, and a sense of belonging to something larger than the self.

At this program, learning isn’t about lectures. It’s about doing, observing, and just being. Whether it's walking barefoot on the earth, gathering around conversations on the vision of Swaraj, or simply listening to birdsong, the process is slow, honest, and rooted. Participants engage through lived experiences, not from textbooks, allowing a different kind of understanding to grow quietly and deeply.

What these journeys leave behind is subtle, yet profound — a small shift in perspective, a new question, a moment of silence remembered, or a seed of self-reliance sown. There is no certificate or award. But what participants carry with them is something deeply personal: a renewed sense of agency, a feeling of interdependence, and perhaps, a quiet commitment to live a little differently.

Hosa Jeevana Daari, meaning ‘way to a new life,’ is more than just a venue. It is a living example of what it means to live simply, mindfully, and closely with the earth. In a world chasing speed and progress, our outreach program gently reminds us that true growth often comes from stillness, connection, and conscious living. The path may be quiet, but it holds the power to reshape how we see the world and our place in it.

 

 People Who Make It All Come Together

 


Sumanas Koulagi coordinates the Janapada Collective and is associated with Janapada Seva Trust. He holds a PhD in International Development from the University of Sussex. With a deep interest in development and wildlife, he brings a thoughtful and grounded perspective to the work. 


Manu K hails from Mysuru and is an engineer by training, but a naturalist at heart. With over four decades of experience in environmental education, he has worked closely with the community at Kokkare Bellur on the conservation of pelicans. He is also an active member of the Janapada Seva Trust.


Janardhan C. S is the President of JST and the Secretary of Arivu Educational Institution, known for its alternative approach to learning. With over two decades of experience in the IT sector, he now works in the fields of education, language, and social equity. His contributions include translations, published writings, and active involvement in several cultural and community initiatives across Karnataka.


Santosh Koulagi has been associated with Janapada Seva Trust for over four decades, contributing to its vision and activities. With a strong interest in organic farming, he continues to engage deeply with sustainable practices. He currently serves as the Secretary of the Trust.

 

 The Hands That Nourish

 


Geetha Koulagi has been a steady presence at the Janapada Trust in Melkote. Her warmth is most often felt through the meals she lovingly prepares, nourishing not just the body but the spirit of everyone who visits. In her kitchen, hospitality becomes an art of care and community.


Kabbalaiah carries the energy of someone half his age. A fan of Rajkumar and a good plate of pulao, he believes in working independently, always seeking out tasks that keep him active and purposeful. For him, good health, wholesome food, and a strong financial footing are the pillars of a fulfilling life.


Renuka finds joy in being with people and cherishes simple pleasures, such as classic films like Yajamana, actor Vishnuvardhan, and the comfort of puliyogare. She dreams of learning the art of tailoring and believes that what is naturally given to us is meant to be embraced. Her life is a blend of warmth, curiosity, and gratitude for the gifts that nature offers.


Savita. K. has spent over 20 years shaping a life rooted in freedom and responsibility at Janapada. She finds joy in old Kannada films, homemade pulav, time with children, and long walks. Deeply committed to working without harming the environment, she has learned patience and resilience through her work.