About Jeevana Shaale

Jeevana Shaale is a two-year full-time residential learning journey for young people, grounded in the spirit of Swaraj — self-rule. Run by the Janapada Collective in Melukote, this one-of-a-kind course is shaped around the idea of knowledge democracy, where every human action is seen as holding value and insight.

At the heart of Jeevana Shaale is the belief that learning occurs most effectively through hands-on experience. Each student chooses an eco-social enterprise to work in every day, such as weaving, natural dyeing, hand block printing, organic farming, beekeeping, or bull-driven oil processing. These are real, working enterprises. They’re not just learning spaces, but earning spaces too.

Students work for four hours a day, take part in decision-making, and share both the costs and the profits. Half of what they earn becomes their own, giving them financial independence from their families. The other half is reinvested in their enterprise, allowing them to slowly become co-owners. By the end of the two years, the enterprise belongs to them, not just as a livelihood, but as something they’ve helped build from the ground up.

This is where they learn accounting, communication, teamwork, stamina, focus, creativity, and the dignity of labour. It’s education not just for a job, but for life.

Alongside their enterprise work, students also spend time refining their skills in Kannada, English, and digital tools, enabling them to better understand and engage with the world around them.

Every day, they spin cotton on the charkha. This daily practice isn’t just about yarn, but focus and mindfulness. When the mind wanders, the yarn breaks. The charkha teaches them to be present. They also grow part of their own food through kitchen gardening, deepening their connection with nature and self-reliance.

The rhythm of life at Jeevana Shaale includes film screenings, group counselling, collective cooking, swimming, nature walks, internships, padayatras and volunteering. Each of these experiences is meant to nurture self-awareness, resilience, and a sense of community.

Jeevana Shaale is not a conventional school. It is a place where young people come to live, work, reflect, and take charge of their lives. It’s a space where the idea of Swaraj is not just taught, but practised — in the soil, in relationships, in silence, in struggle.

When students complete their journey here, they leave not just with skills or knowledge, but with the strength and clarity to live on their own terms — and to inspire others to walk the Swaraj path.

	Sumanas 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.
	Archana has been part of Janapada Collective, drawn to its safe, cooperative, and loving workspace. She treasures the dignity and sustainability that Khadi and rural crafts bring, while also teaching Kannada language to the students of Jeevan Shaale. Her time here has made her commitment to work that uplifts both people and the planet.
	Shashank, who heads our Jeevana Shaale activity, values collective decision-making and a democratic work culture at Janapada. He loves to travel and read, finding joy in doing his work with intention. With a deep belief that even conscious consumerism plays a role in creating an exploitation-free society, he's steadily walking towards a life rooted in simplicity.
	Suresh has spent 17 years here and finds joy in village life over the city’s pace. An integral part of keeping everything running smoothly at Jeevan Shaale, he loves sharing simple meals like chitranna, hearing visitors’ thoughts, and spending time with his family. His bond with the people and the land only grows stronger with time.
	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.
	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.
	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.

	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.
	Kabbalaiah, 70, 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.

	Lokesh loves storybooks, mutton biryani, and painting — but what he's found here goes beyond any hobby. He says this place has changed how he sees life, given him confidence to build a meaningful future, and helped him become part of a purpose that doesn’t harm the planet but builds something beautiful and local.
	Hemant has been part of this journey for the past six months. He enjoys spinning on the charkha and reading. He feels deeply connected to the place and the people, whom he describes as one big family living close to nature. Proud to work with Khadi, he finds joy in both the craft and the conversations it brings.
	Rajeek enjoys talking about the collective's work, driving, reading, and, of course, dosa. What draws him most to Janapada is a life without caste divisions, with no gender barriers, where intelligence is valued, and living close to nature feels not just right, but necessary.
	Vikas loves trekking and reading. Inspired by the idea of Swaraj, he now understands how mindful physical work can create rural livelihoods without harming the environment. What changed him most is learning to accept his mistakes and grow from them — something he once found hard to do.
	Pavan finds joy in simple things in life. Like actor Dhruvasaja and prefers Chitranna. He learns life’s lessons better in the school of experience than in any classroom, enjoys playing kabaddi, and values healthy living close to nature. Aware of the effects of excessive mobile use, he has learned to use it wisely.
	Manoj has been with us for a year. He loves animated films like Avengers, enjoys biryani, and takes pride in repairing broken electronics. For him, creating products that benefit people’s health and provide more employment opportunities is a joy, and he’s learning not just to read and write, but to speak with confidence.
	Hemanth has been part of this journey for the past six months. He enjoys spinning on the charkha and reading. He feels deeply connected to the place and the people, whom he describes as one big family living close to nature. Proud to work with Khadi, he finds joy in both the craft and the conversations it brings.
	Roshan enjoys exploring different kinds of work and learning through them. He loves drawing, playing sports, and sharing what he knows about the work happening around him. Being here has helped him build the courage to speak clearly and confidently with others.
	Preetham has spent the last two years walking a path close to nature. Inspired by the book Krishnegowdara Aane, he believes in living with compassion, causing no harm, staying united, and valuing animals and birds as much as humans. Loves volleyball, and he is building a meaningful future through eco-consciousness.
	Puneeth loves cinema and chicken biryani. What is truly characteristic of him is the curiosity about farming and learning, sparked by the environment and the experiences gained through the Janapada Collective. Now, with a grounded mindset, he is ready to dig deeper into agriculture—and into his studies, too.