WARDHA, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA — The Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan, in association with leading Gandhian, academic and nonviolence institutions from around the world, has announced the 5th International Fellowship Program on Nonviolence and Peace, a four-month online training program beginning October 2, 2026.

The program will continue until January 30, 2027 and aims to bring together students, professionals, activists, community leaders, teachers and lifelong learners interested in nonviolence, peace, conflict transformation and sustainable living.

A Global Learning Initiative on Nonviolence and Peace

The fellowship draws inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence and his understanding of civilization as a journey toward greater peace, justice and human responsibility.

In a world experiencing growing social, political, ecological and humanitarian challenges, the program seeks to introduce participants to the principles and practical applications of Gandhian nonviolence.

The fellowship also explores how individuals and communities can respond constructively to conflict and work toward sustainable peace.

The program brings together an international network of institutions, including:

• Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
• Gandhi International, France
• Academic University College for Non-Violence and Human Rights (AUNOHR), Lebanon
• International Centre of Nonviolence, Durban University of Technology, South Africa
• Portland Community College, Oregon, USA

Four-Month Online Fellowship

The fellowship is designed as a transdisciplinary training workshop combining interactive lectures, participatory exercises, audio-visual presentations, group discussions, case presentations and design-thinking approaches.

Online sessions will be conducted three times a week — Thursday, Friday and Saturday — for 90 minutes, beginning at 7:00 PM IST. Participants will also have opportunities for practical engagement, tutorials, mentoring, journal writing and project work.

Core areas of study include:

• Global sustainability challenges and responses
• Fundamentals and dynamics of Gandhian nonviolence and peace
• Global experiences of nonviolent action and resistance
• Nonviolent methods of dealing with conflict

Participants will also undertake neighbourhood engagement, receive guidance from mentors and supervisors, complete periodic assignments and submit a final project.

Learning Through Practice

The fellowship goes beyond classroom learning. Participants will be encouraged to connect the principles of nonviolence with real-life challenges and develop the capacity to respond to conflict constructively.

The program aims to help participants develop a comprehensive understanding of nonviolence and its application in personal and public life, while equipping them with practical tools for building sustainable peace within themselves and their communities.

International Faculty and Resource Persons

The program brings together facilitators, associates, partners and resource persons from different countries and academic and practitioner backgrounds.

Facilitators include:
Dr. Dorcas Oyebisi Ettang, Dr. Ogarit Younan, Dr. Michael Warren Sonnleitner, Christophe Grigri, Dr. D. John Chelladurai and Dr. Siby K. Joseph.

Associates/Partners include:
Dr. Seema Sajjan, Bsher Said and Dr. Daniela Sepulveda-Ruiz.

Resource persons include:
Prof. Michael Nagler, Kathy Kelly, Louis Campana, Dr. Christian Bartolf, Dr. Nahla Harb and Prof. Prem Anand Mishra, among others.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to:

• International students
• Professionals
• Activists
• Community leaders
• Teachers
• Lifelong learners
• Anyone interested in nonviolence and peace

Applicants must be 21 years of age or older and have proficiency in English.

The program will have a maximum of 30 participants, with admission at the discretion of the program administrators and partners. The organisers intend to maximise representation from different parts of the world.

Admission will be through an online application followed by a personal interview.

Successful participants will receive a Fellowship Certificate and Peace Fellow Declaration in March 2027.

Applications Now Open

Interested applicants are invited to apply for the 5th International Fellowship Program on Nonviolence and Peace.

Program: International Fellowship Program on Nonviolence and Peace
Format: Online
Duration: October 2, 2026 – January 30, 2027
Sessions: Thursday, Friday & Saturday
Time: 7:00 PM IST
Participants: Maximum 30
Scholarships: Available for deserving candidates

Apply here:
International Fellowship Application Form

Website:
nonvpi.in

For More Information

Dr. Siby K. Joseph
Director, International Online Fellowship Program on Nonviolence and Peace
Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan
Wardha, Maharashtra, India – 442102

Email: peace.nonviolence2022@gmail.com
Phone/WhatsApp: +91 9822238341 | +91 94219 25146

About the Fellowship

The International Fellowship Program on Nonviolence and Peace seeks to introduce Gandhian nonviolence to new and future generations while creating opportunities for participants from different countries and backgrounds to learn, engage and work together toward a more peaceful and sustainable world.

Global Gandhi is pleased to share this international learning opportunity with its community and those committed to the values of truth, peace and nonviolence.