Disom Foundation, setup in 2021, is registered under Section 8 (1a, 1b, 1c) of the Companies Act, 2013.
It is run by a ‘Core Team’, comprising of some members working on a full-time basis and others contributing time, efforts, knowledge, capabilities and labour part-time. We also have many, many external “gurus” – facilitators who join us from time to time, place to place, to share their core expertise, deep knowledge and rich insights.

No. Disom is not affiliated to any political party or ideology. It is open to diverse ideologies and perspectives while remaining rooted in its core values and guiding principles. Its guiding principles adhere to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.

The funds for Disom come from diverse sources. Many everyday citizens contribute to this initiative. A few trusts, foundations and corporates also extend support through small grants.

This is a 15-months’ intensive programme with three components that run through its entire duration:
a. Residential, focusing on inner transformation through self awareness; building resilience, knowledge, critical thinking, skills for public life; enhancing ethical leadership traits through continued practices; and celebrating diversity
b. In-situ immersions, forming socio-political, cultural and economic understandings on the ground, by travelling across the country
c. Dream Missions, nurturing and working to respond to a critical problem or issue in the constituencies of the Disom fellows
Internships may also be planned during and after the programme with individuals or organisations based on the fellows’ needs.

English and Hindi would be the primary medium, but Disom is committed to ensure that those who need support with translations are attended to. We employ alternative mediums as well, such as non-verbal and tactile.

Our programme offers no certificate or degree. Our objective remains that the intrinsic value of the journey and learnings that this programme provides, may in themselves be worth pursuing.

It is difficult to talk about a typical day at Disom, since each day on-ground would be different. Especially when the group travels from one location to another.
However, a day on any campus would include early morning ‘Quiet Time’ and reflections, followed by yoga, walking or any other physical activities. Breakfast could be followed by group reflections, sharings, and debriefings of learnings. A day could include team meetings, and sessions with visiting faculty on developing conceptual clarity and core skills. Or specially curated theatre, music or film screenings, interspersed with activities such as working at a local farm or kitchen, and interfaces with communities in the vicinity.
Short local trips or more distant travels for immersive learning would be built in, as part of the regular programme schedule.

We strictly abide by the rules of the campus that we are in at any given time. In addition, early on in the programme, each Disom batch also co-creates a set of guiding principles for the entire group to follow throughout the 15-month duration.

We do not provide facilities for partners or families. They may visit our fellows with prior information and by making their own arrangements. Do note: The programme schedule must not get disturbed by any such visits.
We are committed to supporting women to apply for and complete this programme. Women who need to bring children along, should mention the same during the selection process. We can co-develop an appropriate solution.

Disom focuses on an inside-out process of nurturing the Self to move towards ‘selfless service’. Disom is not a classroom programme; it is designed to be a lived experience. Disom’s deep ties with our fellows goes far and long beyond the mandatory programme duration. We realise that transformational leadership in society and politics is a lifelong pursuit.

Any legal resident of India between the ages of 21 to 60 years, can apply. Those willing to commit their time for 15 months and intending to choose a life devoted to catalysing change may apply.

Yes – the lower age limit to apply is 21 years and the upper age limit is 60 years. Any legal residents of India between 21 and 60 years of age, who consider themselves open to change within, ready for self-transformation, and also ready for all the physical, intellectual, and emotional rigours of this programme, can apply.

The programme is currently available only for legal residents of India.

Yes. Disom is committed to the principles of inclusion and equal opportunity. We encourage and welcome persons with disabilities to apply for the programme.

There are no seat reservations of any nature. Disom is committed to diversity, inclusion and equity. We encourage and welcome people who are legal residents in India, from all religions, castes, genders, and geographies and physical abilities, to apply for the programme.

November 30, 2024 : last date for application submission

• December 2024 : shortlisted candidates to be interviewed online
• January 2025 : final selection workshop, after which the third batch will be announced
• April 1, 2025 : commencement of the 15-month journey of the third batch

No. The programme has a flow, which is organic and unique to each batch. It would not be possible for fellows to attend it in parts.

No. Our selection of individuals is for a specific batch. However, if you are unable to join for some reason, we encourage you to apply again.

This programme is not for job-seekers. We expect our fellows to work in the leadership space for social-political change. Yes, there would be learnings provided to fellows on ensuring their livelihoods and generating resources to meet their own financial needs. And also on facilitating the same for others.

The final segment of the Disom programme is built around the ‘Dream Mission’. This is where the fellows begin to work directly in their constituencies to come up with enduring solutions for issues closest to their hearts. This will be a new start in their public life. Disom shall continue to be a mentor, as needed by our fellows, above and beyond the duration of the programme.

We appreciate your involvement in socio-political initiatives. While your work can help define your Dream Mission, you would NOT be able to travel back and forth for your work during the programme duration. If you choose to, you can work remotely, in any free time available after the daily schedule finishes.
We urge you to view the Disom programme as an extension of the work you are already doing. And as an investment in yourself for a lifetime of service to society.

You may not want to join electoral politics, but if you consider the nature of your work as being political in any respect, or if you can imagine yourself being actively engaged with the politics of social change, then this could be the right programme for you.

Our endeavour is to help all those aspiring to work in the ‘socio-political’ space: for you to find the resources and the strength within your self as well as outside, to follow your chosen path.

The programme does not charge a fee.

During the course of the programme, Disom Fellows live in rooms, on a shared basis. Boarding and lodging is provided at no cost for the duration of the programme. The food would be simple and wholesome. 

Financial support may be offered on a case-to-case basis. The decision towards this would be made in an inclusive manner, once the new batch is finalised.

No. The programme requires full-time engagement, with complete presence.