Sarathi -Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the program called "Sarathi"?
A Sarathi (charioteer) helps guide a journey. Similarly, Sarathi aims to support young adults as they navigate important questions, experiences, and decisions in life—not by giving all the answers, but by helping them learn, reflect, and find their own direction.
1. What is Sarathi?
Sarathi is a learning and growth community for young adults. It brings together psychology, meaningful conversations, life skills, expert interactions, community experiences, and practical learning to help individuals better understand themselves, their relationships, society, and the world around them.
3. What is the goal of Sarathi?
The goal of Sarathi is to help young adults become more self-aware, emotionally healthy, thoughtful, responsible, and compassionate individuals who can make informed decisions and contribute positively to society.
5. Do I need any prior knowledge of psychology?
No. Sarathi is designed for everyone. You do not need any academic background in psychology or any special knowledge to participate.
Understanding Sarathi
2. Is Sarathi counselling or therapy?
No. Sarathi is not counselling or therapy. It is an educational and growth-oriented program designed to help young adults learn, reflect, discuss important topics, and develop life skills in a supportive community environment.
Sarathi is designed for young adults between 18 and 30 years of age, regardless of gender, educational background, or profession.
4. Who can join Sarathi?
No. Sarathi is an independent learning community that encourages critical thinking, respectful dialogue, and evidence-informed discussions. Members are welcome from diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives, provided they engage respectfully with others.
6. Is Sarathi a platform for any particular political, religious,
or ideological group?
Understanding Sarathi
2. Is Sarathi counselling or therapy?
No. Sarathi is not counselling or therapy. It is an educational and growth-oriented program designed to help young adults learn, reflect, discuss important topics, and develop life skills in a supportive community environment.
4. Who can join Sarathi?
Sarathi is designed for young adults between 18 and 30 years of age, regardless of gender, educational background, or profession.
6. Is Sarathi a platform for any particular political, religious,
or ideological group?
No. Sarathi is an independent learning community that encourages critical thinking, respectful dialogue, and evidence-informed discussions. Members are welcome from diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives, provided they engage respectfully with others.
Learning & Topics
7. What topics are covered in Sarathi?
Topics may include relationships, communication, self-awareness, emotional well-being, decision-making, critical thinking, gender, consent, boundaries, media literacy, social issues, values, personal growth, mental health awareness, and many other relevant topics.
9. Will controversial or sensitive topics be discussed?
Yes. Sarathi encourages thoughtful discussions about important social and personal issues. These discussions are conducted respectfully and with the aim of increasing understanding rather than promoting division or hostility.
No. While psychology is an important foundation, Sarathi also draws from philosophy, social sciences, law, education, biology, and other disciplines to understand complex human experiences and social issues.
8. Will Sarathi only focus on psychology?
No. Sarathi is not about telling or influencing people what to think. It is about helping individuals learn how to think critically, evaluate information, consider different perspectives, and make informed decisions.
10. Will I be told what to believe?
8. Will Sarathi only focus on psychology?
No. While psychology is an important foundation, Sarathi also draws from philosophy, social sciences, law, education, biology, and other disciplines to understand complex human experiences and social issues.
10. Will I be told what to believe?
No. Sarathi is not about telling or influencing people what to think. It is about helping individuals learn how to think critically, evaluate information, consider different perspectives, and make informed decisions.
Community & Participation
11. What happens in the community space?
The community space allows members to interact, share ideas, ask questions, discuss session topics, learn from one another, and build meaningful connections in a respectful and non-judgmental environment.
13. Can I ask questions during the program?
Absolutely. Curiosity and questioning are encouraged. Members can ask questions, seek clarification, and participate in discussions throughout the program.
15. Is Sarathi suitable for students as well as working professionals?
Yes. Sarathi is designed for young adults aged 18–30 years, including students, working professionals, married person and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
No. Participation is always voluntary. Members are free to engage at their own comfort level.
12. Will I be forced to speak or share personal experiences?
Many members may find opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. While friendship is not the primary goal, Sarathi aims to create a supportive and respectful community.
14. Can I make friends through Sarathi?
12. Will I be forced to speak or share personal experiences?
No. Participation is always voluntary. Members are free to engage at their own comfort level.
14. Can I make friends through Sarathi?
Many members may find opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. While friendship is not the primary goal, Sarathi aims to create a supportive and respectful community.
Sessions & Activities
16. What types of sessions are included in Sarathi?
Sarathi may include learning sessions, expert talks, community discussions, Q&A sessions, media discussions, activities, art therapies, Full Day Workshops, and experiential learning opportunities.
18. What are Expert Sessions?
Expert Sessions provide an opportunity to learn from professionals and subject matter experts on topics related to psychology, relationships, law, social issues, media, health, and current affairs.
Members can interact with experts, ask questions, seek clarification, and engage in meaningful discussions. Participants may also suggest topics they would like to explore, and efforts will be made to arrange expert sessions based on members' interests and needs.
20. What happens during physical workshops?
Physical workshops may include special topic learning, group activities, discussions, art-based exercises, experiential learning, community-building activities, and opportunities to connect with other participants in a meaningful way.
22. Do I need to attend every session?
No. Members can participate according to their availability. However, regular participation helps maximize the benefits of the program.
17. Will there be offline activities?
Yes. Sarathi plans to organize scheduled & periodic in-person meetups, workshops, activities, and community events that allow members to connect and learn beyond the online space.
19. What are Media Sessions?
Media Sessions involve watching selected movies, documentaries, short films, or other media content, followed by discussions with experts, critics, or resource persons.
These sessions help participants understand how media influences our thoughts and beliefs, evaluate information critically, distinguish facts from misinformation, and become more responsible consumers of media.
The aim is to develop critical thinking, understand media influence, identify misinformation, and learn how to engage with media responsibly.
21. Will I receive reminders about upcoming sessions?
Yes. Members will receive updates and information about upcoming sessions, activities, and events in advance.
Expert Sessions provide an opportunity to learn from professionals and subject matter experts on topics related to psychology, relationships, law, social issues, media, health, and current affairs.
Members can interact with experts, ask questions, seek clarification, and engage in meaningful discussions. Participants may also suggest topics they would like to explore, and efforts will be made to arrange expert sessions based on members' interests and needs.
18. What are Expert Sessions?
Legal & Social Awareness
23. Will Sarathi discuss legal and social issues?
Yes. Sarathi may include awareness sessions on topics such as consent, personal boundaries, digital safety, POCSO, POSH, domestic violence laws, and other relevant social and legal issues affecting young adults.
24. Am I expected to agree with every viewpoint discussed?
No. Healthy disagreement is a natural part of learning. Members are encouraged to engage respectfully while being open to different perspectives.
Membership, Practical Questions & Pricing
25. Is Sarathi a one-time workshop?
29. Are all sessions included in the membership fee?
31. What membership plans are available?
33. Will I be charged extra for additional sessions or activities?
35. How can I apply for a scholarship?
No. Sarathi is designed as an ongoing community for learning, reflection, and growth.
As a member, you can continue exploring new topics, participating in discussions, attending expert sessions, joining activities, and learning alongside other young adults throughout the year. Every month brings new themes, conversations, experiences, and opportunities to grow.
27. What if I miss a session?
37. Are group discounts available?
While live participation is encouraged to gain the full benefit of discussions and activities, missing an occasional session is completely understandable.
Members can continue learning and discussing the topic during Youth Adda, our informal community space, where participants can ask questions, share reflections, and engage in conversations related to the Deep Dive Sessions and other Sarathi activities.
Yes. Regular sessions and activities included in the monthly schedule are covered under your membership.
Sarathi offers Monthly, Quarterly, Half-Yearly, and Annual membership options. Participants can choose a plan based on their learning goals, availability, and preferred level of commitment.
Generally, no. If any additional session, workshop, or activity is organized for members, it will usually be included in the membership. In rare cases where an activity involves external costs, members will be informed in advance.
Participants who require financial assistance may contact the Sarathi team for information regarding scholarship eligibility and the application process.
Yes. Group discounts may be available for educational institutions, student groups, organizations, or groups of participants joining together. Please contact us for details.
26. How often are sessions conducted?
Sarathi follows a planned monthly schedule. Details of sessions and activities are shared in advance, and the topic for each month is announced beforehand.
From time to time, additional sessions, workshops, or activities may be organized based on opportunities and member interests. Members will be informed well in advance, and no extra fee will be charged for such activities unless specifically mentioned.
28. Why should I choose a longer membership plan?
Long-term memberships provide better value, continuity in learning, and additional member benefits.
Members may receive discounted membership fees (up to 5% savings), complimentary access to selected workshops and activities, and opportunities to participate in special events such as Sarathi's annual function and community gatherings.
Longer memberships also allow participants to explore a wider range of topics, build meaningful connections, and experience sustained personal growth over time.
30. Are membership fees refundable?
Membership fees are generally non-refundable. However, exceptional situations may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis according to Sarathi's policies.
32. Can I attend only one session instead of taking a membership?
Sarathi is designed as a community-based learning experience. Membership is encouraged to gain the full benefit of ongoing discussions, activities, and learning opportunities.
34. Does Sarathi offer scholarships?
We believe learning and personal growth should be accessible to everyone. Limited scholarships or financial assistance may be available for eligible participants based on individual circumstances and available resources.
36. Can I leave the program if I feel it is not right for me?
Yes. Participation is voluntary, and members may choose to discontinue their membership according to the applicable membership policies.
38. Can I renew my membership?
Yes. Members are welcome to renew their membership and continue their learning journey with Sarathi.