1. The Spirit of Seva
Seva, or selfless service, is a foundational practice in the yoga tradition. At Bharat Yogavidya Kendra, we believe that the truest learning happens not just on the mat but through service to the community. Our Seva invites BYK alumni to give back by contributing their time, energy, and teaching skills towards making authentic yoga education accessible to all.
Seva at BYK is voluntary, unpaid work undertaken in a spirit of learning, contribution, and personal growth. It is distinct from paid professional engagements and is governed by the terms set out on this page.
2. Who Can Apply
The BYK Seva is open to alumni who have completed any Yoga Teacher Training Course (TTC) at Bharat Yogavidya Kendra. This ensures that all seva volunteers share a common grounding in BYK's teaching methodology, values, and standards.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. For on-campus seva, volunteers should be in good health and willing to follow the Ashram Code of Conduct applicable to The Satsang Foundation campus at Madanapalle.
3. Types of Seva
On-Campus Seva
Volunteer at The Satsang Foundation campus in Madanapalle. Teach yoga classes at SSDC and other campus programmes, assist with workshops, support Yogashala operations, and contribute to residential course delivery.
Digital Seva
Contribute remotely from anywhere. Assist with BYK online course delivery, student support, content creation, social media, translation, website support, research, or community outreach.
On-campus volunteers are expected to follow the campus daily schedule, maintain discipline, and respect the spiritual environment of the ashram.
4. Duration and Commitment
There is no minimum commitment period. Volunteers may participate for as long or as short a duration as works for them and the organisation. We encourage volunteers to discuss availability with the BYK team before starting, so that both sides can plan effectively.
For on-campus seva, please inform BYK of your intended arrival and departure dates at least one week in advance, so that accommodation and meals can be arranged.
5. What Volunteers Receive
Seva at BYK is unpaid. However, in recognition of your contribution, BYK provides the following:
| Benefit | On-Campus Seva | Digital Seva |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Free for duration of seva | Not applicable |
| Meals | Free for duration of seva | Not applicable |
| BYK Online Courses | 50% discount on all courses | 50% discount on all courses |
| Seva Certificate | Issued on completion | Issued on completion |
| Community | Full campus community access | Online community access |
6. Terms and Conditions
- Voluntary and Unpaid. Seva is performed voluntarily. No wages, stipend, honorarium, or other financial compensation is payable. The volunteer acknowledges this before commencing.
- Not an Employment Relationship. Volunteering does not create an employer-employee, contractor, or any form of paid professional arrangement between the volunteer and BYK/MEPL.
- No Statutory Benefits. Volunteers are not entitled to PF, gratuity, insurance, leave benefits, or any statutory employment benefits.
- Code of Conduct. On-campus volunteers must follow the Ashram Code of Conduct of The Satsang Foundation. All volunteers must behave respectfully, maintain appropriate boundaries with students, and uphold BYK's values.
- Confidentiality. Volunteers must keep confidential any student data, internal operations, content, or processes they are exposed to during seva.
- Intellectual Property. Any content, materials, or work product created during seva belongs to BYK/MEPL.
- Termination. Either party may end the seva arrangement at any time, for any reason. On-campus volunteers are expected to give reasonable notice for handover.
- Liability. Volunteers participate at their own risk. BYK/MEPL is not liable for any injury, loss, or damage incurred during seva, except in cases of gross negligence by the Organisation.
7. Residential Seva (On-Campus)
On-campus seva takes place at The Satsang Foundation campus in Madanapalle. All residential volunteers receive free accommodation and meals for the duration of their seva.
Ongoing On-Campus Projects
SSDC Yoga Classes — Batch 15
The Satsang Skill Development Centre (SSDC) is a free, residential skill-training programme for underprivileged youth, run by The Satsang Foundation at its campus in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh. Yoga is part of the students' daily curriculum. Learn more about SSDC →
What you'll do: Conduct basic yoga classes for approximately 30 SSDC students. Class plans and teaching content will be shared once you arrive on campus — no advance preparation needed.
Schedule: Tuesdays & Fridays, 3:00–4:00 PM
Current batch: March–June 2026
Commitment: Flexible — volunteer for a few days, a few weeks, or the entire batch duration based on your availability.
Location: The Satsang Foundation Campus, Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh
Upcoming Residential Programmes
BYK regularly organises residential courses that require on-ground volunteers to support course delivery.
Residential TTC (300 Hours)
Support the 300-hour Teachers' Training Course as a course volunteer. Assist with class logistics, student coordination, and campus activities.
On-Campus · MadanapalleLittle Yogis Summer Camp
Help run the children's residential yoga camp. Activities include nature walks, class support, kid-friendly sessions, and creative activities.
On-Campus · Kids CampLittle Yogis Summer Camp
Second batch of the children's residential yoga camp. Same volunteer roles as the April camp.
On-Campus · Kids CampResidential TTC
Month-long Teachers' Training Course. Volunteers needed for the full duration or specific weeks. Assist with course delivery and campus operations.
On-Campus · MadanapalleWhat to Expect as a Residential Programme Volunteer
Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities
- Serve as an SPOC (Single Point of Contact) for course participants during their stay
- Assist with preparation and arrangement of the class/practice venue before each session
- Help with participant registration, check-in, and daily coordination
- Support nature walk activities and campus orientation for participants
- Observe and support the lead teacher during classes
- Assist with teaching under the guidance of the lead teacher, if invited
- Support administrative tasks such as attendance and schedules
- For Kids Camp volunteers: engage in child-friendly yoga activities, creative sessions, nature exploration, and ensure the safety of young participants at all times
Code of Conduct for Volunteers
- Follow the daily ashram schedule, including early morning practice and meal timings
- Maintain professional and respectful behaviour with participants at all times
- Do not engage in personal promotion, marketing, or distribution of personal materials
- Communication with other departments of The Satsang Foundation should go through the BYK coordinator
- Consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and non-vegetarian food is not permitted on campus
- Dress code: modest and appropriate attire for a yoga and ashram environment
Accommodation and Logistics
- Free shared accommodation will be provided on The Satsang Foundation campus for the programme duration
- Three vegetarian meals per day included
- Volunteers should arrive 1–2 days before the programme starts for orientation
- Travel to and from Madanapalle is not covered by BYK
- Campus Wi-Fi and basic amenities available
8. Digital Seva (Remote)
Digital seva allows you to contribute from anywhere. These roles require a weekly time commitment and are ideal for alumni who want to give back without travelling to campus. BYK will provide access to necessary online tools and accounts, but volunteers must use their own laptop/computer and phone.
Feedback & Testimonials Coordinator
Digital · Remote · 5–6 hours per week
Work with the BYK administrator to collect testimonials and feedback from all ongoing and past BYK courses (both online and residential). The goal is to maintain a repository of feedback and testimonials that can be used on social media and to improve the institute.
What you will do:
- Reach out to current and past BYK participants to collect written and video testimonials
- Schedule and conduct Zoom calls with participants to record video feedback (BYK Zoom account access will be provided)
- Organise and maintain a feedback repository for the BYK team
- Produce at least 2 testimonials per week
Requirements:
- Own laptop/computer and phone (BYK will not provide devices)
- Comfortable making calls and speaking with course participants
- Basic familiarity with Zoom and Google Sheets/Docs
- Good written communication skills in English (Hindi is a plus)
- Commitment of 5–6 hours per week
Social Media Video Editor
Digital · Remote · 5–6 hours per week
Edit yoga class recordings from BYK online courses to create short-form and long-form content for social media and YouTube. Help BYK grow its digital presence by producing engaging, shareable videos.
What you will do:
- Review yoga class recordings and identify content suitable for short clips (Reels/Shorts) and longer videos
- Edit and produce at least 2 videos per week for social media and YouTube
- Add basic text overlays, transitions, and branding elements as needed
- Coordinate with the BYK team on content themes and posting schedule
Requirements:
- Own laptop/computer with video editing software (BYK will not provide editing tools or devices)
- Access to class recordings will be provided by BYK
- Experience with video editing (any tool: Premiere Pro, Final Cut, DaVinci Resolve, CapCut, etc.)
- Understanding of social media video formats (Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, YouTube long-form)
- Commitment of 5–6 hours per week
New digital and on-campus opportunities will be added as they are announced. Check back here or contact us for the latest openings.
9. How It Works
- Register below. Fill out the seva registration form on this page with your details, TTC batch information, and preferred seva type.
- Brief conversation. We will reach out for a short call to discuss available projects, your availability, and logistics.
- Confirmation. Once confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email with all the details — accommodation and arrival info for on-campus seva, or onboarding instructions for digital seva.
- Begin seva. Arrive at campus or join the digital team, and start contributing.
Seva Registration
Fill out the form below to express your interest in volunteering with BYK.
What Our Volunteers Say
Hear from BYK alumni who have volunteered their time and skills.
