Satish Kumar

Satish Kumar is an Indian-British activist, author and speaker, known for a lifelong commitment to peace, ecology and social justice. He was born in 1936 in Sri Dungargarh, Rajasthan, and became a Jain monk at the age of nine. At eighteen, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's teachings on non-violence and land reform, he left monastic life to join Vinoba Bhave's movement for social change in India.

In 1962 he undertook a peace pilgrimage of more than 8,000 miles on foot to the capitals of the world's nuclear powers: Moscow, Paris, London and Washington, D.C. Motivated by a desire to promote nuclear disarmament and peace, he delivered packets of "peace tea" to the leaders of these nations, emphasising dialogue and understanding over conflict.

Satish is also a significant figure in ecological education. He edited Resurgence & Ecologist magazine for over four decades and co-founded Schumacher College in Devon, England, which focuses on holistic education and sustainability. His work centres on "reverential ecology", a deep respect for nature and the interconnectedness of all life. In education, he argues for balancing head, heart and hands: intellect alongside compassion and practical skills such as gardening and cooking, learned through direct experience of the natural world.

His books include the autobiography No Destination, which traces his life journey and philosophical insights. He continues to give lectures and workshops around the world on ecological regeneration and spiritual fulfilment. He holds honorary doctorates from various universities and is a vice-president of the RSPCA.