Firekeepers of Civilization
The Firekeepers of Civilization fellowship program, offered by Bṛhat in collaboration with Dharmansh Foundation (USA) is designed to instill a deep-rooted connection with the Hindu heritage while imbibing learners with the discerning spirit of Dharma Dṛṣṭi.
It aims to develop in the Hindu mind four sets of intelligences: spiritual, cognitive, socio-cultural and political. The fellows will traverse through the works of luminaries such as Sitaram Goel, Ram Swarup, Sri Aurobindo, Swami Vivekananda, etc., among others.
Immersive visits to sacred spaces and sites of historical importance, intend to help connect with core spiritual and time-tested dimensions of the Bhāratīya civilization.
Through reflective and continuous learning, internships and specialized workshops, learners will be able to locate their native civilizational heritage within a rapidly evolving global world, thereby becoming torchbearers and effective contributors to collective wellbeing.
It tackles the primary challenge of reclaiming a living, confident Hindu identity—one that is intellectually rigorous, emotionally grounded, spiritually nourishing, and socially empowering.
DOWNLOAD BROCHURE REGISTER NOWWho is the Program For:
Designed for young Hindus in the USA. Specifically for high-school and college-going learners with:
- Curiosity for civilization and cultural heritage
- Questions about identity, ethics and belonging
- An aspiration to build sustainable and just futures
- A drive to contribute meaningfully to collective well-being
Do These Statements Resonate With You?
As a young Hindu, I want to:
- Be able to represent my religious identity without guilt
- Locate myself and make a meaningful living in a complex world
- Be conversant with my civilizational and religious dimensions
- Have a framework to synthesize my civilizational identity with my US national identity
- Know the true meaning of my culture, rituals and festivals
- Contribute to the well-being of my community and larger society
As a Hindu parent in USA, I want for my child to:
- Imbibe clarity, pride and understanding of Hindu dharma
- Resist cultural erasure and navigate global contexts with rooted confidence
- Learn civilizational tools for self-awareness, self-assurance, critical thinking and resilience
- Articulate cultural ideas confidently in spoken, written and visual formats
- Understand and frame Hindu thought in a way that speaks to modern challenges
- Become part of a meaningful Hindu cultural and intellectual community
Key Learner Outcomes
Develop spiritual, cognitive, socio-cultural and political intelligence.
Create authenticity within and alignment between the instruments of thought, speech and action.
Map the first principles of dhārmika frameworks to contemporary issues.
Know oneself through a study of svabhāva, svadharma and deep introspection.
Enhance interpersonal skills such as ability to collaborate with clarity and humility.
Develop civilizational leadership capacity to imagine, articulate and inspire action for a larger vision.
Our Foundational Philosophy
In a worldview informed by the Enlightenment and Western universalist metaphysics, we have reached the end of our unfettered quest for increasing comfort and economic growth. Paradoxically, we are talking of solving these concerns with solutions from the same worldview that has birthed it. We need an alternative worldview.
Dharma Dṛṣṭi
Backed by a robust ontology, epistemology, axiology and praxis of discovering answers to individual and collective concerns.
Dharma
Moral and ethical foundation - the principles of interconnectedness, interdependence and universal well-being.
Dṛṣṭi
Vision and perspective - the discerning gaze anchored in the principles of dharma.
Diśā
Direction and purpose - direction gained through a vision that is grounded in the principles and ethics of dharma.
Our Pedagogical Approach
Sādhanā
Building the core through reflective and spiritual practices.
Sṛjanā
Networking, creation through research/ projects/internships, immersive travel.
Svādhyāya
Continuous mentorship, reading/ writing, synthesis of learnings, workshops.
Samvāda
Dialogical reflections, study circles, narrative storytelling, QnAs.
Program Structure
Duration: 48 hours (4 months of learning sessions + 1 month of project work)
Component 1: Online Learning Module (Sep 2025 - Jan 2026)
2 Hours | Weekend Learning and Mentorship
Broad Themes Covered:
- Developing Core Intelligences
- Foundations of Indian Knowledge Systems
- Intellectual Frameworks from Indian Leaders
- Indic Lens to Sustainability, Education and Policy
- Principles of Indian Art and Architecture
- Leadership Principles from the śastras
- Functional Skills for Firekeepers
Component 2: Immersive Field Travel (Dec 2025)
Curated tours that will offer glimpses into sacred kṣetras, and living Bhāratīya traditions like Āyurveda, Yoga, Kalaripayaṭṭu, and indigenous technologies of Indic shipbuilding.
Please Note: The immersive component in India is optional with extra charges applicable. Participation based on selection process. For more details, please refer to the program brochure.
Component 3: Project Work (Feb - March 2026)
Continuing with the online module, project work will cater to develop deeper understanding of civilizational concepts, apply them to real-world situations and build a sound dhārmika lens of looking at global challenges.
Other Key Components
Reading Schedule
A carefully curated, comprehensive list of books will be assigned to the students to read.
Workshops
One 2-3 day workshop will be held periodically to focus on policy, leadership, design and writing.
Writing Apprenticeship
The fellows will be taught about writing tools and then will be given real jobs to write and hone their skills.
Internships
Field-work and seva in central partner organizations of Bṛhat and specific projects to complete to develop a sound understanding of the dharma-dṛṣṭi lens.
Mentor-Mentee Design
Mentors from Bṛhat will guide the fellows continuously in everything about the fellowship and about life in general.
Registration and Selection Process
Step 1: Application and Statement of Purpose
Please fill this form to apply and share your interest with us through this form.
Step 2: Interview with the Bṛhat Team
Once we review your application, we will reach out to you to set up an interview, intended to help us understand your drive and needs from the program better.
Step 3: Fee Payment and Onboarding
After your selection, we will guide you through the fee payment process and complete your onboarding to the program.
Program Fees
Online Learning Module: $1750
5 Months | 48 Hours | Knowledge Sessions, Workshops and Project Work
1-Week Immersive Travel in India: $2250
includes stay, travel and food (airfare not included)
For further details, please write to us at contact@brhat.in
