A Story of Peace, Ecology & Social Justice
Satish Kumar is a co-founder of the Network of Wellbeing, he was previously a Trustee, and in 2018 became the first Network of Wellbeing Patron.
Satish Kumar, born on August 9th, 1936, in Sri Dungargarh, Rajasthan, India, is a renowned Indian-British activist, author, and speaker known for his lifelong commitment to peace, ecology, and social justice.
Satish became a Jain monk at the age of nine, dedicating his early life to spiritual pursuits. At eighteen, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings on non-violence and land reform, he left the monastic life to join Vinoba Bhave’s movement advocating for social change in India.
In 1962 Satish undertook an extraordinary peace pilgrimage of over 8,000 miles on foot, with no money, to the capitals of the world’s nuclear powers – Moscow, Paris, London, and Washington, D.C. This journey was motivated by a desire to promote nuclear disarmament and peace. He famously delivered “peace tea” packets to the leaders of these nations, emphasizing the need for dialogue and understanding rather than conflict.
In addition to his activism, Satish has been a significant figure in ecological education. He served as the editor of Resurgence & Ecologist magazine for over four decades and co-founded Schumacher College in Devon, England, which focuses on holistic education and sustainability. His work emphasizes “reverential ecology”, advocating for a deep respect for nature and the interconnectedness of all life.
Satish has also authored many books, including his autobiography ‘No Destination’, which chronicles his life journey and philosophical insights. He continues to deeply inspire others through lectures, retreats and workshops worldwide, promoting principles of radical love, ecological regeneration and spiritual fulfilment. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including honorary doctorates from various universities, recognition as a vice-president of the RSPCA and he received a Legacy Award at the 2026 Ray of Light Awards, in recognition of his seven decades of dedication to peace, ecological regeneration and compassionate living.
Today, Satish remains a prominent voice in discussions on ecology and spirituality, advocating for a more compassionate and sustainable world.
When our founders, Nigel and Margaret Woodward, met with the activist Satish Kumar in 2012, a spark of inspiration was shared from which the Network of Wellbeing (NOW) was born. Soon after, he became a trustee for our charity and in 2018 he became our Patron.
Explore Satish Kumar’s Books
Soil, Soul, Society
A new trinity for our time. We are members of a one-earth society, and caring for the earth and soul is interrelated!
Radical Love
This is the radical message of this inspirational book of pithy advice, which helps us find ways to love ourselves, others, and all beings on planet Earth
Peace is Possible
At a time of international conflict and climate emergency, this collection of Satish Kumar’s works on peace and connection with people and planet has never been more relevant.
No Destination
When he was only nine years old, Satish Kumar renounced the world and joined the wandering brotherhood of Jain monks. Dissuaded from this path by an inner voice at the age of eighteen, he became a campaigner for land reform, working to turn Gandhi’s vision of a renewed India into reality.
Elegant Simplicity: The Art of Living Well
Elegant Simplicity provides a coherent philosophy of life that weaves together simplicity of material life, thought, and spirit.