16
Jul 2022
Lighthouse Dialogues IV: An Interview with Satish Kumar by Vicki Mackenzie
With Vicki MacKenzie, Satish Kumar
@ Zoom
Satish Kumar
Peace-pilgrim, life-long activist and former monk, Satish Kumar has been inspiring global change for over 50 years.
Aged 9, Satish renounced the world and joined the wandering Jain monks. Inspired by Gandhi, he decided at 18 that he could achieve more back in the world, campaigning to turn Gandhi’s vision of a peaceful future into reality. In his early 20s, Satish was inspired by the British peace activist, Bertrand Russell who was arrested aged 89 at an anti-nuclear demonstration. This prompted Satish’s peace pilgrimage from India to Moscow, London, Paris and America. Walking with no money and depending on the kindness and hospitality of strangers, Satish delivered a humble packet of ‘peace tea’ to the leaders of the four capitals of the nuclear world. Now in his 80s, he has devoted his life to campaigning for ecological regeneration, social justice and spiritual fulfilment.
Satish served as the editor of Resurgence magazine for 43 years, making him the UK’s longest-serving editor of the same magazine.
Satish has also been the guiding spirit behind a number of other internationally respected ecological and educational ventures. He co-founded Schumacher College in South Devon where he is a Visiting Fellow.
In his 50th year, Satish undertook another pilgrimage – again carrying no money. This time, he walked 2,000 miles to the holy places of Britain, a venture he describes as a celebration of his love of life and nature.
Satish appears regularly on podcasts and on radio and television shows. Satish is the author of countless articles and books. His autobiography, ‘No Destination’ sold over 50,000 copies, inspiring change around the world. Through his writing, teaching and international talks, Satish passionately shares visions of a just future for all.
In recognition of his commitment to animal welfare and compassionate living, Satish was elected vice-president of the RSPCA. In 2014, he was appointed an Oxfam UK Ambassador and is also a member of the Advisory Council of the Gross National Happiness Centre of Bhutan. He has been awarded Honorary Doctorates at the University of Lancaster, the University of Exeter, the University of Suffolk, the University of Wales and the University of Plymouth. He also received Jamnalal Bajaj International Award for promoting Gandhian values outside India.
Satish continues to teach and run workshops on reverential ecology, holistic education and voluntary simplicity and is a much sought-after international speaker.
Previous dialogues
Upcoming dialogues
Peace-pilgrim, life-long activist and former monk, Satish Kumar has been inspiring global change for over 50 years.
Aged 9, Satish renounced the world and joined the wandering Jain monks. Inspired by Gandhi, he decided at 18 that he could achieve more back in the world, campaigning to turn Gandhi’s vision of a peaceful future into reality. In his early 20s, Satish was inspired by the British peace activist, Bertrand Russell who was arrested aged 89 at an anti-nuclear demonstration. This prompted Satish’s peace pilgrimage from India to Moscow, London, Paris and America. Walking with no money and depending on the kindness and hospitality of strangers, Satish delivered a humble packet of ‘peace tea’ to the leaders of the four capitals of the nuclear world. Now in his 80s, he has devoted his life to campaigning for ecological regeneration, social justice and spiritual fulfilment.
Satish served as the editor of Resurgence magazine for 43 years, making him the UK’s longest-serving editor of the same magazine.
Satish has also been the guiding spirit behind a number of other internationally respected ecological and educational ventures. He co-founded Schumacher College in South Devon where he is a Visiting Fellow.
In his 50th year, Satish undertook another pilgrimage – again carrying no money. This time, he walked 2,000 miles to the holy places of Britain, a venture he describes as a celebration of his love of life and nature.
Satish appears regularly on podcasts and on radio and television shows. Satish is the author of countless articles and books. His autobiography, ‘No Destination’ sold over 50,000 copies, inspiring change around the world. Through his writing, teaching and international talks, Satish passionately shares visions of a just future for all.
In recognition of his commitment to animal welfare and compassionate living, Satish was elected vice-president of the RSPCA. In 2014, he was appointed an Oxfam UK Ambassador and is also a member of the Advisory Council of the Gross National Happiness Centre of Bhutan. He has been awarded Honorary Doctorates at the University of Lancaster, the University of Exeter, the University of Suffolk, the University of Wales and the University of Plymouth. He also received Jamnalal Bajaj International Award for promoting Gandhian values outside India.
Satish continues to teach and run workshops on reverential ecology, holistic education and voluntary simplicity and is a much sought-after international speaker.