When a diploma course promises that it will not only equip you to become an “enlightened CEO” but also tackle modern evils such as stress and depression — that too for free — in the sylvan surroundings of an ancient ashram, it is worth a dekko.

The one-year diploma in life bliss technology (LBT) aims to “empower modern youth with good physical, mental and emotional health”. And to achieve it, the institute is offering the residential course for free. “According to Vedic tradition, knowledge should be free. So we started this life-skills course for those who seek it,” says Nithya Pranananda, principal of the Nithyananda Meditation Academy at Bidadi on the outskirts of Bangalore.

Some of the subjects that will be part of the course are physical wellness, mental wellness, relationships, social intelligence and spiritual intelligence. “For instance, under social intelligence we shall deal with leadership and oratory skills. We want to instil clarity, confidence, courage and creativity, leading to an overall personal development,” says Pranananda.

The minimum qualification for taking the LBT course is graduation and the diploma will be awarded by the US-based International Vedic Hindu University.

“The response has been tremendous to say the least,” says Pranananda, claiming that they have been inundated by queries from people.

Sandeep Hegde is one such candidate who is hopeful that he will get a chance to join the course. The 22-year-old graduate had originally planned to do his MBA but now feels that a one-year stint at the ashram at Bidadi would offer him something unique.

“I am pretty sure that the LBT course will add value to my CV, and moreover, it will certainly improve my personality. I only hope that I get through,” says the Bangalore resident.

The academy hopes that at the end of the course the students will be equipped to handle any situation with confidence and a calm mind. “The skills taught here range from vocational to life sciences. The self-confident, mature and courageous individual we hope to shape will have the innate strength to chart his career, be it professional or entrepreneurial,” Pranananda asserts. The vocational skills taught will include, among others, publication, construction, housekeeping, photography and videography.

During their stay at the ashram, the students will be put though a variety of tests. The final diploma will be presented only to those who pass these tests successfully. Modelled on the lines of an MBA degree, the students will be asked to prepare presentations, do project work and other activities, except that there will be no cut-throat competition.

Since many of the students may end up in the corporate world, the institute is planning to invite faculty from outside to tell students about the pressures they will be facing and how to overcome them.

According to officials of the academy, students interested in taking the course would be inducted in four batches every three months. Candidates between the ages of 18 and 30 would be selected for the course through interviews. While the interviews for the first batch were held in the last week of January, the course will begin sometime during February.

A free course that smoothens your path to success — that should interest plenty of working professionals too, but there is a catch. They will have to give up their job if they want the diploma. “No working professional will be eligible for admission,” stress the authorities who run the academy.

The LBT course is the brainchild of Nithyananda, the founder of the academy. “After wandering for nine years, I attained inner bliss and the first thing I wanted to do was make this knowledge available for the coming generations. That was my inspiration for creating LBT.”

His vision is to empower at least 1,000 youth with the “capacity to be economically self-supporting and spiritually stable” through the programme within a year. “A handful of spiritually evolved and balanced youth is enough to transform the entire society,” maintains Nithyananda.

“You are not a being with human limitations; you are a being with divine potential. My aim is to make the students realise this truth. When you realise this, you will not only have the natural intelligence and capacity to become a CEO but you will have the maturity to handle the status and be an enlightened CEO,” he says. Aspiring CEOs can certainly give it a try.

Those interested can send their biodata, copies of educational certificates and two passport size photos to Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam, Nithyanandapuri, Kallugopahalli, Mysore Road, Bidadi-562109. One can also visit their website (www.nithyananda.org) for more information.

Here’s to a blissful life!