Support, Grievance & Refund Policy

Effective Date: February 01, 2020 | Last Updated: March 25, 2026

Samadhi Yoga Ashram is deeply committed to the authentic transformation, comfort, and safety of every seeker who chooses to walk the yogic path with us — whether through our residential Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Rishikesh or Bali, our specialist Kundalini, Ayurveda, and Reiki programs, our Yoga and Meditation Retreats, or our global Online Yoga Teacher Training offerings. This page sets out our complete policies on fees and refunds, community standards, formal grievance redressal as required under Indian law, and how to reach our student support team.

Part A: Enrollment Fee & Refund Policy

1. Understanding the Two-Component Fee Structure

The total published fee for all Samadhi Yoga Ashram programs consists of two independent and separately governed components:

  • 20% Enrollment Consultation Fee — collected by Proponent Technologies Pvt. Ltd. before the student’s departure from their home country
  • 80% Course Fee Balance — collected directly by Samadhi Yoga Ashram on the student’s arrival at the ashram in India

Each component is subject to its own refund and dispute resolution policy as set out below.

2. Enrollment Consultation Fee — Non-Refundable Policy (20% Component)

The Enrollment Consultation Fee collected by Proponent Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is strictly and unconditionally non-refundable. This fee represents full and fair payment for consultation services that are considered completely delivered upon the issuance of your enrollment confirmation.

The enrollment consultation service delivered by Proponent Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is deemed fully rendered upon completion of all of the following:

  • Your personalised spiritual and academic needs assessment has been completed
  • A program recommendation tailored to your background and aspirations has been provided
  • Your formal enrollment confirmation letter has been issued
  • Pre-arrival orientation materials — including ashram guidelines, packing suggestions, and spiritual preparation notes — have been dispatched to you
  • At least one follow-up communication confirming your arrival schedule has been made

The non-refundable nature of this fee applies without exception in all circumstances, including but not limited to:

  • Voluntary withdrawal from the program at any point prior to arrival at the ashram
  • Medical conditions, physical injuries, or health emergencies arising before the Batch Commencement Date
  • Visa rejection, passport issues, flight cancellations, or any other travel impediment
  • Significant changes in personal, financial, or professional circumstances
  • Natural disasters, pandemics, government travel restrictions, or any other force majeure event
  • Dissatisfaction with any aspect of the pre-enrollment communication or administrative process
  • Withdrawal of parental or guardian consent for students aged 16–17 who enrolled with such consent, or any inability of a minor student to travel or participate

We earnestly encourage all prospective students to thoroughly review all program information, ashram guidelines, course prerequisites, and accommodation details before completing payment. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel, health, and trip cancellation insurance well in advance of your enrollment.

All queries and disputes concerning the Enrollment Consultation Fee should be directed exclusively to Proponent Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

3. Course Fee Balance — Refund & Transfer Policy (80% Component)

The course fee balance paid directly to Samadhi Yoga Ashram on arrival is non-refundable once paid. The following specific provisions apply:

3.1 One-Time Batch Transfer Facility

In circumstances where you are genuinely unable to attend your enrolled batch, the Course Fee Balance (80%) may be transferred one time only to a future batch, subject strictly to all conditions listed below.

  • A Written Intimation by email to contact@samadhiyogaashram.com must be submitted before the original Batch Commencement Date
  • For transfer to the immediately following batch: Written Intimation must be received no later than 15 days before the original Batch Commencement Date
  • For transfer to any later future batch: Written Intimation must be received no later than 30 days before the original Batch Commencement Date
  • The new batch must commence within 12 months of the original enrollment confirmation date
  • Approval of the transfer request is subject to seat availability in the requested future batch. Samadhi Yoga Ashram does not guarantee availability
  • If the fee for the new batch is higher than the original, the student must pay the difference before the new batch begins. If lower, no refund of the price difference will be issued
  • Once a batch transfer has been utilised, no further transfer, cancellation, or adjustment of the consultation fee is available under any circumstance

3.2 Circumstances Where Batch Transfer Is Not Available

The batch transfer facility is not available in any of the following circumstances:

  • The student has already joined or commenced the program in any capacity, including attending the orientation session or the first day of classes
  • The required Written Intimation notice period (15 or 30 days as applicable) was not observed
  • A batch transfer has already been utilised once for the same enrollment
  • The 12-month window from the original enrollment confirmation date has elapsed
  • The student was dismissed from the program for violation of the Ashram Code of Conduct

3.3 Early Departure from the Program

  • No refund, credit, adjustment, or batch transfer will be granted to any student who leaves the program before its scheduled conclusion, regardless of the reason for early departure
  • All accommodation, meals, and services already availed are considered delivered and consumed and are non-refundable
  • Where a student departs early without having settled the full course fee balance, Samadhi Yoga Ashram reserves the right to invoice for all services rendered at the applicable daily rate

3.4 Ashram-Initiated Cancellation or Rescheduling

In the rare and unlikely event that Samadhi Yoga Ashram is required to cancel or reschedule a batch for operational reasons — such as insufficient enrollment numbers, teacher unavailability, or unforeseen facility issues:

  • The student will be offered a complete transfer of fees paid to the next available batch of the same program at no additional charge
  • Samadhi Yoga Ashram shall bear no liability for any travel costs, visa fees, flight bookings, alternative accommodation, or other expenses incurred by the student in anticipation of the cancelled batch
  • In the exceptional circumstance where Samadhi Yoga Ashram is unable to offer an alternative batch within 12 months, a refund of the course fee balance paid directly to SYA (the 80% component only) will be processed

3.5 Force Majeure Events

Neither Samadhi Yoga Ashram nor the student shall be held in breach of these Terms as a result of failure to perform obligations caused by circumstances entirely beyond the reasonable control of either party — including natural disasters, flooding, earthquakes, epidemics, pandemics, government travel prohibitions, civil unrest, or utility failures. In such events:

  • Samadhi Yoga Ashram will make all reasonable efforts to reschedule the affected program batch
  • Affected students will be offered a fee transfer to the next available equivalent batch at no extra cost
  • No cash refund shall be issued for force majeure cancellations, except where SYA is unable to offer an alternative batch within 12 months, in which case the 80% course fee balance paid directly to SYA will be refunded
  • Samadhi Yoga Ashram shall not be liable for any consequential losses including travel bookings, visa costs, or other pre-arranged expenses

4. Online YTTC Programs

For all self-paced and live online Yoga Teacher Training programs — including Online Multi-Style YTTC (200/300/500 Hour), Online Kundalini YTTC (200/300/500 Hour), and Online Prenatal Yoga TTC — once access to the course platform, live sessions, or study materials has been granted to the student, the enrollment fee is entirely non-refundable. Students are strongly advised to confirm that they have a stable internet connection, a compatible device, and sufficient time availability before completing their online enrollment.

Part B: Community Standards & Participation Guidelines

5. Guidelines for Community Participation

The Samadhi Yoga Ashram community — both on-site and across our digital platforms — is a sacred and supportive space rooted in respect, authenticity, and yogic values. All students and visitors participating in our online community spaces, including our website, social media channels, and review platforms, are expected to abide by the following community standards:

5.1 Encouraged Contributions

  • Genuine, honest, and constructive testimonials based on your personal ashram experience
  • Thoughtful questions about our programs, ashram life, spiritual practices, or enrollment process
  • Reflections on your personal transformation and yogic journey that may inspire and guide fellow seekers
  • Respectful and uplifting dialogue that honours the spirit of the ashram community

5.2 Conduct That Is Not Permitted

  • Commercial solicitation, affiliate promotions, spam, or advertising of any third-party product or service
  • Defamatory, threatening, abusive, discriminatory, or sexually explicit content of any kind
  • Posting false, exaggerated, or misleading information about Samadhi Yoga Ashram, its teachers, staff, or students
  • Reproducing or sharing Samadhi Yoga Ashram’s proprietary course content, teachings, or spiritual materials without authorisation
  • Impersonating any member of the Samadhi Yoga Ashram team, faculty, or student community
  • Any content that violates applicable Indian law, including but not limited to the Information Technology Act, 2000

5.3 Moderation Policy

Samadhi Yoga Ashram reserves the right to review, approve, edit, withhold, or permanently remove any user-generated content — including testimonials, comments, and social media interactions — at our sole discretion and without the obligation to provide prior notice or justification. Published student testimonials and reviews reflect the personal experiences and individual opinions of those students and do not constitute official statements or endorsements by Samadhi Yoga Ashram or any member of its faculty.

Part C: Grievance Redressal

6. Grievance Officer — Statutory Appointment

In accordance with the requirements of the Information Technology Act, 2000, the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, and the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, Samadhi Yoga Ashram has formally appointed a Grievance Officer to receive, acknowledge, and resolve complaints from students and website users relating to personal data, digital content, enrollment matters, and service delivery.

Full Name Yogi Vishnu
Designation Director, Samadhi Yoga Ashram
Email contact@samadhiyogaashram.com
Phone (+91) 8126230256
Address Samadhi Yoga Ashram, behind Laxman Jhula Police Station, Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249302, India

7. Types of Grievances & Correct Escalation Path

Nature of Grievance Direct To When to Raise
Enrollment Consultation Fee dispute Proponent Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Any time
Course fee balance or billing dispute Samadhi Yoga Ashram Grievance Officer Any time via email
On-campus experience (accommodation, meals, classes, facilities, staff conduct) Student Coordinator on campus During the program. Post-departure complaints may not be considered
Certification, Yoga Alliance registration, or academic dispute Samadhi Yoga Ashram Grievance Officer Any time via email
Personal data or privacy concern Samadhi Yoga Ashram Grievance Officer Any time via email
Disciplinary matter or Code of Conduct concern Ashram Administration During the program

8. Submitting a Formal Grievance

To raise a formal grievance with Samadhi Yoga Ashram, please send a written communication to our Grievance Officer at contact@samadhiyogaashram.com. Your grievance submission should include the following:

  • Your full name and registered contact information (email address and phone number)
  • The nature and full details of your grievance or complaint
  • The specific course, batch, program, or service to which the grievance relates
  • A clear chronological account of the events giving rise to the grievance
  • Any supporting documentation, email correspondence, screenshots, or other evidence

Grievances submitted without adequate detail may require additional follow-up clarification before formal processing can begin.

9. Grievance Resolution Timelines

Stage Committed Timeline
Acknowledgment of grievance receipt Within 48 hours (2 business days) of receipt
Initial assessment and substantive response Within 15 calendar days of receipt (in compliance with IT Intermediary Guidelines Rules, 2021)
Full resolution or formal escalation notice Within 30 calendar days of receipt
Complex cases involving third parties Additional time may be required — the student will be kept informed at each stage

Samadhi Yoga Ashram is committed to handling all grievances with fairness, impartiality, confidentiality, and respect for all parties involved.

10. Escalation Beyond the Ashram

If you remain dissatisfied with the outcome of the grievance resolution process provided by our Grievance Officer, you may escalate your complaint to the appropriate statutory authority under Indian law. For data protection grievances specifically, the Data Protection Board of India — once formally constituted under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 — will serve as the appellate authority for unresolved matters.

Part D: Student Support Services

11. How We Support You

Our student support team is available to assist with a wide range of pre-enrollment, on-program, and post-program needs, including:

  • Detailed guidance on choosing the right program — Multi-Style YTTC, Kundalini YTTC, Ayurveda TTC, Reiki, Yin Yoga, Kids or Prenatal Yoga, Retreat, or Online YTTC
  • Information on ashram facilities, accommodation options, dietary arrangements, and daily timetables
  • Logistics support for residential programs in Rishikesh and Bali, including arrival, transfers, and visa queries
  • Online course platform orientation, technical support, and study material queries
  • Post-program certification tracking and Yoga Alliance registration guidance
  • Retreat booking, group enrollment, and corporate or partner program enquiries

12. Contact Our Support Team

Samadhi Yoga Ashram

behind Laxman Jhula Police Station, Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249302, India

Our support team is available Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM IST. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 to 48 hours on working days. For time-sensitive matters, please reach us directly by phone or WhatsApp at (+91) 8126230256.

Feel Free To Contact Us

If you have any queries about courses at Samadhi Yoga Ashram, please reach out. Our team usually replies within 24 hours and can help with course details, schedules, accommodation, payment options and travel logistics.

We Follow

The 5000 Years Old Yoga Tradition of The Himalayan Masters

Samadhi Yoga Ashram follows the teachings of generations of Himalayan masters and saints who lived in the cave hermitages of the Himalayas. The teaching lineage stretches back nearly 5,000 years and includes Adi Shankaracharya, Swami Rama of the Himalayas, and his student Swami Veda Bharati. This tradition was practiced for centuries without a single name — we refer to it simply as the Tradition of the Himalayan Masters.

Yogi Vishnu Panigrahi, the founder of Samadhi Yoga Ashram, is a student of Swami Veda Bharati — who was, in turn, a student of Swami Rama. Through this unbroken teacher-student chain, the practical methods of pranayama, meditation, kriya and yoga philosophy have been transmitted from one generation to the next without being diluted by trend.

Although yoga has roots in Hindu culture, it is not a religion. The Himalayan path is open to anyone — regardless of religion, language or nationality. What it asks of you is sincerity, regularity, and willingness to learn from a teacher. The classical teacher-student relationship is still the foundation of how we work.

The ashram teaches the full eight-limbed path of yoga — including Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Raja Yoga, Kundalini Yoga and Tantra Yoga. A central instruction of the Himalayan tradition is "to be free of fear, become aware of the reality within." The work is practical, daily, and grounded — not abstract, not religious, not performative.

  • Agastya Muni - Ancient Vedic Sage and Author of Rig Veda

    Vedic Era

    Agastya Muni

    Author of verses of Rig Veda

  • Patanjali - Father of Yoga and Author of Yoga Sutras

    4th Century BC

    Patanjali

    Father of Yoga Sutras

  • Siddha Bhogar - Ancient Tamil Siddhar and Yoga Master

    550 BC

    Siddha Bhogar

    Tamil Siddhar & Yoga Master

  • Swami Rama of the Himalayas - Founder of Himalayan Institute

    1925 — 1996

    Swami Rama

    Founder, Himalayan Institute

  • Swami Veda Bharati - Himalayan Yoga Tradition Master

    1933 — 2015

    Swami Veda Bharati

    Himalayan Tradition Master

  • Guru Vishnu - Founder of Samadhi Yoga Ashram Rishikesh

    1974 — Present

    Guru Vishnu

    Lives in Rishikesh

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