Gnanamma

Retreats Terms and Conditions

Effective Date: 1st October 2025

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) set out the basis on which Gnanamma provides its educational retreats (“Launchpads”). Please read them carefully before applying. By submitting an application and, if accepted, confirming your place, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Definitions

In these Terms:

  • “Gnanamma” / “School” / “we” / “us” refers to Gnanamma, an organisation with a mission to empower youth to become leaders, and leaders to make a greater impact in the world at large.
    Registered address: NH32 East Coast Rd, Poraiyar, Tamilnadu 609307, India.
  • “Participant” / “you” means the individual accepted into and attending a Launchpad.
  • “Launchpads” refers to Gnanamma’s experiential retreats, including Launchpad to India (for international professionals entering India) and Launchpad from India (for Indian professionals preparing to work abroad).
  • “Retreat” refers to the residential programme delivered by Gnanamma, including workshops, accommodation, meals, and activities as described in the offer.
  • “Application” means your submission of interest and supporting materials for consideration to join a Launchpad.
  • “Decision” means our written communication to you about the outcome of your Application.
  • “Cohort” means the selected group of Participants attending a Launchpad together.
  • “Cohort Information” means our written communication to you confirming the exact retreat date and location.
  • “Confirmation” means the final securing of your place in a Cohort once your Fees have been paid in full.
  • “Fees” means the participation fees payable by you, as published on our website and in your offer letter.
  • “Early Bird” means a 10% fee reduction providing application is submitted before advertised date.

2. Application & Confirmation Process

2.1 Applications are reviewed by Gnanamma on a rolling basis.

2.2 The following milestones apply:

  • Within 1 month of applying: we will notify you of our Decision on your Application.
  • 5 months ahead of your Cohort: we will provide Cohort Information including the exact retreat date and location.
  • Within 4 weeks of “Cohort information”: you must pay the full Fees (unless otherwise agreed in writing).
  • 1 month ahead of your Cohort: we will send you your Retreat agenda.

2.3 Your participation in a Launchpad is only confirmed (Confirmation) once we have received full payment of Fees.

3. Fees

3.1 Fees are payable in accordance with the published rates at the time of your offer.

3.2 All Fees must be paid in the currency stated.

3.3 Participants are responsible for covering any costs not expressly included in the Fees, such as airfare, visas, travel insurance, and personal expenses.

4. Cancellation Policy

4.1 Participant cancellation

  • Cancellation with at least 12 weeks’ written notice before the start of your Launchpad: 30% of Fees are non-refundable.
  • Cancellation within 4–12 weeks before the start: 60% of Fees are non-refundable.
  • Cancellation within 4 weeks of the start or failure to attend: 100% of Fees are non-refundable.
  • Name changes (substitution of Participant) are permitted at any time with written notice.

4.2 Gnanamma cancellation

  • We may cancel a Launchpad up to 8 weeks before commencement. In such case, Fees will be fully refunded.
  • We are not liable for any other costs incurred by Participants (such as flights or insurance). Participants are strongly advised to book flexible/refundable travel.

5. Retreat Inclusions and Exclusions

5.1 The Retreat Fee includes:

  • Accommodation in a shared double room with en-suite bathroom
  • Vegetarian meals
  • Scheduled activities, workshops, and cultural experiences
  • Local transportation for planned activities

5.2 The Retreat Fee does not include:

  • International or domestic flights
  • Travel or health insurance
  • Additional personal expenses

6. Participant Obligations

6.1 You agree to:

  • Attend and participate fully in all sessions and activities.
  • Conduct yourself respectfully towards facilitators, fellow Participants, and local communities.
  • Disclose any relevant medical conditions, dietary requirements, or special needs at the time of Application.
  • Obtain comprehensive travel, health and personal insurance prior to the Retreat.
  • Abide by health, safety, and local laws while attending the Retreat.

6.2 Visa compliance:

  • For Launchpad to India, you are solely responsible for obtaining the necessary visa and ensuring compliance with Indian immigration requirements.
  • For Launchpad from India, you are responsible for securing visas and documentation required for your onward international journey.

7. Gnanamma Obligations

7.1 We will deliver the Retreat substantially as described in our published materials and confirmed agenda.

7.2 We reserve the right to make reasonable changes to the content, facilitators, schedule, or activities where necessary for safety, quality, or operational reasons.

8. Limitation of Liability

8.1 Gnanamma will take reasonable care in delivering the Retreat but is not liable for:

  • Injuries, losses, damages, delays, or accidents that may occur during the Retreat.
  • Loss, theft, or damage to your personal property.
  • Any costs arising from failure to obtain visas, travel disruptions, or health issues.

8.2 Participants are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive travel and health insurance covering medical emergencies, cancellations, and personal belongings.

9. Intellectual Property

9.1 All Retreat materials provided by Gnanamma remain our intellectual property. You may use them for personal learning only and may not reproduce or distribute them without permission.

9.2 Any work you create during the Retreat remains your intellectual property unless otherwise agreed in writing.

9.3 Gnanamma retains the right to use photos, videos, or other content created during the Retreat for promotional purposes, unless you notify us in writing that you do not consent.

10. Data Protection

We will process your personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws (including GDPR and Indian law). Please refer to our Privacy Policy for details on how we collect, use, and protect your information.

11. Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays, changes, or cancellations caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, pandemics, travel restrictions, or political events.

12. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

12.1 These Terms are governed by the laws of Tamilnadu, India.

12.2 Prior to initiating any formal dispute resolution process, the parties shall attempt to resolve any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to these Terms, or the breach, termination or invalidity thereof, through good faith negotiations. Only if such negotiations do not result in a mutually agreeable solution within 30 days, shall either party be entitled to refer the dispute to arbitration.

12.3 Any disputes will be settled through arbitration in Tamilnadu, in accordance with the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. The arbitration shall be conducted by a sole arbitrator appointed by mutual agreement of the parties. The language of the arbitration shall be English.

12.4 The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on the parties. The costs of the arbitration, including the fees of the arbitrator, shall be borne equally by the parties unless the arbitrator determines otherwise.

13. Changes to Terms

Gnanamma reserves the right to amend these Retreats Terms and related policies from time to time. Any significant changes will be communicated to Participants in writing and published on our website.

14. Questions & Complaints

If you have any questions about these Terms or wish to raise a complaint, we invite you to click Contact us on our website. We will review and respond in line with our internal complaints procedure.