Teacher
Neha Bhatia taught Cognitively Based Compassion Training (CBCT) in New Delhi, India to Young leaders working in the social sector.
Community Impacted
This training was delivered to 33 young leaders working in the social sector, including: Educators from government schools in rural and tribal India, youth from low-income communities and Social workers and activists.
Why compassion is relevant
Working in the social sector is deeply rewarding but also emotionally demanding. Many of these participants are deeply committed to driving change in their communities, but they face high risk of burnout, and emotional exhaustion due to the nature of their work. Many young changemakers struggle with exhaustion, self-doubt, and the pressure to push through adversity without adequate tools for self-care. CBCT helps individuals:
Motivation to serve this community
Neha’s personal journey shaped her motivation for this training. She has spent nearly two decades working in education, youth leadership, and the social sector, where she witnessed firsthand how passionate individuals often neglect their own well-being in their pursuit of meaningful work. Her goal was to introduce CBCT to young leaders in India—offering them structured, evidence-based practices to help them navigate stress, develop resilience, and sustain their commitment to social impact.
How were they impacted
The program had a deep and lasting impact on participants, both personally and professionally:
- Nervous system regulation – Participants learned how to manage stress and difficult emotions with greater awareness.
- Strengthened leadership and advocacy skills – By learning to balance compassion for themselves and others, they became more effective changemakers.
- Sustainable resilience in the face of challenges – Participants shared that CBCT helped them develop a sense of clarity and purpose, allowing them to approach their work with renewed energy.
- Lasting behavioral changes – Many integrated mindfulness and compassion practices into their daily lives, leading to a more sustainable approach to leadership and social activism.
Testimonials
- “CBCT reminds me of that one teacher in school who constantly encourages you to push your limits and believe in yourself. Initially, it might feel uncomfortable, but over time, the positive changes in your behavior become evident. Personally, CBCT has helped me become calmer and more deliberate in my responses.”. Anshika Pandey, Coordinator, CEO’s Office, Zealgrit Foundation
- “Through CBCT, I came to know myself. I became aware of my own feelings and emotions. I was going through trauma a few days ago, and CBCT helped me immensely in overcoming it. I learned to show self-compassion and regulate my emotions, which changed my way of thinking and made my life easier.” Kanti Nandan, Founder, Asha Foundation.
- “The CBCT course and practices were a real eye-opener for me. They led me to reflect deeply on my life and understand why it is important to have multiple perspectives. I began to recognize moments in my life where I felt secure, safe, and happy. This experience has reinforced my belief that compassion is fundamental to everyday life and personal growth.” Alok Singh, Director, Bihar Development Collective Impact Foundation.
- “This was a great experience. The practices helped me deeply understand the concept of compassion on a personal level. I could clearly see the difference before and after the workshop. It was a great learning experience that I will carry forward in my work and personal life.” Arbind Natraj Yadav, Fellow, Kshamtalaya Foundation