The Living Journey
20 Years of Soil, 12 Years of Hospitality & Proven Reverse Migration
In 2007, we chose to step away from 22 years of corporate advertising in Mumbai. What began as an urgent, honest search for peace on neglected ancestral laterite land in Phungus has evolved into a 20-acre living sanctuary for conscious living. We started with untamed, rocky soil that was not friendly to conventional farming—the only land we had.
“The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings.”
Over these twenty years, farming has ceased to be an occupation—it has become a rigorous journey of learning the art and science of knowing soil, people, crops, food, work, and life itself.
For those who harbor a quiet longing for a life anchored in the land, our story stands as grounded proof: Reverse migration is not a romantic weekend fantasy—it is a viable, dignified, and deeply rewarding way of life.
Airwaves & Conversations
Documentaries, Long-Form Podcasts, and Dialogues on Soil, Food & Conscious Living
We Left The City For This Life
Why two Mumbaikars gave up senior advertising careers for slow living and built Farm of Happiness from scratch.
From City Chaos to Farm of Happiness
Dialogue with Swapnil Rao and Mrunmayee Deshpande exploring 'अन्नभान' (food consciousness) and soil care.
Dialogue with Navin Kale
A candid conversation on natural farming and authentic agro-tourism beyond industry buzzwords.
Dialogue with Dr. Anand Nadkarni
Renowned Psychiatrist Dr. Nadkarni dissects the psychological conviction behind walking away from corporate ease.
Connecting to Soil: Rahul's Talk
Rahul shares the internal transition from advertising leadership to agriculture, re-anchoring to roots.
Dr. Uday Nirgudkar Interview
Veteran journalist Dr. Nirgudkar conducts an incisive interview on rural relocation and ethical agro-tourism.
Philosophy of Growing Food
Permaculture pioneer Rajendra Bhat joins Rahul and Sampada exploring soil biology and the ethics of food growing.
Sustainable Konkan Oasis
How an advertising creative director and actor-writer transformed 20 acres into an off-grid ecological haven.
Theatre, Kathak & The Farm
Sulekha Talwalkar speaks with Sampada about her journey across Marathi theatre, dance, and choosing life in soil.
Unconventional Partnership
Interviewing Rahul and Sampada on the mutual conviction and teamwork required to build a sanctuary together.
Interview by Nibandh Kanitkar
A conversation on reverse migration, farming versus agri-business, and sustainable rural living.
Agriculture & Joyful Living
Host Rohan Gujar interviews Sampada and Rahul on combining agriculture with tourism to benefit visitors and soil alike.
In the Press & Print
Documented Across National Dailies, Global Travel Journals, and Agricultural Publications
Seasons in the Sun
Featured on the cover alongside global getaways, spotlighting our quiet orchards and living the soil.
Rustic Break: Ready, Set, Sow!
Documenting two advertising professionals building an agrarian haven that reconnects travelers with real soil.
Living Paradise on Earth
A 7-page Diwali feature celebrating regenerative methods, native red rice, biogas, and village employment.
Returning Home: Roots
A road-trip story focusing on our 'Live Local' philosophy, handcrafted vernacular home, and zero waste.
Suites to Konkan Soil
Profiling the move from executive advertising as proof that permanent reverse migration is a viable reality.
Conscious Sanctuary
Recognized among premier farmstays, honoring vernacular craft from 90-year temple wood and genuine farm food.
From Acting to Soil
Profiling Sampada's move from stage into natural farming and hospitality, and the quiet fulfillment found in land.
Farm of Happiness in the Marathi Press
A Marathi newspaper feature documenting the farm and its journey in Konkan.
The Business of Farming
Exploring how storytelling combines with soil conservation and indigenous culinary heritage at Aanandache Shet.
Those Who Truly Stayed
Highlighting permanent rural commitment over temporary weekends, and building the village ecosystem.
Awards & Appreciation
National & Global Recognitions That Affirmed Our 20-Year Journey of Soil & Hospitality
Follow Our Living Journey
Stories of the Soil, Seasonal Farm Rhythms & Daily Life in Phungus
We document the unfiltered everyday realities of natural farming, culinary traditions, wildlife on the laterite plateau, and quiet rural reflections. Connect with us on our channels.