Why is Sadhguru Advocating for Greater Attention to Mental Health Amidst Surging Suicide Rates in India?

Delhi, July 30 (NationPress) Spiritual Guru Sadhguru remarked on Wednesday that India experiences a suicide every three minutes, particularly affecting student communities, and emphasized the need to bolster individual mental health to address this critical issue faced globally.

“Concerns regarding mental health are escalating rapidly worldwide, and India is seeing a suicide every three minutes, with students being a significant demographic impacted. It is crucial to scrutinize our social structures, educational systems, economic situations, and the structural pressures that push vulnerable groups, including farmers and youth, into despair,” he stated.

The guru noted that these deep-rooted societal challenges cannot be resolved instantly. However, we can take prompt and meaningful action by promoting individual mental wellness.

“While societies may always contend with some form of stress, empowering individuals with tools to manage their mental health is both practical and profound,” he added.

He highlighted that India, as a civilization, is founded on the principles of inner well-being. Just as we have technologies for advancements in the external world, India offers timeless techniques for fostering internal harmony, be it through yoga, meditation, or other practices.

“This wisdom is not recent; it’s a part of our civilization's heritage. Unfortunately, in the past two generations, it has been sadly neglected. Fortunately, we are witnessing a revival,” he expressed.

Expressing gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the spiritual leader noted that the International Day of Yoga, promoted by PM Modi, was a historic event: a world leader practicing yoga alongside ordinary citizens in public, a gesture that resonated globally.

“Yoga is more enthusiastically embraced internationally than domestically,” he observed.

He pointed out that the essence of yoga must go beyond rigid traditions. “Part of the struggle lies in how yoga is presented: often too strict, overly traditional, and disconnected from personal experiences. What is necessary now is an evolution in its presentation—making it relatable, accessible, and grounded in real-life experiences rather than just theoretical knowledge,” he mentioned.

Despite these challenges, the guru emphasized that millions have engaged with the outreach. “In just one year, we’ve garnered over 5.4 billion video views, reaching approximately 1.6 billion unique individuals. This is not merely digital progress; it’s a testament to the global craving for profound well-being,” he stated.

He added that with the advent of technology, Yoga is at an unprecedented turning point. “For the first time, it is possible to communicate with, inspire, and reach billions. Our goal is to touch 3 billion people in the next 24 months with simple practices that foster mental clarity—accessible without requiring institutions or gurus. Just as parents teach their children to brush their teeth, they can also impart foundational practices for mental resilience,” he said.

“Many enlightened figures have come and gone, heard by only a few in their era. Today, we possess the ability to reach all of humanity. Transforming our societies is no longer a lofty aspiration; it’s a moral duty. If we fail to act now, it indicates we haven’t truly cared,” concluded the spiritual leader.