A recent controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu, where a retired professor accused Sadhguru and the Isha Foundation of holding his two daughters against their will. The professor claimed that the foundation had been keeping his daughters as captives for years. This led to the involvement of the Madras High Court, which ordered an investigation into the matter. The court questioned why Sadhguru, who arranged his own daughter’s marriage, was encouraging others’ daughters to become monks.
In response to the court’s order, 150 police officers were sent to the Isha Foundation ashram. This large police presence created a dramatic atmosphere, but after conducting an inquiry, the police found no wrongdoing. The two women, who have been with the foundation since 2009, confirmed they were staying there of their own free will. Both are adults and expressed that their parents had been harassing them for many years.
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Supreme Court Steps In
The Isha Foundation then took the case to the Supreme Court, which swiftly intervened. The court stopped the ongoing investigation by Tamil Nadu police, stating that an ashram could not be treated like a criminal hideout. It directed that any further reports on the case be submitted directly to the Supreme Court, not the Madras High Court. This move helped to deflate the negative narrative surrounding Sadhguru and the Isha Foundation.
Media Misrepresentation and Public Reaction
Despite the court’s findings, parts of the media and social networks quickly spread the story, painting Sadhguru in a negative light. Some critics accused him of manipulating young women into becoming monks, while pointing out that he had married off his own daughter. However, the facts tell a different story. The Isha Foundation has always been selective about who is accepted into monastic life, with only a small number of people being chosen each year. Ironically, the foundation facilitates more marriages than monk initiations at its Ling Bhairavi Temple.
Many families have come forward to support the Isha Foundation, with some parents sharing that their daughters’ lives had improved after staying at the ashram. In fact, several parents revealed that Sadhguru had advised their daughters to marry instead of becoming monks, emphasizing that no one is forced into celibacy or monastic life.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s Connection to Isha Foundation
Amidst the controversy, actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who has spent time at the Isha Foundation in the past, also shared her support. Samantha, who recently visited the foundation, posted pictures of herself praying at the Linga Bhairavi Temple on her social media. Her visit came just hours after she addressed personal rumors surrounding her divorce from actor Naga Chaitanya. Samantha had faced unfounded allegations from politician Konda Surekha, which implied that a third person was involved in her divorce. Surekha later retracted her statement, and Samantha requested that people respect her privacy.
Her connection to the foundation suggests that she finds peace and solace there during difficult times, much like many others who visit for spiritual healing and guidance.
Why the Targeting of Sadhguru?
This incident raises questions about why Sadhguru and the Isha Foundation are frequently targeted. Over the years, Sadhguru’s influence has grown significantly, both in India and abroad. His work in promoting yoga, spirituality, and Sanatan Dharma has gained him millions of followers globally. Initiatives like the Rally for Rivers campaign have been widely praised, yet he continues to face baseless accusations.
Political and ideological groups who oppose Sadhguru’s open views, such as his stance on taking Hindu temples out of government control, have often targeted him. In Tamil Nadu, where the government controls thousands of Hindu temples, Sadhguru’s position has not been well-received, leading to further attacks on his character.
A Manufactured Controversy?
The accusations against Sadhguru and the Isha Foundation seem to be part of a broader attempt to tarnish his growing influence. Despite multiple investigations, no solid evidence has ever been found to support these claims. Instead, Sadhguru continues to promote positive change through yoga, environmental work, and social initiatives, improving the lives of millions.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s public support for the foundation, along with the Supreme Court’s decision to take control of the case, further highlights the importance of separating rumors from reality. It’s crucial for the public to see through the baseless accusations and appreciate the positive impact of the Isha Foundation.
