A Versatile Humanitarian
Indian yoga guru Jagadish Vasudev, popularly known as Sadhguru, is a proponent of spirituality and yoga. Since 1982, he has been teaching yoga in Southern India. A renowned speaker and opinion-maker, Sadhguru has been ranked among India’s 50 most influential people. One of the most distinguished citizens of India, he is the only Indian to be honoured with three presidential awards from three different presidents – including India’s highest annual civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan.
“SADHGURU HAS UNDERTAKEN MASSIVE ECOLOGICAL INITIATIVES TO DEAL WITH BURNING ISSUES SUCH AS SOIL, WATER AND CLIMATE CHANGE. THERE ARE NOW 3.91 BILLION PEOPLE INVOLVED IN SADHGURU’S SAVE SOIL MOVEMENT, MAKING IT THE LARGEST PEOPLE’S MOVEMENT IN THE WORLD”
Sadhguru was born in 1957 in Mysore, India. He was a fearless rebel since his childhood. Snake catching and venturing into the wilderness used to be his favourite pastimes in those days. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English from Mysore University. The profound mystic rethought the purpose of his life at the age of 25 after undergoing a spiritual experience. He eventually discovered his true calling and became a yoga teacher. With his ability to make ancient yogic sciences relevant to contemporary minds, the spiritual leader has transformed how young people view yoga and spirituality. According to him, yoga can help mortals generate happiness from within and mould their destinies.
THE ‘UNEDUCATED’ GURU
Sadhguru is known for his razor-sharp intelligence, unstoppable passion and dedication to spreading yoga and spirituality among the youth worldwide. His life’s mission is to promote the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of everyone. Moreover, his profound experience of the Self has enabled him to master the mechanisms of life. Millions of followers worldwide seek his guidance on spirituality, meditation, and the “realm of mysticism.” As a leader, he is credited with creating the historic Dhyanalinga – the mission of three lifetimes.
The spiritual leader has devised a unique set of activities to promote universal values and religious harmony through this meditation technique. His life experience is not based on teaching, philosophy, religion, or belief system. His scientific methods for self-transformation offer a direct and effective alternative to mere customs and rituals. The humble leader says, “The word ‘Sadhguru’ is not a title. It is a description. Sadhguru means’ uneducated Guru.’ I don’t know any scriptures. I come only from my inner experience. The only thing I know is this piece of life from its origin to its ultimate.”
THE ISHA FOUNDATION
In 1992, Sadhguru founded the Isha Foundation near Coimbatore. With human well-being as its primary objective, the non- profit organisation operates an ashram and a yoga centre that carries out educational activities. A total of 16 million volunteers support its 300 centres worldwide.
Through Sadhguru, the Isha Foundation is dedicated to exploring the ancient science of yoga in its entirety. The Foundation offers several programmes to help individuals achieve physical, mental and spiritual well-being. These programmes have powerful transformational effects on the human body. Among the most crucial flagship programmes he offers to help people gain a balanced life are the Inner Engineering programmes.
A MULTI-TALENTED INDIVIDUAL
With his absolute clarity of perception, Sadhguru has a unique position in the worlds of spirituality, business, the environment, and international affairs. He is a voracious writer and the author of two New York Times bestsellers – a rare feat in the publishing genre of spirituality and mysticism. He has a very strong social media and digital media presence. Over 2.44 billion views of his videos on social media in 2021 made him the world’s most popular spiritual guide.
In addition to being a delegate to the United Nations Millennium World Peace Summit, Sadhguru is also a member of the World Council of Religious and Spiritual Leaders and the Alliance for New Humanity. He has been invited to the Australian Leadership Retreat, Tallberg Forum, and Indian Economic Summits 2005-2008. He also attends the World Economic Forum regularly. Sadhguru’s gentle side can bring tears of gratitude and laughter to even the most hardened hearts. He is adored by ash-smeared yogis, cheerful village children, and top-tier executives alike.
THE VISIONARY
A celebratory participant in all aspects of life, Sadhguru’s interests span architecture, visual design, poetry, painting, aviation, driving, sports, and music. His insights have led to the establishing of the Sadhguru Center for a Conscious Planet at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, the teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. The Yogi believes that insight, integrity and inspiration are the essential attributes of a leader. The wise and witty leader has been interviewed by BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC, CNNfn, and Newsweek International for his vision and understanding of modern social and economic issues. Additionally, the leading national newspapers in India regularly publish his insights. His public talks and satsangs (group meditations) regularly draw crowds of over 3,00,000 people.
AN IMPECCABLE ORATOR
As an international speaker, Sadhguru is sought after by several prestigious global forums around the world. Aside from human rights, he also addresses issues related to business values, social issues and environmental concerns. He has also spoken at the UN General Assembly, the UNCCD COP15, and other international forums. In addition, he has spoken at institutions such as the World Economic Forum, the World Bank, the House of Lords, the University of Oxford, MIT, Google and Microsoft. The in-depth knowledge and incisive approach that Sadhguru brings to current issues and world affairs have made him a constant favourite among his listeners and followers.
GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY
With the goal of reviving the human spirit, re-establishing communities, and preserving the environment, Sadhguru carries out several sizeable human service initiatives through the Isha Foundation. To date, the Foundation has assisted 1,32,000 farmers in growing 62 million trees, provided healthcare to 7 million clients in rural areas, and educated over 10,000 rural children.
The Foundation and its various initiatives have received worldwide recognition, including Observer status at the UN Environment, membership in the IUCN, accreditation by the UNCCD, and UN Climate Change Compendium inclusion.
Sadhguru has undertaken massive ecological initiatives to deal with burning issues such as soil, water and climate change. The visionary humanitarian launched Rally for Rivers in 2017. With 162 million people backing the campaign, it became the most significant environmental movement in the world. Likewise, the Cauvery Calling initiative was launched in 2019 to restore the severely depleted river Cauvery in South India. Over the next 12 years, this movement aims to plant 2.42 billion trees through agroforestry in the
river basin.
During his 30,000-kilometre motorcycle journey from Europe to Southern India, Sadhguru inspired citizens, influencers, business and government leaders to prioritise soil revitalisation. There are now 3.91 billion people involved in Sadhguru’s Save Soil movement, making it the largest people’s movement in the world. The movement has so far attracted 81 nations, which is indeed a commendable achievement.
Sadhguru has received numerous prestigious awards for his wisdom and unwavering efforts to save the environment. In 2008, the Padma Vibhushan recipient received the Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar for his contributions to the Isha Foundation’s GreenHands Project.
