Youth Forum

This shallow need and constant craving for attention and appreciation often leads to depression, anxiety and thoughts of self-doubt, anger, frustration, fear of judgement and criticism, body shaming and even in some cases personality disorders or eating disorders. Mental disorders aren't always triggered by genetics or unhealthy habits, drugs or alcohol abuse. It can also be due to a childhood trauma, stressful events like losing a loved one or even constant wallowing of negative thoughts in our unconscious minds. 

In today's generation, which is so lonely and in a constant desire of companionship, youth often feel the end of to all their problems is finding 'the love of their life' or a 'soulmate' and when situations turn for the worst, we end up trying to take a technology time-out to fight off the constant thoughts of self-loathing. Thinking that watching sad movies and rom coms in our pajamas with a tub of ice cream is what will help fight off the pain. But as Bodhi Baba says, "Be aware of your internal monologue! Your self talk is decisive of your future! Make sure every word of your thought invokes the Divine within and leads to self love! Self love is not selfishness. It is self discovery! "

Bodhi Baba, being a very blissful, spiritual and loving presence, also is very practical, scientific and a pragmatic who observes nature being a witness or Sakshi, appreciates her simplicity and beauty, derives values and practices what He preaches. He says "Most often things don't go our way. Instead of worrying and complaining, the best way is to create a pause in the pre-programmed thought process and keep counting your 'in' and 'out' breaths with focus on the observer and the act of observation of your breaths. Worries and tensions are fuelled by the unconscious state of mind. Mindfulness is all that is needed! "

These practices of self-awareness, mindfulness and confidence building programs have liberated a 23 year old boy Navoneel who was the victim of substance abuse and was going through physical and mental trauma where therapy wasn't of much help. By diligently following Bodhi Baba's instructions and practicing the pure art of loving oneself Navoneel has set an example for many others. He has blossomed into an ethical, moral and untainted young man who recently celebrated his 1 year sobriety milestone free from substance abuse. He is now in fact a very virtuous and righteous mentor to a 17 year old boy, Amartya stricken by schizophrenia but under his mentor Dada Navoneel's guidance is in the process of transformation and blooming into a beautiful flower after massive struggles. 

Many volunteers who have joined in Bodhi Baba's youth fraternity have found a safehouse and a place to grow under the guidance, love and care of Debdutta Ray, a 32 year old teacher by profession who has renounced the world, and under the guidance of Bodhi Baba are igniting millions of souls to solve their quest of identity crisis that our brothers and sisters are facing in today's world. They not only serve different sections of the population by aiding literacy, help in curriculum development, serve the elderly and the poor but also by rescuing abandoned and stray animals, enthusiastically participating in organic farming and dealing with the pollution created by mankind on mother nature and making Planet Earth a better place to live!