This article was originally published in The Sri Lanka Guardian.
The article titled “Rape, Silence, and Spiritual Betrayal: Inside the Dark Secrets of Sadhguru’s Isha Empire” by the Sri Lanka Guardian delves into serious allegations of sexual abuse, institutional negligence, and systemic cover-ups within the Isha Foundation, led by Jaggi Vasudev, known as Sadhguru.
Key Allegations:
- Sexual Abuse at Isha Home School: Multiple former students have accused the Isha Home School in Coimbatore of being a site of sexual abuse. One American woman alleges she was repeatedly raped by a teacher between 2008 and 2010. Despite informing Sadhguru directly in 2013, she claims no action was taken.
- Inadequate Institutional Response: Another former student reported being sexually assaulted by a peer in 2019. The school’s response was reportedly dismissive, with the accused student being briefly removed and then reinstated.
- Volunteer Harassment: A volunteer yoga teacher from Australia reported inappropriate touching by a monk in 2016 and subsequent harassment. His complaints were allegedly ignored by the foundation.
Institutional and Legal Responses:
- Denial and Legal Action: The Isha Foundation has denied all allegations, labeling them as false and defamatory. They have initiated legal actions against accusers and media outlets reporting on these issues.
- Supreme Court Involvement: In a separate case, the Supreme Court of India dismissed allegations of illegal confinement against the foundation, affirming that two women were residing there of their own free will.
Concerns Raised:
- Lack of Safeguards: Reports indicate that the foundation’s Internal Complaints Committee was non-functional, and there was a general lack of awareness among children about their rights under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
- Health and Safety Violations: Investigations revealed the use of expired medical equipment and unqualified personnel operating machinery at the Isha Clinic.
These revelations have led to public outcry and calls for independent investigations into the Isha Foundation’s practices. Survivors and their families continue to seek justice and accountability from the organization.
