“Are we teaching our brilliant young minds how to cope with extreme stress? It’s no wonder that suicides are becoming common among them.” This is a stark observation from Dr. Swaminathan, who has travelled extensively across India, addressing students at the nation's premier institutions, including the IITs, NITs, and IIMs.
During his invited lecture at NIT Calicut, Dr. Swaminathan posed a thought-provoking question to the audience, largely composed of research scholars: “Do you know what percentage of candidates pass the country’s toughest examination, the UPSC?” He revealed that out of one million candidates who apply each year, only 600 are eligible for the interview, and merely 200 are selected. This equates to a pass rate of just 0.2%. He then asked, "What happens to the 99.99999% who do not clear the exam? Do they possess the emotional intelligence needed to cope with failure?"
Dr. Swaminathan emphasized the importance of spirituality, stating, “Spirituality connects us to the Universal Conscience.” He challenged the audience: “Were you ever taught to face failure with grace? You are all bright and capable, but throughout your lives, who taught you how to control your mind?”
This led him to discuss the practice of meditation. He encouraged the audience to consider, “What can we do to alleviate stress and cultivate calm?” The answer, he explained, has roots in ancient India: "Waking up at 3 a.m. and meditating is one of the best practices you can adopt."
He
also shared an inspiring anecdote about the Honorable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, who spoke to medical
doctors about the benefits of meditation and urged them not only to practice it
themselves but also to promote its advantages. Dr. Swaminathan concluded by
noting that the current President of India rises every day at 4 a.m. for
meditation.
