Ground Reports
Isha Foundation Has Been Attacked Time And Again—Who’s Behind It? A Ground Report
- At times, accusations against the Isha Foundation appear to be fuelled more by disgruntlement than by genuine concerns.
Many of the allegations against Isha Foundation are due to its location
This is the second part of our two-part series on the Isha Foundation. While the first part explored how the organisation has achieved significant milestones despite facing challenges, this part delves into the allegations levelled against it, identifies those behind the attacks, and examines Isha’s response.
A quick glance at the allegations against the foundation shows that many stem, in part, from the location of the ashram. Questions about whether it has encroached on forest land or obstructed an elephant corridor are unlikely to have arisen if it were located within a city.
With that being the case, this writer felt that the need to be located near the foothills of Velliangiri should be addressed first.
Why Choose The Foothills Of Velliangiri?
Further west of the Isha campus, atop a hill, lies the Velliangiri Andavar temple—a renowned pilgrimage site visited by lakhs of devotees who hike there each season.
Not On Forest Land, But Close To The Forest
Activists have accused Isha of encroaching on forest land and elephant corridors. However, documents obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act in 2021 confirm that the ashram is not situated on forest land, an elephant corridor, or even an elephant habitat. Notably, the Coimbatore Forest Division has no officially recognised elephant corridors.
Below are pictures of the RTI reply:
It Was A Revenue Land
When asked about the nature of the land before Isha's acquisition and whether any of it belonged to tribals, Swami Jyotirmaya responded: "These were revenue lands owned by the dominant communities of the region. Proper records, including pattas, are available. Some parts were cultivated, but none owned by tribals.”
"What my mother says is not true. The foundation did not take over any land belonging to tribals," she said. Today, Gayathri is a member of a self-help group that operates a shop near the Adiyogi statue, with support from ashram volunteers.
Muthamma also used to work at the ashram earlier. But she doesn't live with her husband and daughter anymore. "My mother lives in a different village. I live with my father and younger brother. My father also works in the ashram," said Gayathri when asked about her family.
The Environmental Clearance Issue
In 2022, the Madras High Court ruled that Isha did not require environmental clearance for its buildings, as they were classified as an educational institution exempted under the 2014 amendment to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) rules.
The matter came up in court after the foundation challenged a show-cause notice issued by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) in November 2021.
No One Is Forced To Become A Sanyasi
A retired professor, S Kamaraj, accused the foundation of coercing his daughters into becoming sanyasis, leaving him and his wife alone. A hearing in this case led to the recent police inquiry.
Isha denies this, stating that the decision to become a sanyasi is voluntary and involves a rigorous selection process.
Giving an overview of the process, Swami Jyotirmaya said, “People start as long-term volunteers, usually spending a few months to a year. Some then commit to a minimum of three years as 'purnanga,' or 'limbs' of the ashram."
He added, "Those wishing to proceed further may become brahmacharis and later sanyasis, all while being observed. Importantly, Anyone, including brahmacharis and sanyasis, can leave the ashram if they wish."
Isha Takes Care Of Their Families
Over 200 brahmacharis and 30 sanyasis reside in the ashram, and interestingly, their family members are also allowed to live there.
Swami Jyotirmaya explained, "Unlike earlier, when society was more accepting of sanyasis and their lifestyle, the situation today is very different. At times, parents are left without anyone to care for them if their children choose the spiritual path. That is why Sadhguru has allowed family members to live on the campus if they wish. However, they must stay separately."
Giving his own example, Swami Suyagna said that his sister and her husband work with the ashram. "My sister looks after my mother," he added.
When asked if Professor Kamaraj and his wife could have chosen to live in the ashram, Swami Jyotirmaya confirmed, "Yes, we even invited them to join us."
Are The Allegations Motivated?
The talk about these allegations in the media and political space has been mixed. While supporters of the foundation quickly defend it and dismiss all accusations as efforts to discredit the institution, those who oppose the foundation are quick to point out that each new complaint is proof of how bad things supposedly are.
Speaking about these cases with Swami Jyotirmaya, I asked him if he felt the allegations were motivated.
"This case is not new. It came up about eight years ago. Once the Supreme Court took over the matter and held in favour of Isha Foundation, many other allegations were created and floated around regarding the schools run by Isha. The timing and nature of allegations raise several doubts."
Who's Unhappy With Isha ?
Some people believe that there could be two groups against Sadhguru— Christian missionaries and ideologically driven politicians. They claim that the foundation poses a threat to religious conversions.
A Coimbatore-based Bharatiya Janata Party leader who has visited the ashram several times, offered further insight, stating that it may not just be local missionaries who are upset by the activities of the ashram.
“Missionaries across India and even around the world might feel threatened. Sadhguru is hugely popular. I've seen people display the Adiyogi statue on their car dashboards, both in India and abroad. Through yoga and various initiatives, he’s spreading the message of Hinduism everywhere, and that is bound to upset some people.”
Isha Supports Local Traditions And Customs
Speaking further, Swami Jyotirmaya said, "We do not go out and tell people which religion they should or should not follow. We support and encourage them in their customs. We also assist with education, health, and livelihood opportunities through our outreach activities."
Locals in Thondamuthur shared examples of the support provided to the community. Bhavini, who works at a medicine shop, explained how the foundation has helped in various ways.
"Both my children attend Isha Vidya schools. The schools are affordable, with excellent teachers. Those in need can receive scholarships. Beyond education, we benefit from their health clinics, which even arrange transportation for checkups."
A helper at a nearby hardware shop, who wished to remain anonymous, shared, "There's nothing suspicious happening there. I’ve volunteered there myself. They’re always ready to support us. This year, they helped fund many local Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations."
Is Isha Preventing The Misuse Of Velliangiri Hills?
The Velliangiri hills form the border between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, with the region being densely forested. While certain spots, like the Velliangiri Andavar temple, attract visitors, much of the area remains difficult to access.
We were having this conversation just outside Kaivalya Kutir, an office building of the foundation, with a clear view of the hills.
Pointing toward them, Swami Jyotirmaya continued, "Much of this land was barren before we arrived. A local furniture company used to illegally cut down trees and transport the wood to Coimbatore. We stopped that.
“Most of the trees you see today are only about three decades old. In the 90s, we started a program called Vanashree. It was simple—we went up the hills and scattered seeds. Now, we can see the results of our efforts. The same transformation occurred at the ashram, where there were almost no trees before. Today, there’s an abundance of greenery."
As I made my way back to Coimbatore after this conversation, I felt a sense of satisfaction. While there will always be occasional complaints in an organization as large as Isha, and some may need to be resolved through the courts, the foundation seems to have its heart in the right place, in serving humanity.
