Counseling the doubtful

In today’s fast-paced and uncertain world, individuals—especially the youth—are grappling with profound existential questions: “Who am I?”, “What is the purpose of my life?”, “Where am I headed?”, “Why does injustice and suffering persist?”, and “What happens after death?” These are not abstract or philosophical concerns; they lie at the heart of the mental health crisis, identity conflicts, intergenerational misunderstandings, and social unrest that affect millions across India.

According to the National Mental Health Survey, 1 in every 7 Indians suffers from some form of psychological distress, and 75% do not receive adequate support or counseling. With rising incidents of depression, suicide, and anxiety—particularly among youth, students, women, and marginalized groups—there is an urgent need for spaces that foster introspection, guidance, and healing.

To address this growing need, the Bread of Life (B.O.L.) Foundation is launching a structured counseling and life-guidance program aimed at helping individuals reflect on their personal, social, and emotional identities. This initiative will include community-based sessions, individual and group counseling, and interactive workshops that address core life themes such as:

• Who am I and what is my life’s direction?
• What role do I play in my family?
• How do I define my place in society?
• What is my purpose within a marriage or partnership?
• What values should guide my career choices?
• How can I cope with the challenges and unfairness in the world around me?
• What legacy do I want to leave behind?
   

These sessions will touch upon subjects like marriage, education, gender roles, family dynamics, emotional health, career planning, and civic responsibility. The foundation will partner with mental health professionals, educators, sociologists, and trained counselors to ensure a non-judgmental, inclusive, and culturally sensitive environment—welcoming people of all backgrounds and belief systems.

As part of its mission, the B.O.L. Foundation places special focus on educating the poor, not just academically, but also emotionally and socially. Many people living in underprivileged communities lack access to basic life skills, awareness about rights and responsibilities, or the tools to build confidence and self-worth. Through targeted counseling sessions, workshops on life skills, health awareness, financial literacy, and personal development, the foundation empowers the poor to make informed decisions, break free from cycles of poverty, and live lives of dignity and purpose.

By encouraging people to ask deep questions and guiding them toward constructive answers, B.O.L. aims to nurture resilience, empathy, and purpose-driven living. In doing so, the foundation aspires to strengthen families, build harmonious communities, and empower individuals to live with clarity, courage, and compassion.