Projects

From drugs to seva: Dhara
is on a new high

A drug peddler and a man adored by students. Two different people, right?

Wrong.

Dhara Singh was a simple boy, a farmer’s son, who grew up in the remote village of Khera in Rajasthan. Education in his village was only up to middle school. So, he had to leave home to complete his schooling. Who would have thought that leaving home to study would lead him to drugs? Instead of receiving the right kind of education, he was introduced to highly addictive drugs. Forced into addiction by unscrupulous elements, he himself became a drug peddler to support his unrelenting habit. The illness of addiction became so severe, that he was ready to steal, ready to kill to get a ‘fix’.

Then came a turning point in his life. He got caught.

Sentenced to 12 years in 2001 for trying to smuggle 750 grams of heroin into Bihar, the Rajasthan police flung Dhara Singh into a prison cell. At first, life in prison was no different from life outside. Fear and uncertainty were constant companions but he was also consumed by a burning desire to escape and avenge his imprisonment. 

A simple breathing technique opened up a world of positive possibilities

This changed in 2007 when he attended the Art of Living Prison Program in Central Jail, Udaipur. His first Sudarshan Kriya was a powerful experience, making him confront his traumatized emotions. “I wept and wept for everything that happened to me in the past,” says Dhara. “As the program progressed, I felt calm. I continued to practice the technique and my thoughts changed, I became more positive,” he adds.

It helped that Dhara also completed the Youth Leadership Training (YLTP) and the Advanced Meditation Program. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s simple yet profound teaching propelled him into a decision that would alter the course of his life forever. He wanted to make a difference, and he did.

Sentenced to 12 years, released after 7

During the course of the YLTP, Dhara was motivated to practice the Sudarshan Kriya continuously for 41 days. It took Dhara 2 years to actually complete the 41 days without a break. And during the 2 years, he grew more focused and more positive. Believe it or not, on the 41st day, the High Court issued his release.

Do you or a loved one need help with de-addiction?

Dhara takes commitment to a whole new level

Life had never been easy for Dhara and now, upon his release from jail, he faced the uphill task of overcoming people’s prejudices against him. The fear and hatred he encountered everywhere had to transform into acceptance. The drastic reform in his behavior and his regular meditations enabled him to find a way into his fellow villagers’ hearts. Dhara began to organize yoga and meditation programs for the villagers. At the end of the program, people were refreshed and energized and thankful to Dhara for the experience. They began to trust him, and his genuine concern for another’s well-being.

In 2011, he himself became an Art of Living faculty and started conducting courses. The breathing techniques were much appreciated and people started feeling uplifted by the Kriya. In Dhara’s words, “People just came forward and started associating with me. I became their hope for a better life.”

Dhara is now a board member of the committee that administers the eight free schools established by the Art of Living in Rajasthan. The school in his village takes care of more than 400 children, 55 percent of whom are girls. More than 80 percent of these children are first-generation school-goers. Apart from the mainstream curriculum, they are also taught yoga, served free, nutritious meals, given free uniforms, textbooks, school bags, and treated to the daily commute to school. Dhara is supported by 12 teachers and another 4 members of staff. The school is approved by the Government, and what is more important, thoroughly approved by the children.

Here’s what some of them have to say:

Sulochana, Student

10 year old Sulochana, Class 4: Is extremely happy. Her brother and sister attend the same school, which makes it fun and she never misses a single day. She loves Maths, Science, and Environmental Science, and scores well. The teachers agree that she is a bright girl.

Sonu, Student

11 year old Sonu, Class 5: Used to attend his previous school only twice a week. But he attends Dhara’s school daily.

 

Jeetmal, Parent

Jeetmal has three children studying in the school: Disregarding Dhara’s past, Jeetmal has complete trust in Dhara's capabilities and his genuine concern for the village children’s education. He says, “Children are studying well, they are well taken care of, I do not have to worry about expenses. What more can I ask for?”

Dhanraj, Parent

Dhanraj’s three children study in Class 4, 6, and 8. One of them is Sulochana. He himself has undergone schooling only till Class 6 and his wife never attended school. Given that background, he feels very proud that all his three children are getting holistic education free of cost. He is inspired by Dhara's sense of service.

 

 

Mimicking the school’s progress, Dhara Singh’s journey has been an incredible one from drug addiction to child education; from imprisonment to reforming prisoners; from cruelty to kindness. But perhaps the most telling commentary on Dhara’s character and work comes from the parents. They would rather not send their children to any other school.

It is only Dhara they trust their precious children with. A man whose life had been filled with crime but is now worth emulating.

Only Dhara.

If you are looking for a way to overcome drug addiction, smoking, or drinking, join the Wellness Program for Substance Users and the Quit Tobacco Program; with holistic practices like Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, and meditation, you will set off on a life-changing journey towards health and happiness.

With a little support, this middle school could be upgraded to a high school. If you would like to make a difference to Dhara Singh’s laudable initiative, please do connect with him at dsmeena44@gmail.com