Dr. Neelimaa Sona

A drug-free India isn't built by enforcement alone. It begins with emotionally strong individuals, informed families, and communities that choose prevention over silence.

Honoured to share the stage with the esteemed Shri R.K. Pachnanda, IPS (Retd.), as we come together for the National Dialogue on Nasha Mukt Bharat.

I look forward to sharing how Vedic Emotional Intelligence can help strengthen young minds, support families, and make prevention a way of life—not just a campaign.

Looking forward to meeting everyone committed to building a healthier, stronger India.

Sharing a piece that is especially close to my heart—my latest article published in Sakal, Maharashtra's No. 1 newspaper.

Addiction rarely begins with a substance. More often, it begins with an emotion that goes unheard, unresolved, or unexpressed.

In my article, "मन हरले की व्यसन जिंकते", I explore why today's adolescents are increasingly turning to screens, substances, and unhealthy distractions, not because they lack information, but because they often lack emotional tools.

As an Emotional Intelligence coach, I believe lasting prevention starts long before addiction. It starts with helping young people recognise, process, and regulate difficult emotions before they seek escape.

The article also offers practical insights for parents, educators, and mentors to create emotionally safe environments where resilience can grow. You can read the full article in the 25 July edition of Sakal (Pune Edition), Page 8, or access it online.

I hope it sparks meaningful conversations that help us build emotionally stronger generations.

Life doesn't always go the way we plan, and that's okay.

We spend so much time worrying about things we can't control. Other people's actions, the past, or unexpected situations, remind us that we forget where our real strength lies. The more we focus on what we can control: our mindset, our actions, our attitude, and our response, the lighter life begins to feel.

The next time life feels overwhelming, pause and ask yourself, "Is this within my control?" The answer might bring you more peace than the problem itself.

Some flowers bloom in days.
Some take years.

Yet, when they bloom,
no one asks why they were late.

They simply admire their beauty.

Be patient with your journey.
The world isn't waiting for your speed.

It's waiting for your bloom 🌸

Excited to share my latest feature in Sakal, Maharashtra's No. 1 newspaper!

When we talk about addiction, we usually focus on the substance itself. But as an EQ coach, I look at what is happening on the inside.

Right now, our youth are fighting a quiet, overwhelming battle with deep emotional emptiness, anxiety, and isolation.

In my article, "मन हरले की व्यसन जिंकते" (When the mind loses, addiction wins), I discuss why traditional solutions fall short if we do not address the internal emotional pain first.

I break down how screen escapism is changing how our kids cope with difficult feelings, and offer simple, practical ways parents and mentors can build true emotional resilience in teenagers.

We cannot just tell our kids to "say no." We have to teach them how to handle the heavy emotions that make them want to escape in the first place.

You can read the full article on Page 8 of the July 25 edition of Sakal (Pune Edition) or access it online here: https://epaper.esakal.com/smartepaper/UI/home.aspx?q=Pune/Main/2026-07-25

Overthinking won't change the outcome, but it can take away your peace.

Once you've given your best, there's no need to carry the weight of what you can't control. Trust your efforts, let go of the rest, and move forward with a lighter mind.

Sometimes, the strongest thing you can do is release what is no longer in your hands.

Good conversations don't begin with the perfect response; they begin with genuine listening.

Most misunderstandings happen because we listen to reply instead of listening to understand. Before you respond, give yourself a few seconds to truly hear the other person. A small pause can prevent big misunderstandings and build stronger relationships.

Listen to understand, not to reply.