In Conversation With Sitender Sehrawat
Sitender Sehrawat is a meditation teacher and successful social entrepreneur
What inspired you to become a meditation teacher and focus on coaching individuals dealing with loneliness?
Have you ever felt like your struggles were trying to tell you something, like they carried a deeper meaning? For me, that was the turning point. In my personal, social, and spiritual life, I realised that meaningful work or socially driven causes often stem from deeply personal stories—and mine was no exception.
I went through prolonged periods of emotional, mental, and even physical suffering. It was as though life was urging me to look deeper, to understand why these experiences were happening. And what I discovered was profound: suffering often carries a purpose. It is like a signpost pointing you toward your true path.
This wasn’t about superficial desires—bigger houses, fancier cars—but about the kind of pain you can’t control. I learned to read the signs hidden within these experiences, and they guided me to reconnect with myself. That sense of isolation, not just from others but from my own essence, led me to the path of meditation and well-being. Now, my purpose is clear: to give back. Whether it’s coaching individuals dealing with loneliness or sharing my learnings, I feel called to use my time and energy to help others
Loneliness and mental health issues are increasing among Gen Z, partly due to social media and digital communication. How can Gen Z navigate these challenges, and what advice would you offer them? I would say social media isn’t entirely to blame but the issue runs deeper. If someone has a fulfilling offline life—strong family connections, meaningful relationships, and a sense of purpose—they’re less likely to turn to social media or other distractions to fill a void.
But here’s the challenge: many young people feel disconnected and lack a sense of purpose. Social media becomes a convenient escape, offering quick validation but rarely fulfilling the deeper need for connection. I encourage Gen Z to explore three fundamental questions: who you truly are, where you stand in life, and where you belong. If you can answer these, you’ll build a strong sense of self, a purpose-driven life, and authentic relationships. It’s about shifting focus from shortcuts to meaningful pursuits.
What mental health programs or services does Antaha provide to meet the increasing demand for well-being solutions, especially in workplace and healthcare environments?
At Antaha, we provide personalized well-being services that meet individuals where they are—emotionally, socially, personally, and spiritually. Our offerings include guided meditations, heartfelt conversations, uplifting music, therapy counseling, creative expression, and culturally sensitive support. We focus on what each person truly needs, whether it is therapy or just a compassionate ear.
In addition, we’re creating "Solace Spaces," local communities where people can connect, share their stories, and receive tailored support. These spaces offer a safe environment for people to explore cultural themes, engage in creative expression, and build meaningful connections. Our mission is to establish 10,000 of these communities worldwide, helping individuals lead fulfilling, well-rounded lives.
How do modern lifestyles and technology contribute to feelings of isolation, and what role can mindfulness and meditation play in managing loneliness and depression?
Modern lifestyles and technology have blurred the lines between connection and isolation. While tech was meant to enhance our lives, we have ended up making it our entire existence, leading to feelings of disconnection. A constant cycle of hyper-connection followed by extreme isolation creates a void that virtual reality and social media cannot fill. The convenience of virtual connections makes it easy to avoid the hard work of real-life connections, leading to a distorted sense of reality.
During my time in the monastery, I experienced a profound transformation. It was a phase where I had to unlearn many things about myself and the world. In that quiet, disconnected space, I confronted my assumptions and the mental and emotional layers that had clouded my awareness. I was able to see my challenges for what they truly were—not as defining factors, but as part of my journey. This experience taught me the power of mindfulness and awareness, which I carry with me today.
Mindfulness and meditation help bring us back to the real world, grounding us in the present moment. These practices reconnect us with our surroundings and inner selves, helping us rediscover the authenticity of life. Just as my time in the monastery transformed my understanding, mindfulness allows us to face our true reality and manage loneliness and depression in a world often dominated by virtual experiences.
What have been the most significant challenges in your entrepreneurial journey, and what lessons have they taught you?
Leaving the monastery, I knew I was meant to serve, but transitioning into social entrepreneurship was tougher than I expected. Despite my humble, transparent approach as a teacher, I struggled with selling my idea and lacked the marketing skills to explain the value of mental well-being. I spent years traveling, meeting over 100 decision-makers, and giving countless demos, but most didn’t care. The challenge was selling something that couldn’t be measured in traditional ROI.
Looking back, I realise I’m meant to be in spaces where real change happens, not in boardrooms. Thankfully, my work is supported by great professionals who are best at what they do so I can devote my time to serving people. The struggles strengthened my resilience and vision, and now, as we face growing mental health issues in youth, I see the impact I always believed in.
