Let us start this dialogue with two separate media stories. The first story concerns a young IAS officer whose recent social media post drew a lot of attention. She spoke of how she felt her world class education in the country, failed to teach her, how to quieten her mind and fight loneliness. The comment seems highly credible, as it comes from someone exceptionally successful and well placed. As expected it attracted media attention. It also stood out because it underscores that high achievers also suffer loneliness and anxiety. Scholastic and professional achievements may not underwrite the risk of our mental health.

The second story is based on JB.com (a digital entertainment platform) Global Loneliness survey 2025. The survey was carried out in more than 30 countries and reportedly India emerged as the second loneliest country in the world; following Turkey which was on top. Both Turkey and India are collectivist societies, where collective well being is prioritised over individual aspirations. As a result, despite large household size and strong family structures one may feel lonely and disconnected. in fact feeling lonely if often viewed as shameful in such a setting. As a result is condition is left unaddressed for a long time, often without understanding the risks associated with it. Seeking help from professionals, family and friends is stigmatised. Suffering in silence can be crippling.

Oxford English Dictionary defines loneliness as a a state of not having company in person; or finding a deficit between desired level of social connection and actual connections. Feeling lonely appears to be a negative and helpless state. WHO claims that 1 out of every 6 people are lonely, and being lonely can severely damage our mental health. In India, reportedly more than 60 students at premier professional institutions are lost to self harm in past 5-6 years. Sapein Labs through their Global Mind Project (GMP) report’ findings (published annually since 2019) generate an important insight. They find that year on year the Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) of 18-34 year population is consistently declining; suggesting the mental health of youngsters is worsening, and this decline is a new phenomenon. The loneliest populations expectantly are the very old people and the marginalised populations. The loneliest people as per GMP reports are the young people.

It is hardly surprising therefore that WHO declared loneliness as global public threat in 2023. This threat seemed strong enough for WHO to establish a commission on social connections in the same year. The broad objectives of the commission were to see the issue of loneliness and social isolation as a public health priority. 2025 report of the commission finds loneliness and social isolation as wide spread with serious but under recognised impacts on health, well being and society.

This post is setting the stage for a long and overdue dialogue on loneliness and social isolation, on building credible dialogues and setting off on a journey to connect deeply with oneself, significant others and rest of our personal and professional connections.