Don’t want money or grand parades, just want to know our country is watching: SatwikDon’t want money or grand parades, just want to know our country is watching: Satwik Published on: May 08, 2026 1:03 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link New Delhi
Mumbai: The country’s largest lender State Bank of India, on Friday, reported a standalone net profit of ₹19.683.75 crore in the March quarter of FY26 (Q4FY26), up 5.6% year-on-year. Its net interest income (NII) in Q4FY26 increased 4% on year to ₹44,380 crore
Please don’t zoom-in! After Karisma Kapoor, Ridhi Dogra and others calling out zoom-in culture, paps share their sideAs paparazzi culture becomes more invasive, celebs like Karisma, Ridhi, Ayesha are pushing back against uncomfortable practice. See what paps have to share Published on: May 08
TBSE Result 2026: Tripura Board 10th, 12th results declared at tbse.tripura.gov.in, direct link hereTBSE Result 2026 has been declared. The direct link to check Tripura Board 10th, 12th results is given here. Updated on: May 08, 2026 12:55 PM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri Chanda Share
Communist Party of India leader D Raja on Friday urged Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar to invite actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to form the government as the single-largest party in the Assembly and allow it to prove its majority on the floor of the House, PTI reported
New Delhi, May 8 (PTI) Television actor Aashka Goradia and her husband and entrepreneur Brent Goble, have embraced parenthood for the second time as they welcomed another baby boy. The couple shared the news on Friday with a collaborative post on their respective Instagram handles as they announced
Indian mothers nutritionally deficient? Gynaecologist shares 4 nutrient gaps behind fatigue, brain fog, sleep issuesIs your diet nutritionally shallow? Find out what your common daily health signs may be connected to. Published on: May 08, 2026 2:03 PM IST By Adrija Dey Share via Copy link Mothers
London, May 8 (PTI) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday said he takes responsibility for the “very tough" losses for the Labour Party in the local election, which threw up big wins for the anti-immigration Reform UK. Speaking to reporters as the vote count for Thursday’s UK-wide polls
Loneliness in a crowd: Why so many Indians are struggling silently
In a country as populous and socially connected as India, loneliness seems like a contradiction. Indians live in joint or tightly packed nuclear families, attend festivals all year round and receive hundreds of messages on WhatsApp daily. Yet, beneath this appearance of connection, a growing number of Indians are grappling with an invisible and deeply painful emotional state of loneliness.
Loneliness is more than just being alone: it's a subjective, internal experience when the quality or quantity of one's social relationships does not meet their emotional needs. Neuroscience shows that loneliness activates the same brain regions triggered by physical pain. It is unlike solitude, which can lead to peace, creativity and self-awareness.
This distinction is important. Someone can be alone and content, while another may be surrounded by people and feel lonely. Chronic loneliness can alter how human beings perceive themselves and others, reinforcing cycles of anxiety, self-doubt and social withdrawal.
In India's crowded cities, a global survey by ipsos found that 43% of urban Indians report feeling lonely most of the time, placing India among the top three countries in terms of reported loneliness. We appear connected but lack meaningful emotional contact.
This disconnection spans generations, gender, economic class, and geography. Urbanisation, long working hours and constant digital connectivity have fundamentally reshaped the social landscape. Working professionals report burnout, exhaustion, with no time or safe space to express themselves.
Students, facing crushing academic pressure, are told to be “strong” and “focused”, often suppressing their emotional struggles. For them, society and culture applauds stoicism over honesty, success over well-being.
Elderly Indians, particularly those living in nuclear families or away from their children, feel invisible in their own homes. Women and queer individuals face systemic emotional neglect within patriarchal family and social structures.
Loneliness is more than just an individual's problem but a broader concern reinforced by social norms, economic conditions and institutional failures.
Indian culture often discourages open conversations about mental well-being. There is a strong belief that one must “cope quietly”. Expressing sadness is dismissed, vulnerability is seen as weakness and therapy is still viewed with suspicion.
According to a 2018 survey by the Live Love Laugh Foundation, 60% of Indians believed that mentally unwell individuals should be separated from others to avoid “contaminating” them, an alarming indicator of how emotional health is misunderstood.
As a result, many pretend everything is fine. Social media becomes a highlight reel of forced smiles and curated joy, while real pain is kept in the shadows.
The fear of what people will say overrules decisions, from seeking help to speaking openly. Many end up feeling their struggles are not “serious enough,” or worse, that seeking connection is a sign of failure.
Historically, Indian society was built on extended family and community ties. But today's competitive, fast-paced world has disrupted these structures. Migration to cities, demanding jobs, and personal ambition have distanced many from conventional support systems. As a result, young adults especially, often lack meaningful relationships to turn to in times of need.
Simultaneously, there is a rising trend of individualism among urban youth. Independence and self-expression are valuable but they often come at the cost of interdependence and emotional closeness. The encouragement is to chase success, not build support systems. We learn to achieve, but not to connect.
Loneliness can also be physically harmful. Chronic loneliness is associated with a host of health problems: fatigue, sleep disturbances, digestive issues, headaches and even weakened immunity. Over time, it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression, anxiety, and even premature death, making it as dangerous as smoking or obesity.
In India, where mental healthcare is stigmatised, expensive or culturally mismatched, many symptoms can go unrecognised or misdiagnosed. Someone might seek help for a recurring stomach problem, for instance, unaware that the root cause is emotional disconnection.
Surprisingly, therapy or medication is not the first response. What many crave is to be seen, to be heard and to be accepted when they are not okay. In a society obsessed with strength and self-reliance, the simple act of listening without judgment becomes healing.
Indians need emotional safety, at home, in schools, workplaces, and communities. Nobody is taught to check in on emotional pain the way we do for physical illness. Conversations about mental health remain taboo and coping with grief or loneliness is largely a private burden.
A multi-pronged approach could help mend this fraying social fabric. Workplaces must build emotionally inclusive environments and normalise mental health conversations. Schools should integrate emotional literacy and empathy into their curricula. Communities and governments need to invest in inclusive public spaces and support systems that enable connection without judgment or fear.
It is also important to normalise the experience of loneliness itself as a call for connection. Recognising that social support is a basic human need, not a luxury, is the first step toward collective healing.
Building a less lonely India is a societal task and a shared responsibility. For India to thrive, not just economically but emotionally, we must rebuild structures, spaces and cultures that allow everyone to feel seen, heard and valued.
Anasuya Das is a public health professional, focused on health communication, systems strengthening and community engagement.
Source: Scroll
Related Posts: DINK men and loneliness Allahabad High Court Judge Links Mobile Phones To Rise In Loneliness How Each Zodiac Sign Deals with Loneliness — From Isolation to Connection Yuvraj Singh's father opens up on fight with loneliness Housing designed to combat loneliness wins top architecture award Loneliness-Induced Lifestyle Diseases "Pakistan connected to India's history" Wipro acquires 100% stake in Harman Connected Services for ₹3 How a Gujarat policeman connected to Sohrabuddin probe was convicted for a 41-year-old minor crime Maruti Suzuki invests ₹2 crore in connected mobility startup Ravity Software
The recent murder of Chandranath Rath, an associate of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, has brought attention to a series of deaths connected to the politician. Over the past 13 years, several individuals close to Adhikari have died under various circumstances.The recent murder of Chandranath Rath
1 days ago
Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Thursday (May 7, 2026) said that the BCCI might have decided to shift the IPL finals venue from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad considering commercial viability. He clarified that distributing tickets to MLAs has nothing to do with shifting the final match
1 days ago
When film star-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay's newly-formed political party won the most number of seats in the recent election in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, it was hailed as historic. But five days after Monday's vote-counting, political uncertainty prevails in the southern state
1 days ago
A cricket match, a tense over, a hungry watch party — and suddenly, more than 100 burgers are ordered in a single transaction. That moment has emerged as one of the most striking indicators of how India’s digital viewing habits are rapidly evolving during this cricket season.A cricket match
1 days ago
Tech bodies oppose IT Rules amendmentsThe Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and the Broadband India Forum (BIF) submitted their objections to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on May 7 Published on: May 08
1 days ago
Neetu Kapoor reacts to ‘horrible’ trolling after returning to work post Rishi Kapoor’s death: ‘Got into drinking…’Neetu Kapoor opened up about the trolling she faced after deciding to return to work during her appearance in latest episode of Soha Ali Khan’s YouTube show. May 8, 2026
1 days ago
Actor-politician Vijay congratulated Tamil Nadu Class 12 students on their exam results. He encouraged those who did not pass to try again. His message included a line about being 'on the verge of victory'. This statement sparked interest, linking it to both student aspirations and the political
1 days ago
Unthinkable AIADMK-DMK alliance buzz, kingmaker parties: All that TVK majority mark crisis has led toThe 234-member Tamil Nadu assembly has thrown up a hung verdict with Vijay's TVK emerging as the single largest party with 108 seats. Updated on: May 08
1 days ago
IPL: As the Gujarat Titans gear up to face the Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur, both teams find themselves on equal footing with six victories each out of ten games played. The Titans are riding high on a three-match winning streak, showcasing their solid batting prowess
1 days ago
CUET Exam 2026: 7 last-minute preparation tips to maximise your scoreCUET Exam 2026 will begin next week. Check the 7 last minute preparation tips here that will help to maximise your score. Published on: May 08, 2026 1:22 PM IST By HT Education Desk Share via Copy link With the Common University
1 days ago
Girl 'harassed' by cabbies after car-taxi collision in Gurugram; family alleges police inactionGirl 'harassed' by cabbies after car-taxi collision in Gurugram; family alleges police inaction Published on: May 08, 2026 2:12 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Gurugram
1 days ago
The Supreme Court on Friday (May 8, 2026) recorded disappointment at the non-production of witnesses in the trial of Ashish Mishra, son of former Union minister Ajay Mishra, and others in the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence case. A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant
1 days ago
Global technology major Adobe on Friday announced the opening of a , making it the San Jose-headquartered company's seventh office in India.Located in Sector 129, the new campus will house over 700 employees across engineering and customer-focused roles
1 days ago
From work meetings to weekend plans: Here’s how to style one bag multiple waysBags are a fashion staple and can make a huge difference in your overall look. Here’s how you can style one bag in different ways. Published on: May 08, 2026 2:14 PM IST By Anukriti Srivastava Share via Copy link If
1 days ago
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is in Kolkata to select the first BJP Chief Minister and cabinet. He will chair meetings with legislative party leaders and MLAs. The new government's oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for Saturday. Chief Ministers from 20 states will attend the event
1 days ago
As households across the globe count the costs of the US-Israel war in Iran, some companies have been counting bumper profits instead. The uncertainty sparked by the conflict, and Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, is driving up the cost of living and hitting the budgets of firms
1 days ago
‘What exactly am I paying rent for?’: Bengaluru techie earning ₹1 lakh debates moving back home as WFH rules easeThe user explained that his hometown is around 500 km away and travelling for office visits would still be manageable. Published on: May 08
1 days ago
In the modern world, sedentary lifestyles are often associated with lengthy working hours, binge-watching shows, or endless scrolling on devices. However, there is one overlooked habit that silently contributes to the same risks: prolonged sitting on the toilet seat
1 days ago
The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday claimed that one of the persons accused in a land scam and money laundering case was an alleged associate of Aam Aadmi Party’s Punjab chief Aman Arora, The Indian Express reported. This came after the central agency conducted raids at several locations in
1 days ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Don’t wait! Samsung, Redmi, and Lenovo tablets hit record low prices in Amazon Summer SaleThe Amazon Summer Sale is live now and it brings cashback offers of up to ₹33
1 days ago
A clip showing two very different reactions to exam marks has started a conversation online about pressure, expectations and happiness among students. In the video, a girl is seen crying after scoring 90 per cent, while a boy proudly celebrates his 60 per cent marks by distributing sweets with a
1 days ago
Trump has 'no intention' of invading Cuba, reveals Brazil's President Lula after White House talksThe diplomatic overture comes at a time when Cuba has been firmly in Trump's "crosshairs," particularly following the capture of Venezuela's president. Updated on: May 08
1 days ago
‘How is this possible?’: Bengaluru woman’s ₹15,000 monthly budget leaves internet stunnedA Bengaluru woman shared her ₹15,000 monthly budget, leaving many internet users stunned. Published on: May 08, 2026 1:56 PM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy link A Bengaluru woman has left
1 days ago
Hollywood star Rebel Wilson has been accused of making a "complete revision of history" in a defamation case brought against her by a young Australian actress. Charlotte MacInnes, who stars in Wilson's film The Deb, is suing the Bridesmaids actress for harming her reputation in Instagram posts in
1 days ago
Prince Yadav of Lucknow Super Giants took the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli with a brilliant delivery. This performance helped his team secure a win against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Yadav expressed happiness over the team's victory, emphasizing its importance over individual achievements
1 days ago
The Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE) has declared the Class 10 and Class 12 results 2026. A total of 84.18% of Madhyamik students and 79.33% of HS students have passed the exams. While the class 10 results see a decline in the overall pass rate
1 days ago
The Bharatiya Janata Party has labeled Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut the "joker of Indian politics." Raut questioned reports of US President Donald Trump congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the West Bengal election results. The BJP spokesperson stated that opposition leaders are
1 days ago
![New Delhi [India], May 8 (ANI): Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Krunal Pandya has spoken about the challenges and mindset required to compete as](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/pressure-is-always-there.webp?width=120&height=70)
