“I started drinking from Class 9…”: Premanand Maharaj shares the ‘one thing’ parents can do to keep children away from bad habits

June 17, 2026 - 08:36

A spiritual leader's recent remarks about childhood addiction are prompting many parents to rethink how they raise their children. Premanand Maharaj shared a troubling story during a public interaction that has since spread widely.

He recalled speaking with a young boy who confessed a painful secret. "I started drinking from Class 9. Now that I am in Class 12, I sometimes feel like destroying myself," the child said. Maharaj noted that this is not an isolated case. "This is not the story of one child. Thousands of children are facing the same situation today," he added.

When asked what parents can do to keep their children away from bad habits, Maharaj pointed to one thing. He said the problem often begins at home, not outside. Children turn to substances or negative influences when they feel unheard or unloved. He urged parents to build a genuine connection with their kids early on. Instead of lecturing or controlling, he advised parents to become a safe person their child can talk to without fear of judgment.

Maharaj emphasized that children who feel emotionally secure are far less likely to seek escape through alcohol or other harmful behaviors. He warned that many parents focus too much on grades and discipline while ignoring the emotional void their children are trying to fill.

The message has resonated with many families who are struggling with similar challenges in a world full of distractions and peer pressure.