Jagadish "Jaggi" Vasudev (born 3 September, 1957), also known as Sadhguru, is an Indian guru and founder of the Isha Foundation, based in Coimbatore, India.
Sadhguru also advocates for protecting the environment against climate change, leading many initiatives like Project GreenHands (PGH), Rally for Rivers, Cauvery Calling, and the Journey to Save Soil.
In 2017, he received the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, for his contributions to spirituality and humanitarian services.
[7] Although his parents wanted him to continue his education with postgraduate studies, Vasudev disagreed and began a career in business.
[9] Vasudev explained that his motivation to start a poultry farm was driven by the serenity it yielded in the hours he was not working.
[7] The business required minimal attention throughout the day, so Vasudev was able to pursue other interests during his time off, like writing poetry.
[7] In 1994, he purchased land near the Velliangiri mountains in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, and inaugurated the Isha Yoga Center.
[22] The foundation aims to improve the quality of education in rural India through an initiative called Isha Vidhya.
[24][25][26][27] Sadhguru established PGH to address water and soil issues in Tamil Nadu through reforestation efforts.
[27][32] In May 2022, he addressed the leaders of 195 countries at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification to speak about "Journey to Save Soil".
[27][5] On World Environment Day 2022, Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, attended an event with Sadhguru to discuss efforts to improve soil health.
[3] Maria Helena Semedo, deputy director-general of FAO, opined that "Organic [farming] may not be the only solution but it's the single best [option] I can think of.
[40][41][42] Sadhguru is a frequent public speaker who has been invited to address many prestigious forums and conferences across the globe, such as the United Nations' Millennium World Peace Summit, the British House of Lords, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the International Institute for Management Development.
[47][48][49] The same year, Sadhguru consecrated the Adiyogi Shiva statue, built by the Isha Foundation, in Coimbatore, standing at 34 metres (112 feet) tall.
[65][66][2][67] He has also repeatedly stated he can solidify mercury at room temperature; a claim refuted by Australian scientist Sumaiya Shaikh.