‘Development Has Failed To Ensure Peace Of Mind’

Bhubaneswar: Rapid development in all spheres notwithstanding, lack of peace of the human soul is the most worrying aspect in the modern world, said eminent neurologist, Prof Ashok Mohapatra on Friday.

Life expectancy in India, which stood at 33 years at the time of independence, has risen to 70 years today, while unthinkable development in technology, communication and medicine has taken the country forward. But it has failed to ensure harmony in the human soul, he said while inaugurating the SOA International Model United Nations (SOAMUN) at the SOA Deemed to be University in Bhubaneswar.

“What we lack is harmony and peace. Though people have money, they have no peace of mind,” Prof Mohapatra said posing the question, “Is our progress up to our expectations?”

Depression, anxiety and health issues like hypertension and diabetes are stalking the masses today, he added.

Around 600 students from all over the country and delegates from Indonesia and Bangladesh attended the three-day SOAMUN.

Deliberating on human aspirations, Prof Mohapatra said people are now fixing goals, which are not achievable and subsequent failure plunges them into depression with young people, mostly students, even committing suicide.

“Before thinking of peace, we must find our own peace and spread it across our family, society and the country,” he said.

He urged the students to expand their horizon beyond the windows of their classrooms.