From engineer to beggar: Bengaluru man's heartbreaking fall sparks mental health debate

Bengaluru(The Uttam Hindu): A man claiming to have once worked as an engineer at a leading tech firm has recently captured the attention of social media users after being spotted begging on the streets of Bengaluru. His dramatic fall from a professional life to homelessness has sparked widespread discussions about mental health, addiction, and the fragility of success. 

The individual asserts that he was employed at Mindtree, a well-known technology company located in Global Village Tech Park (now Sattva Global City). He claims to hold a Master's degree from Frankfurt, Germany, showcasing a promising academic and professional background. However, his current situation starkly contrasts with this past.

The man attributes his descent into homelessness to a series of personal tragedies. He has spoken about the loss of his parents, which left him emotionally devastated. Additionally, a breakup with his long-term girlfriend further compounded his struggles. These traumatic experiences reportedly led him to alcohol abuse, ultimately resulting in his current state of begging.

The man's plight came to light through three videos posted by Instagram user @sharath_yuvaraja_official. In these videos, he is seen in a disheveled state, wearing a red T-shirt and speaking incoherently about various topics, including meditation and philosophical concepts. He expresses deep regret over his life choices, lamenting, "Religion, caste, all those things… look at what I've become. I need to read more." The videos depict him in different locations within Jayanagar, where he has been observed begging for survival. The stark contrast between his former life as an engineer and his current circumstances has resonated with many viewers.

The videos have ignited conversations on social media regarding mental health and the precarious nature of success. Many viewers have expressed sympathy for the man's situation and called for action. In response to the public outcry, the individual who posted the videos attempted to contact NGOs for assistance; however, it was noted that no organization could intervene without police involvement. Despite offers of help from concerned citizens, the man reportedly declined assistance and has continued to live on the streets.

This heartbreaking story serves as a poignant reminder of how quickly circumstances can change and highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and support for mental health issues in society. It underscores the importance of compassion and understanding towards those who find themselves in similar situations, as well as the need for systemic solutions to address homelessness and mental health challenges in urban areas like Bengaluru.