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Online Gambling in India : The Mahabharata Warned Us – Are We Listening?
Published On: June 13, 2025
The great Indian epic, the Mahabharata, is not just a tale of war and destiny. It is a mirror reflecting human flaws, choices, and consequences. One of the most haunting lessons from the epic is the tragedy that unfolded due to a simple game of dice. A single moment of gambling cost the Pandavas their kingdom, their dignity, and years of hardship.
Thousands of years later, the lesson remains the same—but are we paying attention?
In 2024, a heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded in Telangana. A young man, addicted to online gambling, lost 30 lakh rupees. With no way to repay his debts, despair consumed him. His entire family—his parents and himself—took their own lives.
This incident was not just a personal loss; it was a wake-up call. It exposed a growing crisis—one that is quietly destroying many young lives across India. Gambling, once a game of the reckless, has now become a trap that many unsuspecting students and young professionals are falling into.
Recognising the urgency of the issue, Telangana’s Chief Minister, Revanth Reddy, recently announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to enforce the state’s ban on online gambling platforms. However, many other states in India have given little to no thought about this looming danger, putting youths and teenagers at risk.
We often blame the companies behind gambling platforms, the celebrities promoting them, or the legal loopholes that allow them to exist. While these factors contribute to the problem, there is a deeper issue at play: a mindset shift among young Indians.
Many young people today are trapped in the illusion of “quick success.” They see overnight wealth as a real possibility rather than an exception. Online gambling platforms exploit this mindset, presenting a dangerous fantasy—one where money multiplies effortlessly. What they do not reveal is the destruction that follows.
This is where parents and teachers play a crucial role. The values we instill in children today will determine the decisions they make tomorrow. The lesson is simple: shortcuts don’t work.
Had these young gamblers read the Mahabharata, they would have known how dangerous gambling can be. When Yudhishthira, the righteous Pandava prince, was invited to a game of dice, he did not see the danger. He was tricked into believing it was just a game. By the time he realised his mistake, he had lost everything.
The message is clear: Gambling is never just a game. It is a slow poison that consumes everything—money, relationships, and, ultimately, life itself.
Parents must bring these lessons back into their children’s lives. Stories are powerful. They teach without preaching. Through the Mahabharata, children can learn about discipline, patience, and self-control. They will understand that true success is not built in a day—it is earned through effort and perseverance.
While storytelling is one way to guide children, there is another essential tool—spirituality.
Why do so many people fall into the gambling trap? Because they believe money equals happiness. But if true happiness came from wealth alone, then the richest people in the world would never struggle with depression, anxiety, or stress. The reality is different. Contentment, discipline, and self-awareness are what truly bring peace of mind. And these qualities are best nurtured through spirituality.
Laws may change, but values should remain constant. Telangana’s crackdown on online gambling is a step in the right direction. But the real solution lies in our homes and classrooms. When children grow up with strong moral foundations, no gambling app, celebrity endorsement, or false promise can mislead them.
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