Interview/ Basma Aldakhi, Yazidi survivor
IN AUGUST 2014, the Islamic State (IS) stormed the Yazidi heartland in Sinjar, north Iraq, forcing nearly four lakh people to flee. The terror outfit abducted around 6,000 women and children. The Gurudev has since taken several measures to support the Yazidi community.
Edited excerpts from an interview with Basma Aldakhi, a Yazidi woman who survived the brutal violence unleashed by the IS, and later found solace in the Gurudev’s teachings:
Q/ Could you share your experience during the time of the attacks?
This tragedy was deeply personal. Among those kidnapped were my relatives and cousins, which made the pain even more intense. That period was filled with fear, grief and shock.
I lived in a state of deep trauma following the genocide of my people. I had lost hope and was struggling with severe psychological stress, unsure of how to begin again. At that time, a friend encouraged me to seek help through the Art of Living (AOL) Foundation, both to heal myself and to support my community.
I found it hard to believe that any organisation could restore my sense of hope. Still, I enrolled in a training programme in Duhok, where I was introduced to breathing techniques, meditation and yoga. Gradually, I began to feel a real and profound change within myself.
Q/ What inspired you most when you met the Gurudev?
What struck me most upon meeting him was a deep sense of tranquillity and safety. His presence felt unique—as though he carried peace within him, and, naturally, shared it with others. He encouraged us to remain strong, to have faith and patience and to continue serving others despite the challenges we faced. He told us that we must become peacemakers in the world and transform our suffering into strength that can uplift others. He also expressed deep compassion for the Yazidi community and sent a gift with us for Baba Sheikh [Khurto Hajji Ismail], the spiritual leader of the Yazidi faith.
Q/ What was your healing journey like?
My healing journey was not easy, but it was one that gave me my life back. After completing the initial training, I felt my mental health was improving, and a sense of hope slowly returned. I felt that I was not alone, that healing was possible and that I could also help others.
Along with three others who had received the same training, I began organising workshops in camps [in Iraq] to help people cope with psychological stress and anxiety. Together, we trained more than 600 people across different age groups.
Later, I travelled to India with the support of AOL for a 23-day intensive training programme. I learned advanced techniques in breathing, meditation, yoga and practical wisdom for daily life under the guidance of experienced trainers.
This journey transformed my life. I was no longer just someone trying to survive trauma—I became someone committed to helping others heal. Since then, I have supported many survivors and children who escaped the grip of the IS.
Q/ How do you view the Gurudev’s teachings, and what role has the AOL played in the Middle East?
I believe Gurudev’s teachings are rooted in inner peace, forgiveness, patience and service. What resonated with me most was his emphasis that no matter how difficult life becomes, one can always find inner strength and begin again.
The AOL has played a vital role, especially in the Middle East. It not only provides psychological support to people affected by war and crisis but also equips them with practical tools to manage fear, anxiety and trauma.