The recent controversy involving Namita Thapar has sparked a larger conversation around the health benefits of prayer, mental wellness, and online toxicity. After sharing a video highlighting the potential health benefits of doingNamaz, Thapar, the Shark Tank India judge and entrepreneur, faced severe online trolling and abusive comments, prompting her to strongly respond and defend both her views and her family.
Namita has now addressed the criticism, revealing that she has been facing abuse for the past three weeks while also clarifying her stance.
“I am a healthcare professional. I have done so many reels on the Hindu religion, on health benefits like Yoga asanas, especially Surya Namaskar, and all. At that time, no one said anything,” she said on a video message she posted on X.
While the debate online has been heated, experts say that practices like prayer, meditation, and mindful movement can have measurable effects on physical and mental health.Namaz, for instance, involves a series of gentle physical movements which include standing, bowing, kneeling, and prostrating, which Namita explained helps improve flexibility and joint mobility, promote better blood circulation, support muscle relaxation, and encourage mind-body coordination.
These movements are somewhat comparable to low-impact exercises like yoga or stretching routines.
Beyond physical benefits, prayer – in any religion - is widely associated with stress reduction and emotional well-being. Studies on mindfulness and spiritual practices show they can lower cortisol or stress hormone levels, improve focus and mental clarity, enhance emotional resilience, and provide a sense of calm and routine.
In a fast-paced world, structured practices likeNamaz, Arti, or meditation can act as a daily reset for the mind.
Despite the health-focused intent, Thapar’s video triggered strong reactions online, highlighting a growing issue - misinformation and online harassment in health discussions.
Many feel that polarising conversations can discourage people from exploring beneficial wellness practices. It also shifts focus away from evidence-based discussions to emotional reactions. "Continue at your own discretion because god's watching you all. And for all proud, educated Hindus who believe religion means respect, especially for women, negative reels meri bahut viral hogyi, ab yeh waali viral karke dikhaao (Many of my negative reels got viral, now make this go viral)," she concluded in her reaction video.
The incident also sheds light on how social media trolling can impact mental health. Constant exposure to negativity can lead to increased anxiety and stress, emotional exhaustion, and severely reduced willingness to share knowledge publicly. Public figures, like Namita, often face amplified scrutiny - but the psychological effects can be significant for anyone.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
