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In our previous blog, tilted: Persuasion and Cult in India: Introduction we discussed about persuasion, how people in cults use it as a factor to influence people to follow them, and how these cult leaders are experts in persuasion.

In this blog let’s throw some insightful light on how we can avoid falling prey to such tactics by following a number of things that can be done to prevent people from joining cults. These include:

• Raising awareness about cults: People need to be aware of the signs of a cult, and they need to know how to protect themselves from being manipulated.
• Supporting families and friends: Families and friends can play a vital role in preventing people from joining cults. They need to be aware of the signs of a cult, and they need to be willing to talk to the person about their concerns.
• Providing mental health care: People who are struggling with mental health problems are more likely to join a cult. Providing mental health care can help to prevent people from joining cults. You can reach out to experts at ImPerfect.

If you are concerned that someone you know may be involved in a cult, there are a number of things you can do. You can talk to the person about your concerns, and you can provide them with information about cults. You can also contact a cult-exiting organization for help.

Statistics on Cults in India

There are no official statistics on the number of cults in India, but the anti-cult movement estimates that there are about 9,000 cults in the country.

A study by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) found that there were 1,393 cases of “self-destructive sects” reported in India in 2021.

This is a category that includes cults. The NCRB study also found that the majority of people who join cults are young adults. The average age of a cult member is 25 years old.

Cults are a serious problem in India. They can have devastating effects on the lives of the people who join them. There are a number of things that can be done to prevent people from joining cults and to help those who are already involved in cults. By raising awareness about cults, and providing support to families and friends, we can help protect people from the dangers of cults. It is important to note that persuasion is not always successful. People are not always easily persuaded, and there are a number of factors that can influence their susceptibility to persuasion. These factors include the person’s personality, the strength of the persuasive message, and the context in which the message is delivered.

Despite the fact that persuasion is not always successful, it is a powerful tool that can be used to influence people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. In India, persuasion is often used in a variety of contexts, and it can have both positive and negative effects.

Here are some tips for using persuasion effectively:

• Understand the culture: Before you try to persuade someone in India, it is important to understand the cultural context. This includes understanding the values, beliefs, and norms of the culture.
• Build rapport: People are more likely to be persuaded by someone they trust. Take the time to build rapport with the person you are trying to persuade. It can also be a handy tool for leadership.
• Be respectful: In Indian culture, respect is very important. When you are trying to persuade someone, be sure to show them respect.
• Be clear and concise: When you are trying to persuade someone, be clear and concise in your message. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that the person may not understand.
• Use emotional appeals: In Indian culture, emotions are often used to persuade people. When you are trying to persuade someone, use emotional appeals to connect with them on a personal level.

– Urveez Kakalia and Sakshi Merai

References: 

Dominic, B. (2019, April 10). Opinion | Indian elections and the power of persuasion | Mint. Mint. https://www.livemint.com/opinion/columns/opinion-indian-elections-and-the-power-of-persuasion-1554922759332.html

Jonica V. Carlton Best, 2018 Cults: A Psychological Perspective, Columbus State University https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1356&context=theses_dissertations