Former Osho Cult Member From UK Recalls Childhood Trauma Of Rape, Sexual Abuse

Prem Sargam, 54, shares her harrowing experience growing up in the Osho cult, led by Indian mystic Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh.

"It was considered good for children to be exposed to sexuality," Sargam recalls.

She narrates how she endured severe sexual abuse from age six across three Sannyasin communities or 'ashrams'.

"It was considered normal for children to talk about sex and watch adults engaging in sexual activities regularly," Sargam told The Times.

"Between the age of seven and 11, I and my friends were coerced into performing sexual acts on grown men living in the commune. We knew something wrong was going on even then."

Sargam's journey with the Osho cult began when her father sought enlightenment in Pune. She and her mother joined, adopting the philosophy that viewed children as obstacles to parental sexual freedom.

Sargam was forced to change her name, wear orange robes, and was later sent to the Medina ashram in Suffolk, where exploitation continued. By 12, she had been relocated to an Oregon ashram, having endured over 50 rapes.

The Osho cult, founded in the 1970s, attracted Western followers seeking spiritual enlightenment but harbored a dark life of exploitation and child sexual abuse.

Osho advocated unrestricted promiscuity from age 14, earning him the title "Sex Guru" in India. His emphasis on sexual freedom and unconventional meditation methods raised concerns.