- The rich Indian heritage vis-à-vis culture, tradition, authenticity, and time-tested belief system has served the country for ages with such panache and aplomb that we are proud of the lineage passed on to us for generations. Some of the practices, like Yoga and traditional medicines, along with healing techniques, are still practiced and used by scores of people, immensely benefiting from the ancient knowledge. Of course, the advent of the modernity-driven present-day world offers various options based on the unimaginable developments over the centuries. As civilization evolved, revolutionary inventions have only aided humankind in embracing the offering with absolute delight. Yoga is one such ancient knowledge that has stood the test of time, though.
PC: Aaj Tak
- One of the most acclaimed proponents of the ancient knowledge of Yoga is none other than Baba Ramdev, who not only popularized the same in the country and beyond but also helped millions of people, cutting across faiths, to embrace the extremely beneficial form without questioning. However, since the popularity of Baba Ramdev grew exponentially, he also ventured into manufacturing FMCG products based on Ayurvedic and traditional knowledge, piggybacking on the goodwill generated through his Yoga camps. Rather than stick to the conventional method of harnessing the goodwill of scores of people invested in the ancient form of Yoga and Ayurvedic traditions, mixing a business angle into the melee has not gone too well with the discerning lot.
PC: Deccan Herald
- Time and again, Baba Ramdev finds himself in the crosshairs of the higher judiciary for outrageous claims and counterclaims. People are aware that he probably likes controversies because it’s good for business, you see. As reported recently, the Delhi HC told Baba that he is not under anyone’s control and that he lives in his own world. The judge was earlier aghast at the ads, saying he couldn’t believe his eyes and ears while watching the videos. His company dragged its feet on following the court’s orders, but finally rushed in to do as required – an apology and promise of no more such ads. YouTube still had the ads, apparently, in private mode for its subscribers. And the Delhi HC will check out the compliance with its orders soon.
PC: The Siasat Daily
- However, does the Baba, entrenched in the material worlds of politics and business, inhabit his world, as HC said? Not really. A more astute businessman that he is, he gambled on waging a new cola war with his communally charged attack on a Hamdard product. The fact is, Baba can barely wrench himself from the headlines for too long. With full-mindedness, he breezily walks in and out of controversies and court cases. Looks like he has little compunction about making religiously coloured statements, getting hauled up in court, or having his company dish out apologies after going slow on compliance. Only for him to do something anew. Baba Ramdev has built up a welcome reputation over the decades. He should not let business interests ruin it.
