Books and Things

Review

The Lost Symbol

Fast Paced Genuine Thriller. Some overkill ideas, villains that seem to be knowledgeable about everything.. More later

Who is Baba Ramdev

Newsmaker: Yoga Guru Ramdev

Ramdev's search for Sanjivani is still on

Shishir Prashant /  June 10, 2011, 0:01 IST

Until a few years ago the English media knew very little about him. When Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Brinda Karat took on Ramdev for allegedly using human and animal bones in the medicines manufactured at his pharmacy, it came as a blessing in disguise for the yoga guru. Not only did he wriggle out of the controversy, he also became synonymous with ‘swadeshi’ – in fact, its brand ambassador.

Thereafter, the mass following of the man in saffron robes only grew, and simultaneously, he was catapulted into a situation where he began rubbing shoulders with top politicians and businessmen. He was soon speaking on issues like AIDS and homosexuality and waged a media war against multinational companies with the claim that ayurvedic medicine was the cure for all ills. He even claimed that he would soon bring from the Himalayas the “sanjivani booti”, the one believed to have been used by Lord Hanuman to cure the wounded Laxman in the epic Ramayana – the herb that could bring to life the dying.

It is still a mystery whether Ramdev ever found the magical herb. What he did find was a large number of people who were willing to finance his business ventures. Ramdev gained popularity on three counts – yoga, political activism and his ayurveda business. From Astha to Zee, he was appearing on all television channels and hitting headlines in newspapers. Sensing Ramdev could be pressed into service to further their political cause in the future, top BJP and Congress leaders now began visiting his vast durbar in Haridwar to seek his blessings quite openly.

With all sorts of lifestyle ailments around us, Ramdev’s earthy politico-religious message, breathing exercises and yoga postures held an appeal like no other. Businessmen, too, were regular visitors to his Haridwar-based ashram – Patanjali Yogapeeth. And the yoga guru naturally felt on the top of the world when his supporters bought islands and acquired new companies on his behalf in foreign nations.

Born as Ram Krishna Yadav in the Haryana village of Narnaul, Mahindergarh district, he studied only until class VIII. Later, he joined a gurukul and began taking lessons in yoga and the Vedas. In the early 1990s he used to sell amla (Indian gooseberry) on his bicycle and extoll its medicinal value (it is a big source of vitamin C) until he met a trader whose wife was on her deathbed. Ramdev revived her and in gratitude the trader set Ramdev up in business. His first enterprise was located at Kankhal, near Haridwar – the Divya Yog Pharmacy. It is from here that he began manufacturing ayurvedic medicines, which later became a bone of contention (pun unintended) with Brinda Karat.

Although he is one of the fiercest proponents of the swadeshi campaign in India and refused to use a mobile phone on the grounds that it affected one’s health (he, however, was seen talking on a mobile phone more than once during his Delhi fast), Ramdev recently joined hands with the world’s leading packaging solutions company Tetra Pak to develop an array of ready-to-drink health beverages in aseptic packages of different sizes and shapes. In the US, the yoga guru had also acquired an ayurvedic medicine company in the name of Herbo Ved, for an undisclosed sum, to sell new products abroad. Two years ago, Ramdev bought – or was gifted – an island in Scotland.

At his Patanjali Food and Herbal Park, established with an investment of Rs 500 crore over a sprawling 125 acres in Haridwar, Ramdev set up two Tetra Pak manufacturing machines with a capacity to produce 32,000 packets in just one hour. Patanjali Ayurved Ltd, an organisation founded by Ramdev, is set to launch 20-30 new products in various varieties, like apple and grape juices. Patanjali Ayurved has also created a strong network of 1,500 stores across the country.

But above all this, it is the vast assets of his various yoga and ayurvedic institutes that have raised eyebrows, with the Congress asking questions about the five-star luxury culture adopted by Ramdev. Though Ramdev has claimed he regularly has his assets audited, local Congress leaders say there should be a fresh assessment of his wealth (to the tune of crores of rupees) which he has amassed during the past one decade.

-	Net worth of Ramdev's assets Rs 1,100 cr

Anna Hazare Info

Anna Hazare Info...

·    Who is Anna Hazare?

An ex-army man. Fought 1965 Indo-Pak War

·         What's so special about him?

He built a village Ralegaon Siddhi in Ahamad Nagar district, Maharashtra

·         So what? 

This village is a self-sustained model village. Energy is produced in the village itself from solar power, biofuel and wind mills.In 1975, it used to be a poverty clad village. Now it is one of the richest village in India. It has become a model for self-sustained, eco-friendly & harmonic village.

·         And..?

Anna Hazare was awarded Padma Bhushan and is a known figure for his social activities.

·         Really? What is he fighting for?

He is supporting a cause, the amendment of a law to curb corruption in India.

·         How that can be possible?

He is advocating for a Bill, The Lok Pal Bill (The Citizen Ombudsman Bill), that will form an autonomous authority who will make politicians (ministers), bureaucrats (IAS/IPS) accountable for their deeds.

·         It's an entirely new thing,  right..?

No, it’s 40 years old. In 1972, the bill was proposed by then Law minister, Mr. Shanti Bhushan. Since then it has been neglected by the politicians and some are trying to change the bill to suit their theft (corruption).

·         Oh.. He is going on a hunger strike for that whole thing of passing a Bill ! How can that be possible in such a short span of time?

The first thing he is asking for is: the government should come forward and announce that the bill is going to be passed. Next, they make a joint committee to DRAFT the LOK PAL BILL. 50% goverment participation and 50% public participation. Because you cant trust the government entirely for making such a bill which does not suit them.

·         Fine, What will happen when this bill is passed?

A LokPal will be appointed at the centre. He will have an autonomous charge, say like the Election Commission of India. In each and every state, Lokayukta will be appointed. The job is to bring all alleged party to trial in case of corruptions within 1 year. Within 2 years, the guilty will be punished. Not like, Bofors scam or Bhopal Gas Tragedy case, that has been going for last 25 years without any result.

·         Is he alone? Who else is there in the fight with Anna Hazare?

Baba Ramdev, Ex. IPS Kiran Bedi, Social Activist Swami Agnivesh, RTI activist Arvind Kejriwal and many more. Prominent personalities like Aamir Khan is supporting his cause.

·         Ok, got it. What can I do?

o    we can spread Anna Hazare’s message.

o    we can sign petitions to support Anna Hazare

o    we can stop the cause for uprooting corruption from India

o    we can hope that his Hunger Strike does not go in vain.

o    we can pray for his good health.

·         You and I – Stop Giving Bribes, however small. The change starts with each one of us.