His total wealth is around Rs 20,000 crore, with the largest portion coming from royalties.
NEW DELHI
Baba Ramdev has not only influenced the politics of power through the promotion and popularization of yoga, but has also established his economic dominance by challenging domestic and international companies in the pharmaceutical business. Controversies have arisen due to land acquisitions in various states and claims of prevention against deadly diseases using medicines. Therefore, similar to the influence yoga education had on governments during the Nehru-Indira era, Baba Ramdev’s involvement in land acquisitions, aircraft purchases, weapon factories, and businesses has caused crises. He was referred to as a “flying guru.” Dhirendra Brahmachari initiated yoga education through India’s first news television, Doordarshan, but due to engaging in extensive business activities, his program was abruptly terminated overnight. Nevertheless, it must be acknowledged that no one objects to Baba Ramdev’s promotion of yoga and the use of Ayurveda. However, serious allegations regarding his false claims, earnings in the country and abroad, land acquisitions, and non-compliance with laws and regulations are concerning. He is even challenging the Supreme Court, whether imposing a fine of a thousand crores or giving a death sentence, asserting that his claims about treatments and medicines are accurate.
The Supreme Court recently reprimanded Baba Ramdev and his company Patanjali Ayurved. They were criticized for misleading claims and advertisements against modern medical systems. The Indian Medical Association had filed a petition against these misleading advertisements. Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Prashant Kumar Mishra heard the case. Justice Amanullah stated that Patanjali Ayurved must immediately cease all false and misleading advertisements. The court will take any violations very seriously and may impose fines of up to one crore rupees for false claims regarding any product. Following this, the court directed that Patanjali Ayurved would not publish any such advertisements in the future and ensure that such casual statements are not given to the press. The bench clarified that they don’t aim to create a debate between allopathy and Ayurveda, but seek a real solution to the problem of misleading medical advertisements.
The bench instructed India’s Additional Solicitor General K.M. Natraj that the central government needs to find a practical solution to address the issue. The court has asked the government to appear after consultation. The next hearing on this matter will take place on 5 February 2024. Last year, responding to the petition filed by the Indian Medical Association, the court reprimanded Baba Ramdev for making statements against modern medical systems like allopathy. The then Chief Justice N.V. Ramanna had remarked, “Baba Ramdev can popularize his medical system, but why should he criticize other systems? We respect him; he has popularized yoga, but he shouldn’t criticize other systems.”
Baba Ramdev had claimed that his products, Coronil and Swasari, could be used to treat Covid-19. Following these claims, the Ministry of Ayush reprimanded the company and demanded an immediate halt to its promotion. Before launching Instant Atta Noodles in 2015, the company hadn’t obtained a license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This led Patanjali to face legal notices for breaking food safety regulations. In 2015, the Canteen Stores Department (CSD) labeled Patanjali’s Amla Juice as unfit for consumption. Consequently, the CSD removed Amla Juice from all its stores. In 2015, complaints arose in Haridwar about fungus and impurities found in Patanjali Ghee. In 2018, FSSAI reprimanded Patanjali for backdating the manufacturing date by a month on its medicinal product Giloy Ghansatwa. Apart from the Covid situation, Baba Ramdev has been embroiled in controversies over claims regarding the healing properties of yoga and Patanjali products for conditions such as cancer, AIDS, and homosexuality.
On the occasion of launching new products by Patanjali Foods, Baba Ramdev mentioned that the turnover of the Patanjali Group currently exceeds Rs 45,000 crore, reaching around Rs 200 crore globally and Rs 70 crore within India. Maintaining his vision of making the country self-reliant in food oils similar to grains and milk, he spoke about working on palm plantation on 20 lakh acres of land.
Baba Ramdev has claimed that Patanjali will produce palm oil itself. Around 40,000 to 50,000 farmers have already associated themselves with Patanjali for its cultivation, and the number of farmers is expected to reach up to 5 lakhs in the near future. This initiative will directly provide employment to 5 lakh farmers once the production of palm oil begins at Patanjali. Farmers in 12 states, including Assam, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, are engaged in palm oil cultivation with Patanjali. Currently, even barren land is being utilized for plantation, which is not fertile. This will lead to the growth of forests, more trees, increased oxygen levels, more rainfall, improved soil fertility, and increased prosperity for farmers. Environmental damage is not a concern in this regard. Dependence on imported edible oils will reduce. It’s been stated that Patanjali’s annual production in edible oils could reach up to Rs 10 lakh tonnes. This is a five-year project. Palm trees are planted in a day and last for approximately 35 to 40 years.
On the occasion of launching new products by Patanjali Foods, Baba Ramdev stated that the turnover of the Patanjali Group currently exceeds Rs 45,000 crore, with an outreach to around Rs 200 crore globally and Rs 70 crore within India. He mentioned displacing numerous foreign companies from the top position in the Indian market. Patanjali Foods has introduced 14 new products as part of the campaign to launch premium products, including biscuits, products made from bajra (millet) and premium dried fruits, among others. Baba Ramdev highlighted that Patanjali has established a Rs 1500 crore rupee brand for cow ghee and will soon launch buffalo ghee as well. Previously known as Ruchi Soya Industries Limited, after its acquisition by Patanjali, the name was changed to Patanjali Foods Limited.
Whenever the name “Patanjali” comes up, Baba Ramdev’s image immediately springs to mind for most people. Many believe that Baba Ramdev is the true owner of this company, but reality is different. Patanjali was founded in 2006 in Haridwar, and initially, yoga guru Baba Ramdev was merely the brand promoter for this company. According to corporate records, more than 93% of the company’s ownership belongs to Acharya Balkrishna, who is currently the Managing Director, Chairman, and CEO of Patanjali Ayurved. Baba Ramdev’s total wealth is around Rs 20,000 crore, with the largest portion coming from royalties. Baba Ramdev is the branding promoter for the company, leveraging his face for the company’s marketing. Balkrishna Subedi, known as Acharya Balkrishna, originally hails from Nepal and later moved to India with his parents. Acharya Balkrishna had his first encounter with Baba Ramdev at a Gurukul in Haryana in 1995. Initially, he began a business under the name Divya Pharmacy, which later evolved into the Patanjali brand. In the company, Acharya Balkrishna oversees everything from top-level positions to marketing and branding. He is the owner and CEO of the Patanjali Group, valued at around Rs 40,000 crore, leading approximately 34 companies and three trusts under its umbrella. Baba Ramdev has a strong passion for cars. Recently, the yoga guru was spotted driving the Mahindra XUV700. A video shared on social media shows Ramdev driving the new car with his companion. The XUV700 spotted being driven by Baba Ramdev features a panoramic sunroof, indicating it’s the top model. Media reports have also mentioned his sightings in the Jaguar XJ L recently. On the other hand, Balkrishna owns a Land Rover Range Rover luxury car. Baba Ramdev is an enthusiastic biker and is now claiming to travel domestically and internationally in private planes. However, these financial strides might potentially create legal troubles for him.
The writer is editorial director of ITV Network—India News and Dainik Aaj Samaj.