Baba Ramdev, a prominent Indian yoga guru, is renowned for his contributions to Ayurveda, agriculture, business, and even politics. He’s a globally recognized figure, significantly popularizing yoga worldwide. This detailed biography explores his life, career, and controversies.
Wiki/Biography
Ramkishen Yadav, Baba Ramdev’s real name, was born on December 25, 1965, in Said Alipur village, Mahendragarh, East Punjab (now Haryana), India. His father, Ram Nivas Yadav, was a farmer. His childhood was marked by quietude and contentment, according to his parents. He completed his primary education, studying until the 8th standard before joining a gurukul to study Sanskrit and yoga. He excelled academically, consistently ranking first in his class and meticulously maintaining his secondhand textbooks.
He studied under Acharya Baldev Ji at Gurukul Kalwa and learned yoga from Guru Karanvir, an Arya Samaji. A childhood paralytic attack affected his left side, a condition he attributes his recovery from to the power of yoga.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5’8″
- Eye Colour: Black
- Hair Colour: Black
Family
Ramkishen Yadav was born to Ram Niwas Yadav and Gulabo Devi. He has a brother, Ram Bharat, who serves as the CEO of a Patanjali Ayurveda Ltd. firm.
Career
After embracing an ascetic lifestyle, Ramdev took Sanyasi Diksha and adopted the name Swami Ramdev. He began teaching free yoga classes to villagers while at Kalwa Gurukul in Jind, Haryana, before moving to Haridwar, Uttarakhand. There, he enrolled in Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, focusing on meditation and self-discipline.
In 1995, he established the Divya Yog Mandir Trust. His popularity surged after Aastha TV featured him in a morning yoga slot starting in 2003. He gained a wide following, even teaching yoga to numerous celebrities. His influence expanded internationally, with yoga classes and lectures in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan.
His impactful journey culminated in the founding of Patanjali Ayurveda Ltd., with Acharya Balkrishna. This company has become one of India’s top-performing FMCG businesses.
Controversies
Baba Ramdev’s career has not been without its share of controversies. Here’s a timeline of notable incidents:
| Year | Controversy | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Sex Education vs. Yoga | Advocated replacing sex education with yoga education. |
| 2011 | Government Protest | Protested against government corruption, leading to a police crackdown. |
| 2013 | London Airport Detention | Detained at Heathrow Airport for eight hours. |
| 2016 | Patanjali Fine | Patanjali Ayurveda fined for misleading advertisements. |
| 2020 | Coronil Controversy | Claims about Coronil’s COVID-19 cure abilities drew criticism and legal action. |
| 2021 | Allopathic Medicine Remarks | Controversial statements about allopathic medicines resulted in legal notices and condemnation. |
| 2023 | Religious Remarks | FIR lodged for allegedly promoting enmity and hurting religious sentiments. |
| 2023-2024 | Patanjali Advertisements | Multiple controversies regarding misleading advertisements and legal action by the Supreme Court. |
Favourites
- Food: Fruits, Vegetables
- Politician: Narendra Modi
Assets/Net Worth
While Baba Ramdev doesn’t claim personal property, his association with Patanjali Ayurveda has generated significant wealth for the company. In 2018, Patanjali Ayurveda’s valuation was estimated at $9.3 billion.
Car Collection
In July 2023, Baba Ramdev received a Land Rover Defender 130 as a gift.
Facts
Several interesting facts highlight Baba Ramdev’s life and journey. These include his childhood experiences, his meeting with Acharya Balkrishna, his work ethic, and his diverse interests in social and political issues.
His dedication to yoga and Ayurveda, coupled with his business acumen, has made him a significant figure in India and globally. His impact continues to be felt across various sectors and his controversies continue to spark discussions.
