Yoga guru or a merchant of social poison?

Yoga guru or a merchant of social poison?

The future of Ramdev now depends not only on his business but also on the unity of Indian society and the credibility of the justice system. It is time for the country to decide—will it spare a person who is mixing poison in the name of syrup? A sharp analysis of the ‘Sharbat Jihad’ controversy

0 A cunning trader under the guise of saffron garments.
0 The court has warned that the culture of repeatedly seeking forgiveness will no longer be acceptable.
0 ‘A clever baniya in a chola’
0 Baba Ramdev’s business or propaganda of social poison?
0 As always, Ramdev put on a show of asking for forgiveness in court this time as well.

Special Correspondent / New Delhi

Baba Ramdev, who has established a vast commercial empire in the name of yoga and Ayurveda, is once again at the center of controversies. This time, the issue is not just about his misleading advertisements or the quality of his products, but a comment that has directly attacked the unity of Indian society. Their comment about ‘Sharbat Jihad’ not only hurt social harmony but also raised the question of whether Ramdev is truly a yoga guru, or a cunning businessman in saffron robes, engaging in the trade of selling religion and nationalism? A strategy was adopted. But now the question is — will this repeated ‘apology workaround’ save them every time? Is it not time for the law and society to recognize the true nature of this ‘Saffron Baba’ and take strict action?

Delhi High Court’s Strictness: ‘No Freedom to Poison’ The Delhi High Court termed Ramdev’s comment on ‘Sharbat Jihad’ as ‘soul-shaking’ and ‘unacceptable for a civilized society.’ Ramdev had indirectly claimed that products like “Rooh Afza” fund madrasas and mosques to promote Patanjali’s rose syrup. This statement was not only an attempt to spread communal discord but also a tactic to increase market share by targeting a popular brand that has been around for 100 years.

Justice Amit Bansal said in a stern tone: “There is freedom of trade in this country, but the freedom to spread communal poison cannot be given to anyone.” The court also warned that the culture of repeatedly asking for forgiveness will no longer be acceptable. This is not the first time that Ramdev has faced reprimand from the court, but this time the matter is being considered his most serious mistake so far.

Historical Context: The Old Alliance of Religion and Trade Ramdev’s strategy is not a new phenomenon. Throughout Indian history, traders have often used religious sentiments to enhance their business. In the 1990s, after the demolition of the Babri Masjid, some companies had carved a niche in the market by associating their products with ‘Hindutva’ or ‘swadeshi’. Ramdev has refined this strategy further. He not only raises the slogan of ‘swadeshi’, but also exploits consumers’ emotions by labeling his products as ‘divine’ and ‘sacred’.

Senior historian Dr. Ramchandra Guha has written about this: “Ramdev’s model is a symbol of the dangerous alliance between religion and commerce in modern India. He is promoting communal polarization under the guise of selling yoga and Ayurveda.” Patanjali’s history is intertwined with controversies. Whether it is misleading advertisements, adulteration in products, or refutation of scientific claims—Ramdev and his company have always been in the headlines.

1. Judicial rebuke and a series of apologies• 2022-23: The Supreme Court took a tough stance against Patanjali’s misleading advertisements that included claims of ‘miraculous cures’ for diabetes and high blood pressure.
2. • The Indian Medical Association (IMA) alleged that Patanjali is spreading false propaganda against allopathy.
3. • Three apologies: Ramdev has had to publicly apologize in court at least three times so far, but each time he jumps into a new controversy.
4. Questions about the quality of products• FDA Reports (2021-23): Contamination was found in Patanjali’s honey, ashwagandha powder, and other products.

• Rajasthan Drug Control: Harmful substances like the steroid dexamethasone were found in some medicines of ‘Divya Pharma’.
• CSE Study: Excessive amounts of mercury and lead were confirmed in Patanjali’s toothpaste, which is hazardous to consumer health.

1. ‘Coronil’ Controversy: The Challenge of the Scientific Community In 2020, when the entire country was grappling with COVID-19, Ramdev created a sensation by calling ‘Coronil’ a ‘miracle cure’ for the virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) rejected this claim, labeling it as “irresponsible.” The government was forced to clarify that Coronil is merely an “immunity booster,” not a treatment. Nevertheless, Patanjali made millions of rupees from the sale of this product.

“Sharbat Jihad’: A New Chapter of Communal Poison Ramdev’s ‘Sharbat Jihad’ comment was not just an immediate reaction. Sociologists believe it was a planned strategy, possibly due to the following reasons:

• Battle for market share: Anger arising from the minority community purchasing fewer Patanjali products.
• Attack on Rooh Afza: Targeting this 100-year-old popular brand to introduce Patanjali’s rose sharbat in the market.
• Religious polarization: Attracting consumers by coloring business competition with communal hues.

Senior sociologist Prof. Shafique Ansari said… “This person, who mixes poison in the name of sharbat, is not just a businessman, but a criminal of society. This is not just an attack on Rooh Afza, but an attack on India’s shared culture.”

Political Reactions: Opposition’s Outrage, Ruling Party’s Silence The opposition has sharply reacted to Ramdev’s statement, while the ruling party’s silence raises many questions.

• Congress spokesperson Supriya Srinet: “He seeks forgiveness in court every time and then jumps into a new controversy. When will this forgiveness industry come to an end? The government’s silence indicates its collusion.”
• CPM leader Mohammad Salim: “Baba now sells not only yoga but has also become a distributor of religious fanaticism.”
• RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav: “This baba is selling poison, not syrup. This is treason, and the result of the government’s collusion.”
• NCPR President Priyank Kanungo: “Strict action should be taken against advertisements and religious poison that mislead even children.” • BJP’s silence: The ruling party has not made any clear statement on this issue, which the opposition has termed as “silent support.”

Ramdev’s Strategy: The Game of ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Conspiracy’ Every time a controversy arises, Ramdev employs the same strategy:

• The card of ‘International Conspiracy’: He claims that global pharmaceutical companies and ‘Western powers’ are conspiring against him.
• The shield of ‘Swadeshi’: Capitalizing on public sentiments by portraying his products as ‘part of Indian culture.’
• The image of a Yoga Guru: Concealing his controversial statements under the guise of yoga and spirituality.

But this time the patience of the public is wearing thin. A user on social media wrote: “Ramdev’s true face is now out in the open. He is not a baba, but a cunning trader who is cheating the country under the guise of saffron clothes.”
Conclusion: The end of a ‘divine’ illusion? Baba Ramdev’s persona and his business model present a complex contradiction. On one hand, he claims to bring yoga and Ayurveda to the global stage, while on the other hand, his misleading advertisements, communal statements, and debunked scientific claims raise questions about his credibility. The ‘Sharbat Jihad’ controversy has not only put Patanjali’s commercial ethics on trial but has also highlighted the growing communal divide in Indian society.

Now the question is
Will Ramdev’s repeated apologies continue forever?

• Will the court take strict action this time, or will Ramdev once again escape with his ‘apology arrangement’?
• Will the Indian public be able to understand the reality of this ‘clever businessman hiding in saffron robes’?

Public’s anger
‘The Baba will not be spared anymore ‘The anger against Ramdev and Patanjali is clearly visible on social media. The following hashtags are trending:

• #BanPatanjali• #SharbatJihadExposed