Baba Ramdev is one of the most controversial and polarizing figures in India. To his supporters, he is a holy man who has brought yoga and Ayurveda to the masses. To his detractors, he is a quack who is dangerous for people to follow. So, what is the truth about Baba Ramdev? Is he a businessman or a holy man? And what are his true motivations? Read on to find out.

Who is Baba Ramdev

Baba Ramdev is an Indian spiritual leader and yoga teacher known for his work in ayurveda, business, politics and agriculture. He founded the Patanjali Group of Companies, which has interests in fitness, healthcare and food products. In recent years, he has been involved in several high-profile controversies.

His Businesses

• Baba Ramdev is best known as a yoga guru, but he is also a successful businessman. He is the founder of Patanjali Ayurved, a company that produces ayurvedic and herbal products. The company has an annual turnover of over Rs 10,000 crore (US$1.5 billion).
• Ramdev started his business in 2006 with just Rs 4 crore (US$600,000). Today, Patanjali Ayurved has over 5,000 stores across India and is present in nearly 50 countries. The company's products are available in over 10,000 stores in India.
• Ramdev's success as a businessman has been attributed to his ability to tap into the vast potential of the ayurvedic and herbal market in India. He has also been able to successfully brand himself and his products.

His Philosophy

• In his early twenties, Ramdev began studying yoga and India's ancient Vedic texts. He developed a simple philosophy that would later guide his business ventures: 'There is no one above or below you. We are all equal.'
• Ramdev's businesses are based on this principle of equality. He believes that everyone deserves access to quality products and services, regardless of their economic status. This philosophy has led him to make his products affordable for all Indians, regardless of their income level.
• Ramdev's businesses have also been built on the principle of giving back to society. He has created various philanthropic initiatives, such as a free hospital in Haridwar and a school for underprivileged children. These initiatives are in line with his belief that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare and education.
• Ramdev's philosophy is based on two main pillars: equality and giving back to society. These values have helped him build a successful business empire while also making a positive impact on the lives of millions of Indians.

His Controversies

• Since gaining prominence in the early 2000s, yoga guru Baba Ramdev has been no stranger to controversy. From his initial claim that he could cure cancer to more recent allegations of financial wrongdoing, Ramdev has been embroiled in a number of high-profile controversies over the years.
• One of the earliest controversies surrounding Ramdev was his claim that he could cure cancer. This claim led to a number of people with cancer seeking out Ramdev's treatments, which were often expensive and not backed by any scientific evidence. While Ramdev eventually stopped making this claim, the damage had already been done for many people who had put their faith in him.
• In more recent years, Ramdev has come under fire for allegedly using dubious financial practices to help build his business empire. These allegations first surfaced in 2012, when it was revealed that Ramdev's company had used shell companies and front organizations to evade taxes and launder money. While Ramdev has denied these claims, the controversy continues to dog him and his businesses.

His Impact

• Baba Ramdev is often credited with popularizing yoga in India and making it mainstream. He has been a driving force in making yoga an integral part of many people's lives. He has also been instrumental in promoting Ayurveda and natural products.
• Ramdev has had a profound impact on the way people think about health and wellbeing. He has helped millions of people to lead healthier lives through his yoga classes, books and DVDs. He has also inspired people to take up yoga as a means of improving their overall health.
• Ramdev's work has not only had an impact on the physical health of those who follow him, but also on their mental and emotional wellbeing. He has helped people to overcome stress, anxiety and depression through his teachings. His work has also helped to raise awareness of the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.