Baba Ramdev needs no introduction. The yoga guru has played a pivotal role in rekindling public interest in yoga and ayurveda through his dynamic teachings and nationwide campaigns. As the co-founder of Patanjali Ayurved and Patanjali Yogpeeth, he helped bring India’s traditional wisdom into modern mainstream consciousness. In this exclusive interview with The Free Press Journal, Baba Ramdev speaks candidly about the journey so far, the relevance of yoga and ayurveda in today’s world, and the road ahead.
Excerpts from the interview:
From the time you began teaching yoga and ayurveda, how have you seen public perception evolve? Do you feel your mission is complete, or is there still more to be done?
I’ve been practising yoga for nearly 50 years and ayurveda for over 35 years. Back then, neither had the visibility they enjoy today. Now, yoga is practised in both rural and urban areas, and terms like bhastrika and kapalbhati are known in almost every household.
Today, 99% of people in India are aware of yoga and ayurveda. That’s a huge achievement. They are not just practising yoga — they are living it. People started thinking about themselves. They are beginning to reflect on how to live consciously. The philosophical principles of yoga — oneness, awareness, harmony, happiness — are becoming more ingrained. Yoga connects us with our nature. So, yoga is no longer a mystery. Thus, so much has already happened.
Can yoga be a perfect instrument for holistic living? How does ayurveda fit into this framework?
If you consider any of the elements, there are two words – Pradhana and Guna. When we prioritise yoga, ayurveda comes under yoga. Yoga is a scientific way of life through which we become physically, mentally and emotionally fit. Ayurveda complements it, and vice-a-versa.
We’ve studied ayurvedic remedies alongside allopathic treatments for conditions like liver disease, blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and more. We have found that ayurvedic medicines not only target symptoms but also offer holistic healing — they are anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing, immune-boosting, and support long-term vitality.
So, in essence, yoga, ayurveda, and naturopathy are not different elements. They are a science and a way of life. We use them together for enhancing energy and vitality, treating the root cause of diseases, and nurturing, mind, body and soul.
You founded Patanjali Ayurveda and Patanjali Yogpeeth. Many still don’t fully understand the scope of these initiatives. Can you elaborate?
Yes, while many people know us for yoga and ayurvedic products, our work extends far beyond that. We are doing a lot of research and work in the field of education through Bharatiya Shiksha Board, in agriculture, and many other activities aimed at character and nation-building. Through these initiatives, we have created employment for about five lakh people, with many more ready to be given employment. Gradually, people will become aware. A big task for Patanjali is to liberate India from the slavery -- of education and treatment, of the poor, of addiction and more. It’s a gradual but ongoing transformation.
What inspired Patanjali to start and how are you planning take it forward?
It all happened organically. When lakhs of people started coming to us to learn yoga, we gradually became an institution. It was not a business plan, with profit and loss at the core. We simply applied our knowledge and experience, step by step. God made us do such a big thing.
Do you believe you’ve played a key role in reviving interest in yoga and ayurveda?
What can I say... I believe we are doing what God is making us do. We are doing it as our duty. The self-indulgence and self-absorption are not good. God has kept us at the centre of this movement, and we are simply playing our part.
In recent years, many modern variations of yoga have emerged, especially in Western countries. What’s your opinion on this trend?
It's good to see yoga being applied practically in daily life. However, the commercialisation of yoga should not dilute its essence. If someone is modifying them for marketing purposes, we can only urge them to keep the basic principles of yoga intact. It’s still better than those spreading harmful practices or promoting addictions.
How is Patanjali expanding its work in the field of yoga today?
To take yoga to people, we have approximately one crore of our members working in this regard. Due to digitalisation and increase in social media presence, awareness is growing rapidly. Now, it will expand as much as it can be propagated.
How do you deal with criticism and detractors?
Jealousy and criticism is a part of our lives; it happens all over the world. It is impossible that every Indian agrees with us completely, which is okay. We have more supporters than detractors. And, a little noise from detractors doesn’t matter. We have decided that whatever has to be done, it should be done.
What’s your vision for the future of traditional medicine and holistic wellness in India?
As I said, we are mere facilitators. As an institution and organisation, we are doing whatever we can to the best of our abilities. And I am happy we have managed to overcome obstacles and made significant progress in this direction.
Do you think India can become a global hub for yoga and ayurveda?
It is India’s knowledge. Whether it is yoga or ayurveda, it is the heritage of the sages. Some might use it for personal branding; let them do it. We are committed to upholding its spiritual, practical, and philosophical roots.
What are your future plans for Patanjali, yoga, and ayurveda?
The are several projects, initiatives in the pipeline. Like, we are building Patanjali Wellness Centre near Delhi. There’s also a university that’s underway. Our main focus is education. We want to instil the spiritual values of yoga from childhood. We keep crying about vices and problems that are troubling the society today due to lack of good human values. We want to nurture better individuals, for a better world.
