“The media is my biggest ally”

Swami Ramdev in an exclusive interview to Hardnews

Swami Ramdev, who has become a household name due to his media savvy image and also because of the recent controversy when CPI-M leader Brinda Karat alleged that human bones were used in the medicines prepared by his ashram, conducted a unique experiment in Lucknow recently when he put his yoga to test by experts from the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute for Medical Sciences. For nine days, participants from all over the country joined the yoga camp conducted by the Patanjali Yogpeeth and underwent tests to show the remarkable changes in their body chemistry due to yogic exercises. Hardnews caught up with the charismatic swamiji in Lucknow

Pradeep Kapoor Lucknow

Who would you give credit for your success?

To my guru Baldeoji from whom I learnt the knowledge of yoga, and to crores of my followers who are practicising yoga all over the world. Earlier this shastra was not scientific but I made it simple and easy to follow. Now complex diseases like cancer and liver problems are being cured through Yoga.

What about role of TV channels? Is money involved in telecast of your programmes?

Media is my greatest support. I have been able to reach out to millions of people through the print media and television channels. Baba never gives or accepts money from any television channel. 

Do you have plans to cross geographical boundaries?

I have received offers from several countries that are willing to telecast my programmes. I plan to get my programmes dubbed in several languages so millions of people all over world would benefit from yoga.

What sort of experiments are you conducting at the training camp ?

We registered over 300 persons from all over the country to undergo yoga for nine days. Blood tests were taken on the first day from all participants to find out the status of blood pressure, diabetes and hormone levels. Tests will measure hormonal levels before and after yoga. Tests will be done on serum cortisol ACTH and prolactin (bad hormone) and beta edrophina (good hormone). Majority of diseases happen due to increase in bad hormones.

In order to conduct the study, we divided participants into two groups. One comprising people of between ages of 20 and 50 with no health problems and other with those above 50 with known health problems and tests were done for all their ailments before and after yoga in the camp. Each group was divided in two subgroups. One doing yoga and pranayam as well as satsang while the other only attending satsang. Each participant will go through more intricate tests in the next three months.

Can yoga cure serious ailments like cancer and liver cirrhosis?

Yes I have cured people with blood cancer and liver problems. Yoga is better than allopathic treatment as it has no side effects and it helps in toning up the entire system to prevent attack from any disease. Yoga is cheaper and simple.

What is your message to people leading stressful lifestyles?

All individuals should do yoga for one hour a day, especially during brahmurat (early hours). People of any age can do yoga. It not only keeps the system fit but also prevents diseases and helps in character building and decision-making processes.

People want to know about your background

On April 9, 1995 I became a sanyasi through Swami Shankardev of Hardwar. Since then I am above religious and caste barriers and that is why I never tell anybody about my past because it is irrelevant now.

What about the controversy about human bones being used in medicines prepared through ashram?