Baba Ramdev’s claims under scrutiny
Indian yoga guru Baba Ramdev, renowned for his millions of followers worldwide, is now under fire following a directive from India’s Supreme Court ordering him to apologize for falsely asserting that products from his company, Patanjali, can “cure” serious illnesses. Ramdev’s image, once revered, has taken a hit due to these allegations.
In a video featured on his YouTube Channel, Swami Ramdev, boasting over 10 million subscribers, the yoga guru is depicted lying on his back on a stage, demonstrating the ‘pawanmuktasan’ yoga pose alongside a display of Patanjali Ayurved’s medicines, purportedly “herbomineral preparations.”
Founded in 2006 by Baba Ramdev and his close associate Acharya Balkrishna, Patanjali has gained popularity for offering a wide array of products ranging from toothpaste to skincare and wellness items, with Ayurvedic medicines being among its best-selling offerings.
Ramdev, in his video, criticizes conventional medicines as “poisonous, synthetic” remedies and advocates for the use of Patanjali products to address various health issues, including fever, typhoid, liver damage, and skin problems.
In a bold assertion, Ramdev claims that Patanjali’s “anti-cancer juice,” coupled with a strict dietary regimen, can purportedly “cure all types of cancer in seven days to two months,” prompting applause from his audience.
However, the Supreme Court recently intervened, banning the advertisements for these products, citing misinformation and deception of consumers. According to the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act of 1954, it is unlawful to promote drugs as remedies for 54 medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and hypertension.
Despite Ramdev and Balkrishna’s issuance of an “unconditional apology,” the court deemed it inadequate, accusing them of deliberate defiance. The judges scolded the State Licensing Authority and the Uttarakhand government for their inaction against Patanjali’s violations.
The court demanded a public apology from Patanjali and its founders before the next hearing on April 23, but critics argue that this rebuke comes belatedly. They highlight a pattern of Patanjali’s dismissal of allopathic drugs and endorsement of its products’ curative powers, including the controversial claims surrounding Coronil during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moreover, Patanjali’s products, including edible goods, have faced criticism for substandard quality, with incidents of failing food safety tests and allegations of mislabeling.
Despite these controversies, Patanjali has evaded regulatory repercussions, purportedly due to Ramdev’s widespread popularity and alleged connections with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government. Investigations have revealed the brand’s exponential growth under the BJP’s tenure and its favorable treatment in acquiring land for factories and research centers.
While the accusations against Patanjali persist, its loyal followers remain steadfast, viewing Ramdev as an authority on natural and traditional remedies. As the saga unfolds, the public awaits further developments in this ongoing controversy.
