NOW IS IT BABA-GIRI?

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The notion of Indian gurus conjures up an image of kaashay-clad enlightened souls, who chant for welfare and conduct elaborate prayers. Some even master a practiced form of healing like yoga and are hailed as modern-day traditional healers. But these days being a Baba is as much about penance and the halo as it is about professional endeavour. If not, what can explain the lifestyle of jet-setting sadhus, their fleet of cars, their drug factories and five-star comforts?

Yoga guru Ramdev might have had early-risers stretching their way to good health, but his hi-tech Satyagraha has given the Sonia regime sleepless nights. Arriving in the capital in his private jet, he deliberated with senior ministers at the five-star Claridges.

And along with his team of accountants, PR managers and campaign strategists who are said to be the best in the industry, the emergence of the Baba conglomerate and political stance has made many question his agenda.

A spiritualist’s foray into the political arena begs many questions – does a democracy mean anyone in disagreement with the government can take to the streets? Do demands need to be accepted in a time-frame stated by men without any administrative experience or governance track record? If it is all about transparency, then why can’t dialogue also be transparent? Union HRD minister Kapil Sibal and Baba Ramdev have different versions of what transpired.

In recent times there has been one too many questions raised about the wealth of Baba Ramdev. From his sprawling Scottish estate worth 2 million pounds to property worth millions of dollars in the US, the Baba, surrounded by his able advisors, has made the most of faith and freedom that India permits saffron yogis.

If the call is to restore Indian money to its shores and support our own economy, why can’t Ramdev ji ask his donors to “donate” lands in India for yoga centres?

With their huge fanbases and gift of the gab, the sadhus are still able to twist the arm of democratically-elected governments with their demands, which people like Digvijay Singh say are “vague”. And in this whole mass hysteria and lack of collective will from the government to be tough, Ramdevs will emerge from every street corner, for every issue they might have.

While fast unto deaths are not a new concept, the flashbulbs and cameras seem to contribute to the crowds thronging to the Ram Lila grounds or wherever these men squat. If not, why would we see unassuming men and women waving to panning cameras with wide grins? Ramdev has an agenda and perhaps a positive one, but the arm-twisting Baba-giri has made the greater society aware of the need to be cautious of saffron men who want to interfere in governance. And if anti-corruption also means an implicit call for austerity, his campaign with modern gadgetry, hi-tech pandals and air- conditioners was certainly not of the Hazare kind.

His whole premise is commercial as he sells products, charges for yoga and receives hefty donations, some from people who have been charged with corruption, as openly stated by Digvijay Singh. But no one can deny the cure and comfort that Baba provides through his many facilities in India. And this perhaps is the message — if the good outweighs the negative, the world is ready to contend with anyone.