In a significant address delivered at Patanjali Yogpeeth on the 80th anniversary of India’s Independence, yoga guru Baba Ramdev issued a stark warning to the Narendra Modi government regarding escalating student protests. He highlighted widespread irregularities in education and government recruitment examinations, cautioning that the agitation could intensify dramatically. Ramdev stressed that if the Central government fails to promptly rectify these systemic “ghapla” (scams), he might feel compelled to rejoin the protests, echoing his past activism.
Ramdev strongly urged younger generations, particularly Gen Z, to maintain peaceful demonstrations and avoid any form of violence or lawlessness. He underscored the importance of protests remaining strictly within the confines of constitutional principles.
The yoga guru articulated profound concerns about the foundational deficiencies in the educational sector. He pointed out the alarming absence of basic facilities in schools and colleges, citing a critical lack of teachers, inadequate water supply, and intermittent electricity. Beyond these infrastructural woes, he alleged pervasive corruption influencing selection processes for government positions.
He painted a grim picture of the current situation, stating, “There is chaos everywhere in the country. Children are complaining that there are no teachers in their schools. Basic facilities like electricity, water and toilets are missing. Cheating is rampant in some places, while question papers are being leaked in others. In government job interviews, corruption runs as high as 99%. Selections are being done along the lines of caste and religion. This is highly offensive and against the Constitution.” Ramdev lamented the hypocrisy prevalent, where lofty ideals like “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth alone triumphs) and “Yato Dharmastato Jayah” (Where there is righteousness, there is victory) are preached, yet government jobs allegedly require bribes of up to 1 crore rupees. He questioned the viability of the nation if such widespread corruption continued unchecked, warning of escalating agitation if issues are not addressed swiftly.
Ramdev emphatically stated his opposition to anarchy and lawlessness under the guise of protest but reaffirmed the undeniable presence of numerous scams across the country. He urged the government to “kindly fix this problem, or else Baba Ramdev will have to protest again.” This reference harked back to his prominent anti-corruption protest at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan in 2011, which concluded with a police crackdown.
Furthermore, Ramdev condemned the growing social discord and enmity among Indian citizens. He criticized individuals who, in the name of being Indian, harbor political, caste, or religious hatred. He decried the hostile divisions among various communities, including Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, Dalits, Adivasis, forest dwellers, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, and Buddhists, observing that they appear “thirsty for each other’s blood.”
He passionately called for the dismantling of these societal barriers, urging a collective pledge on this 80th Independence Day to reject the “divide and rule” doctrine and to unite the nation rather than fragment it. He reiterated that while fighting for their rights, young people should adhere to the law and the Constitution, shunning violence. Ramdev emphasized that true independence signifies an indigenous system of education, healthcare, and economy, prioritizing the honor and self-respect of citizens. He concluded by stressing that the youth, particularly Gen Z, should not engage in lawlessness or anarchy but pursue their rights and duties within democratic and constitutional limits, safeguarding the integrity of India’s news and its future.
