The Baba Of Big Bucks

Combining commercial success with simplicity, Ramdev is a class apart,

- Sadhguru

HE has courted his share of controversies and has his legions of dedicated detractors. Some insist he is regressive, others that he is populist. Most, however, are left incredulously wondering exactly how Baba Ramdev has managed to endure, formidable odds notwithstanding. Few would dispute that he is an original. In his ability to combine yogic expertise with entrepreneurship, commercial success with simplicity, an irrepressible and earthy common sense with an indomitable capacity to survive, he is exceptional. Difficult to slot, difficult to ignore, he inspires and confounds all at once.

From a shirtless man on a hired bicycle who roamed the roads and bylanes of Haryana, peddling a few kilograms of chyawanprash, Baba has come a long way. The humble salesman has grown into the leader of a $2 billion business, without losing any of the robustness and homespun simplicity that has characterised him from the very start.