Biography of Acharya Balkrishna: Chairman of Patanjali Ayurved -Businessman
Biography of Acharya Balkrishna:
Acharya Balkrishna ji is renowned as a great scholar of
Ayurveda, Sanskrit, and the Vedas. His expertise spans Sāṅkhya Yoga, Panini's Aṣṭādhyāyī,
and profound knowledge of Vedas and Upanishads. He advocates for ancient
lifestyles, traditions, and natural healing practices, making Ayurveda culture
widely accepted in modern times. He serves as an inspiring role model for the
younger generation.
Early Years and Education
Born on 4 August 1972 in Haridwar, Uttarakhand (formerly
Uttar Pradesh), Balkrishna's roots trace back to Nepal, where his parents,
Sumitra Devi and Jay Vallabh Subedi, hailed from Syangja. His early years were
spent in Nepal before he returned to India. In Haryana's Khanpur Gurukul, he
encountered Ramdev, sparking a significant friendship and partnership that would
shape their future endeavors
Entrepreneurial Journey
Acharya Balkrishna, as he is commonly known, embarked on an
extraordinary entrepreneurial journey despite lacking formal education.
Alongside Ramdev, he co-founded Patanjali Ayurved, a consumer goods company
that rapidly gained prominence for its natural and ayurvedic products. Under
Balkrishna's leadership as chairman, Patanjali Ayurved expanded its footprint
both within India and internationally, becoming a global player in the consumer
goods sector.
The Establishment of Patanjali Ayurved
In 1995, Acharya Balkrishna, Ramdev, and Acharya Karamveer
founded the Divya Yoga Mandir Trust at the Kripalu Bagh Ashram in Haridwar.
This marked the beginning of their spiritual and health-focused initiatives. A
decade later, in 2005, they established the Patanjali Yogpeeth Trust, which
eventually took responsibility for managing the Bharatiya Shiksha Board as of
2022.
The Rise of Patanjali Ayurved
In 2006, they diversified into consumer goods with the
launch of Patanjali Ayurved, specializing in FMCG, herbal, and ayurvedic
products. Initially funded with support from NRIs Sunita and Sarwan Poddar, the
business started with a substantial loan despite Balkrishna's unfamiliarity
with personal banking.
Growth and Milestones
By 2012, Patanjali Ayurved achieved a significant milestone,
recording a turnover of Rs 4.5 billion. The company's rapid growth continued,
reaching an impressive Rs 50 billion in the fiscal year 2015–2016. This growth
was fueled by expanding product offerings and widespread consumer trust in
their natural health solutions.
Leadership and Influence
While Ramdev does not hold equity in Patanjali Ayurved, he
serves as its public face, endorsing products through yoga camps and television
programs, significantly boosting its popularity among followers. Balkrishna,
owning 94% of the company, operates as its managing director and maintains a
close association with Ramdev. His impact in business and society led to his inclusion
among India's 50 most influential personalities in 2020 and recognition as
India's third-youngest billionaire by Forbes India Rich List the same year.
Biography of Acharya Balkrishna: Chairman of Patanjali Ayurved-Businessman /Entrepreneur/ Investor/Patanjali products/natural products/success story
Financial Success and Expansion
As of March 31, 2020, Patanjali Ayurved reported substantial
revenue from operations amounting to Rs 9,022.71 crore. This financial success
underscores the company's continued expansion and influence in the consumer
goods sector, solidifying its position as a leader in Ayurvedic products.
Ownership and Influence
Acharya Balkrishna's entrepreneurial journey has been
remarkable, with Forbes estimating his net worth at $3.4 billion. He holds a
commanding 94% stake in Patanjali Ayurved, affirming his pivotal role in the
company's strategic direction and leadership in promoting traditional health
and wellness solutions globally.
Challenges and Ethical Concerns
In March 2024, Patanjali Ayurved faced scrutiny and issued
an unconditional apology before the Supreme Court for broadcasting misleading
advertisements regarding medicinal cures. This incident underscored the
company's need to navigate regulatory challenges while upholding ethical
standards. It highlighted the complexities of maintaining integrity in a
competitive market environment.
Champion of Biodiversity Conservation
Acharya Balkrishna's contributions to biodiversity
conservation are unparalleled. His efforts include exploring and conserving
endangered plants like ‘Sanjeevani’, ‘Soma’, and others. His expertise in
characterizing medicinal plants and indigenous medicine has earned recognition
at national and international levels, showcasing his profound knowledge and
dedication.
Projects of National and International Importance
Currently, Acharya Balkrishna is involved in several
significant projects of national and international importance. These include
establishing herbal gardens and herbariums, creating the first-ever ‘World
Botanical Dictionary’, documenting the ‘Wealth of Food Crops’, identifying rare
medicinal herbs, and conducting vegetation surveys across India. His
initiatives aim to strengthen traditional medicine systems worldwide.
Publishing Efforts and Educational Contributions
Acharya Balkrishna has published multivolume works such as
the ‘World Herbal Encyclopedia’, which details 60,000 medicinal plant species
and features the world's largest collection of medical plant paintings. His
commitment to enhancing Ayurvedic knowledge, bridging gaps in healthcare, and
promoting holistic healing through Yoga and Ayurveda reflects his dedication to
improving global health systems.
Vision for Holistic Health
As a torchbearer in preventive medicine and holistic health,
Acharya Balkrishna strives to innovate new approaches to health problems. His
focus on integrating Indigenous Medicinal Systems with modern healthcare
indexes underscores his vision for comprehensive and natural health solutions
compatible with contemporary needs.
Achievements and Recognition
Forbes reported Balkrishna's net worth at US$2.3 billion in
May 2021, highlighting his remarkable success in building and managing a
billion-dollar business empire. His achievements have been noted not only for
their financial impact but also for the cultural and societal influence of
Patanjali Ayurved, which promotes traditional Indian medicine and wellness
practices.
Cultural and Personal Influence
Balkrishna's contributions extend beyond business,
resonating deeply with cultural and spiritual aspects. His association with
Ramdev and their shared vision for promoting yoga, Ayurveda, and indigenous
products has garnered widespread acclaim. This cultural resonance has
solidified their roles as influential figures in India's health and wellness
sector.
Continued Impact and Legacy
As Balkrishna continues to steer Patanjali Ayurved towards
greater heights, his journey stands as a testament to entrepreneurial spirit
and vision. His story exemplifies how determination, partnership, and a
commitment to traditional knowledge can fuel extraordinary success in the
global marketplace, leaving a lasting legacy on both business and society.
Recognition and Global Influence
Acharya Ji's multifaceted expertise extends beyond academia
and healthcare into administrative and managerial realms. He has been
recognized globally for his contributions, earning accolades such as being
named among the 'Ten Versatile and Dynamic Young Men of India' by 'India Today'
and listed in the 'High & Mighty 50 Power People' by 'India Today' in 2020.
His influence is further underscored by his inclusion in 'India's 50 Most
Influential Personalities 2020' by Yahoo and being honored as 'India's
Third-Youngest Billionaire' by Forbes India Rich List 2020.
Achievements in Exploration and Environmental Conservation
In September 2022, Acharya Ji achieved a remarkable feat by
summiting three previously unclimbed peaks in the Himalayas, discovering rare
herbs and naming them based on the 'Sanatan' tradition. His commitment to
exploration and environmental conservation continued in September 2023, when he
successfully ascended two unnamed icebergs in the Harsil Region, naming them
"OM Kailash Shikhar" and "Nandi Shikhar". These endeavors
highlight his dedication to preserving natural resources and promoting spiritual
heritage.
Digital Influence and Social Media Presence
Acharya Ji holds the distinction of being the 'Most Followed
Entrepreneur' on Indian social media platforms, amassing over 10 million
followers. His digital presence enables him to reach a vast audience, spreading
knowledge of holistic health practices and promoting cultural heritage on a
global scale.
Personal and Professional Roles
Acharya Balkrishna resides in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, and
remains unmarried. His life is deeply intertwined with various significant
roles in organizations promoting yoga, Ayurveda, and traditional Indian
knowledge.
Key Leadership Positions
Balkrishna serves as the General Secretary of Divya Yog
Mandir Trust and Patanjali Yogpeeth Trust. He holds pivotal roles as the
Managing Director of Patanjali Ayurved Limited, Vice Chancellor of Patanjali
University, and General Secretary of Patanjali Gramodhyog Trust. Additionally,
he acts as the Chief Editor of Yog Sandesh and contributes to the Patanjali
Research Foundation.
Recognition and Awards
Acharya Balkrishna's contributions have been widely
recognized. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Literature degree by
Uttarakhand Sanskrit University for his efforts in protecting Ayurveda and
Indian knowledge traditions. Notably, he received the Champions of Change award
in 2019 for his significant contributions to Ayurveda. He was also honored with
the "UNSDG 10 Most Influential People in Healthcare Award" for his
work in the healthcare sector and received the "Best Wellness Impact
Global Award" from CFI.co. Moreover, he was bestowed with the
"Bheeshma Puraskar" by Sant Shree Gyaneshwar Gurukul, Pune, and the
AIMA Managing India Award 2018 for "Transformational Business Leader of
the Year."
