O Baba!

• Kudos to the Express coverage of Baba Ramdev. This long overdue exposure is a classical example of irreparable breach of trust. Those of us who wish to clear ourselves of the painful images of ‘Bhagwan Shankaracharya’, need to slowly fast-forward this real-life slice: a total of 133 young men and women labeled as ‘sewaks’ were fired. Reason? They demanded the exact salary as documented in the audit books, and not half that amount. Place? A beautiful factory in a Himalayan valley. Work? Promoting yoga as a lifestyle by an ‘indigenous brand ambassador’. Blind faith and unfair manufacturing practices will sink the Titanic called ‘Swami Ramdev’. Human and animal tissue used, allegedly, in his medicines will disturb millions of vegetarian followers. But what’s most shameful is the double standards of the state government and its food and drug agency in awarding licences to
such companies.

— Rakesh Manchanda Delhi

• Is the swami, a sant or satan? Time will tell. I have watched a few moments of his yoga session on ‘India TV’ and yes he is doing a world of good. As a reasonably fit person who does slightly advanced yoga, I can see that a majority of the ills in people can be sorted out by simple lifestyle changes. Swamiji’s simple asanas will benefit those who think they don’t need to, or have not, exercised their bodies. And feeling better will provoke a greater desire to feel better. It is great such a discipline exists. As for Madam Karat, methinks she is not unadulterated herself.

— Bindu Tandon Mumbai

• If the Baba is so anxious about the health of Indians, why is he unleashing political messages in several news channels after the Karat controversy? If people get well with yoga and “herbal medicines” why doesn’t he admit that there are animal residues in his medication? If he was transparent, this controversy would not have risen.

— Anwesha Banerjee Kolkata

• Apropos of Laloo Yadav’s quotable quote on Swami Ramdev case, I would like to state that ayurveda is mostly plant-based. The only animal ingredients generally used are milk, honey, shell, conch, pearl, coral and ghee. If ayurveda products use animal bones, it should be renamed!

— Richa Vij New Delhi

Odd partners

• This is with reference to the editorial, ‘Some friends’ (IE, Jan 6). Left parties support the UPA government to keep the BJP out of power but, at the same time, these parties also don’t want the Congress to take steps they don’t approve of. Our economist PM knows that PSU disinvestment is required. He also knows that labour laws need reform. However, he can do nothing. The Left is also desperate to expand its voter base. That is why these parties side with the Samajwadi Party.

— Satbir Singh Bedi Delhi