Acharya Balkrishna
The Billionaire Behind Patanjali Ayurveda
Acharya Balkrishna, born on August 4, 1972, in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, is a name synonymous with success, entrepreneurship, and a deep-rooted commitment to Ayurveda and yoga.
As the chairman of Patanjali Ayurved, a consumer goods conglomerate, he has risen to prominence not only as a billionaire businessman but also as a guardian of India's ancient knowledge traditions. Let's explore the life and achievements of this remarkable individual.
Balkrishna was born to Nepalese immigrants Sumitra Devi and Jay Vallabh Subedi, who hailed from Syangja, Nepal. His childhood was spent in Nepal, but destiny had other plans for him.
His journey took a significant turn when he returned to India and enrolled at Khanpur Gurukul in Haryana, where he crossed paths with another influential figure, Baba Ramdev.
On January 5, 1995, Balkrishna, along with Ramdev and Acharya Karamveer, laid the foundation of Divya Yoga Mandir Trust at the Kripalu Bagh Ashram in Haridwar. This marked the inception of their collaboration in promoting yoga, Ayurveda, and holistic well-being.
In 2006, Balkrishna, Ramdev, and their associates established Patanjali Ayurved, a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company specialising in herbal and Ayurvedic products.
With the support of NRIs Sunita and Sarwan Poddar, who provided a loan, Patanjali embarked on a journey of remarkable growth and success. Balkrishna's leadership was instrumental in the company's meteoric rise.
While Baba Ramdev is the public face of Patanjali Ayurved, Balkrishna owns a substantial 94% stake in the company and serves as its managing director. This partnership has allowed them to steer the company to incredible heights, making it one of India's most recognised FMCG brands.
In 2020, Patanjali Ayurveda reported significant revenue from its operations, underscoring its continued growth and influence in the industry. Moreover, Balkrishna's business acumen has made him one of the youngest billionaires of Indian origin, according to Forbes India Rich List 2020.
Balkrishna is known for his simple and modest lifestyle. He resides in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, and has remained unmarried.
In addition to his corporate role, Balkrishna holds several key positions, including General Secretary of Divya Yog Mandir Trust, General Secretary of Patanjali Yogpeeth Trust, Vice Chancellor of Patanjali University, and Chief Editor of Yog Sandesh, among others.
Acharya Balkrishna's contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Champions of Change award in 2019 for his work in the field of Ayurveda.
He has also been recognised as one of the "UNSDG 10 Most Influential People in Healthcare" and received the "Best Wellness Impact Global award" from CFI.co.
His dedication to Ayurveda and Indian knowledge traditions was further acknowledged when he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Literature degree by Uttarakhand Sanskrit University.
Apart from his business endeavours, Acharya Balkrishna is a prolific author. He has published over 330 research articles in various national and international journals and authored more than 200 books on yoga and Ayurveda.
His literary contributions include monumental works like the "World Herbal Encyclopedia" and "Flora of Rashtrapati Bhavan."
Acharya Balkrishna's life journey from a small town in Nepal to the helm of a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate serves as an inspiration to many.
His unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting India's ancient traditions, coupled with his entrepreneurial prowess, has not only transformed Patanjali Ayurved but also impacted the lives of countless individuals seeking holistic well-being.
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