From Gurukul to global board: Baba Ramdev on why India’s education needs a cultural reset

Baba Ramdev has long been a public voice on health, culture and nation-building. Now, in a fresh conversation with The Times of India, conducted by author Akshat Gupta, he turns his focus to education. The discussion moves quickly from a light question, what rule he would make if he were Health Minister for a day, to a serious reflection on India’s education system, the decline of gurukuls, and his idea of a “global gurukul” for the future. The tone is intense, but the message is clear: education shapes the mind, and the mind shapes the nation.

Who is Baba Ramdev and why does his view matter?

Baba Ramdev rose to fame through televised yoga sessions in the early 2000s. He later co-founded Patanjali Ayurved, building one of India’s largest homegrown FMCG brands. For many, he represents a blend of yoga, Ayurveda and cultural pride. For others, he is a controversial public figure who speaks strongly on politics and policy.That is why his views on education attract attention. He does not speak as a policy expert. He speaks as someone who believes education defines character, confidence and national identity.During the interview, he calls himself a “Universal Health Minister,” a phrase that reflects how he sees his role, not limited by office, but driven by influence.

The Gurukul argument: Loss or transition?

One of the central themes of the interview is the disappearance of the traditional gurukul system. Ramdev claims that India once had lakhs of gurukuls, where education was not limited to literacy but focused on wisdom and character.He argues that colonial policies, especially those introduced in 1835 under British rule, changed India’s education model. Historians do confirm that in 1835, Thomas Babington Macaulay introduced reforms that promoted English education in India. Ramdev views this shift as the beginning of “mental slavery,” a phrase he uses to describe dependency on Western frameworks.His concern is not just about language. It is about mindset. He believes education should build self-respect, not imitation.Yet this raises a question: was the old system entirely ideal, or has modern education also brought access and scientific progress? The answer likely lies somewhere in between. India’s current literacy rate stands above 77 percent, according to recent government data. Access to education has expanded dramatically in the last century. But debates around quality and cultural relevance remain active.Ramdev repeatedly says that education must combine two elements. First, awareness of one’s roots. Second, connection with the modern world.He does not reject science or innovation. In fact, he stresses that knowledge, research and invention are essential. He points to countries like Israel, Japan and South Korea as examples of nations that built global influence through education despite smaller populations.His message is simple: population size does not create power. Education does.He also makes a strong distinction between being a consumer and being a creator. According to him, education should produce innovators, not just employees. It should remove fear and inferiority, not create competition-driven anxiety.

The idea of a “Global Gurukul”

Perhaps the boldest part of the conversation is his vision of a global education board under Patanjali. He speaks about a future where students from 200 countries come to study in India.He imagines a system where ancient Indian philosophy sits alongside modern science. Where agriculture, entrepreneurship and public speaking are taught along with textbooks. Where discipline and character are part of the curriculum.He insists that such education would reduce depression, addiction and moral confusion among youth. That is a powerful claim. It also invites scrutiny. Education alone cannot solve every social problem, but it can shape resilience and clarity of thought.The idea of a “global gurukul” reflects a larger national conversation. India’s National Education Policy 2020 also speaks about holistic and multidisciplinary learning. The difference lies in interpretation and execution.

“Vishwa Guru”: Vision or rhetoric?

The phrase “India as Vishwa Guru” appears again in this discussion. Ramdev connects it to education rooted in pride, ethics and knowledge.He argues that political slogans alone cannot build greatness. Social media noise cannot replace substance. Only a strong education system can create confident citizens.At one point, he says education should not create aggression or blind pride. Instead, it should remove darkness and build inner strength. That statement stands out. It shifts the focus from dominance to development.Becoming a global leader in education would require measurable outcomes, research output, global university rankings, innovation patents, and inclusive access. Cultural confidence must walk alongside scientific credibility.