Haridwar, August 4 (HS): The birthday of Acharya Balkrishna, General Secretary of Patanjali Yogpeeth, was celebrated as ‘Jadi-Booti Diwas’ (Herbal Day). On this occasion, Swami Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna inspired the gathered crowd to participate in a massive plantation drive aimed at promoting the vision of a healthy individual, healthy family, healthy society, healthy nation, and healthy world.
Extending birthday wishes to Acharya Balkrishna, Swami Ramdev remarked that medicinal herbs are a divine gift from nature and the supreme being. He said that herbs are not only used for healing but also serve as a medium for spiritual realization. Swami Ramdev praised Acharya Balkrishna for dedicating his entire life to public welfare and said his life is a source of inspiration, especially for restoring and honoring the legacy of India’s ancient sages.
Speaking at the event, Acharya Balkrishna emphasized that “We are not the creators of herbs; rather, we exist because of them.” He said that if we want to protect human life, we must preserve herbs. Patanjali’s observance of Herbal Day is an initiative to safeguard the life of all humanity.
Acharya added that his birthday is merely a symbolic occasion, and across India and the world, millions of people associated with Patanjali Yogpeeth celebrate it by planting medicinal herbs. He appealed to citizens to plant as many herbs as possible to protect health and the environment.
As part of the event, 11 books authored by Acharya Balkrishna were launched, with Saumitreya Padpaniruktam being a notable highlight. Additionally, blood donation, eye testing, and dental check-up camps were held. A team from AIIMS Rishikesh and Himalayan Hospital Blood Bank conducted the blood donation drive, collecting around 450 units of voluntary blood.
Approximately 588 people had their eyes tested, and 207 free eyeglasses were distributed. Furthermore, the Patanjali Dental Research Centre offered free dental check-ups and treatments to around 470 individuals, along with free dental kits.
Under the aegis of the Bharat Swabhiman Trust, neem, tulsi, aloe vera, clove-tulsi, and amla saplings were distributed free of cost.
Later, a cultural program was held at the grand auditorium of Patanjali University, where monks, project heads, officials, staff members, teachers, and students from various Patanjali-affiliated institutions and initiatives extended their birthday greetings to Acharya Balkrishna.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
