(An interview with Jagatguru Shankaracharya Narendranand Saraswati as conducted by Dr. Manish Kumar, Ed. Coordination)

Why are the Hindu Divines so unhappy with Ramdev?

Religious teachers must not behave as traders and they must not sell medicines. If they have to do so they must step down from teacherhood. Making a business out of religion is wrong. Ramdev must understand that divines and saints have given directions to political leaders like Chanakya, Vashishtha and Vishwamitra but never aspired to the throne itself. Politics is not the business of saints.

Do you also see Ramdev’s hand in the disappearance of Shankardev? Should there be an inquiry?

Yes of course the matter must be probed. If Ramdev’s conscience is clear he must come out with an answer. Also the person responsible for the murdr of Shankardev, for reasons of property or otherwise, must be brought to book, whoever he may be.

Since when do you know Ramdev?

I know him through the media only. I have met him personally only once or twice. Actually once he challenged the principles of Shankaracharya over which I met him and he said that he had been misquoted and that he had said nothing of that sort. On being asked, he published a disclaimer next day which was sent via fax to us. He also went to the Jagatguru at his ashram in Haridwar and clarified the matter. I had told him frankly that in case he wants to contend the point we, being Shankarachrya’s followers, would take up the challenge and the one who gets defeated would have to relinquish his life willingly.

So Baba Ramdev did come to please you?

Yes he did. He did get me to talk to gen. sec. of Juna Akhara who solicited for him.

Ramdev has become rich and also famous so all the other saints seem to have grown jealous. Is it so?

No saints of India are not jealous of him. There is no personal aniomosity. Also if Ramdev wants others to declare their black money, he too should come out with his accounts. Why is he buying property outside the country? He should buy property in India that will atleast contribute to Indian economy.

So what is it that you people want from Ramdev?

We want that he must decide as what he wants to do, business or being a religious teacher. For one he must stop using the other and must maintain his dignity as well as that of other Religious Teachers.