Madame Tussauds in New York to Install Controversial Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev’s Wax Figure
- The sculpture which shows the Indian teacher and businessman in a tree pose was unveiled today at an event in New Delhi.
A wax sculpture of eminent Yoga guru Baba Ramdev was unveiled today at an event in New Delhi which was graced by the presence of the yoga guru himself. The wax figure, which shows the revered yogic in Vrikshasana or tree pose will be installed at Madame Tussauds New York.
Speaking on the occasion, Baba Ramdev expressed gratitude to the museum and said his wax figure symbolizes much more than his personal journey. “It represents the ancient and spiritual wisdom of India which is based on the principles of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramaya,’ which present the ideal of life.” He urged his followers “to continue to share Indian heritage with the world, and foster a healthier and more harmonious global community.”
Madame Tussauds New York, spokesperson Tiago Mogodouro remarked that the unveiling of Baba Rajeev’s wax statue is “a source of pride for us, having the figure of this charismatic personality” displayed in the museum. “Baba Ramdev’s figure represents a harmonious blend of spiritual wisdom and health, mirroring the admiration and respect he commands worldwide. We take immense pride in honoring his contribution to yoga and wellness, anticipating that his presence will inspire our visitors to embrace the journey of self-improvement and holistic wellbeing.”
Baba Ramdev accused Muslims of resorting to terror and abducting Hindu women while comparing Hinduism to Islam and Christianity.
Recognized for his inspirational approach to yogic practices, Baba Ramdev “has effectively influenced individuals of all ages, promoting healthy living through Yoga and ancient Ayurvedic treatments,” said a press release from the museum. The co-founder of Patanjali Ayurveda Ltd., his noteworthy contributions to Ayurveda, business, and agriculture have garnered him a dedicated global fan base, the museum added. “The unveiling of his wax figure serves as both a gift to his audience and a tribute to the yogi who continues to inspire millions, reflecting the unwavering faith of his followers in the present and projecting into the future,” the museum further said.
Baba Ramdev and his business, Patanjali Ayurveda Ltd., however, has had its share of controversies. The yogi has received criticism over his comments related to modern medicine, yoga, and Ayurveda. He is aligned with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and according to a 2017 Reuters report, Baba Ramdev sent his supporters into the streets to help propel Prime Minister Narendra Modi to power in 2014. Since then, his business has boomed, the report claimed. After Modi’s victory, “leading BJP figures endorsed Ramdev’s vision for India, a populism laced with assertions of Hindu primacy that twins nostalgia for ancient glory with suspicion of foreign influence,” Reuters noted.
In February 2023, Baba Ramdev accused Muslims of resorting to terror and abducting Hindu women while comparing Hinduism to Islam and Christianity. He alleged that “the two faiths were obsessed with conversion while Hinduism taught its followers to do good,” Mint reported at the time. A few months earlier, in November 2022, he sparked controversy with his remarks on women. “Women can look good in anything — sari, salwar kameez, or even when they wear nothing,” he said at an event in Thane, near Mumbai.
Meanwhile, in November 2023, the Supreme Court of India reprimanded Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Ayurveda products and strictly asked them to “stop misleading advertisements,” as reported by Mint. The apex court told the company to stop making false and misleading claims in advertisements about its medicines as a cure for several diseases, or else be prepared to fork out Rs 1 crore ($120,000) as a penalty for each claim.