The Hindu Business Line : From Velliangiri to Davos

FROM Velliangiri mountains near Coimbatore to World Economic Forum, Davos. That, in short, is the journey that Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev has recently completed, and is quite smug about.

For starters, Jaggi is the founder of Isha Foundation (www.ishafoundation.org) , `a public service organisation dedicated to self realisation,' as a pamphlet describes. And he's been talking about `inclusive economics' and `inner engineering' as solutions for human ills.

"Who are you, a yogic guru or an inclusive economist?" asks a reporter, during an hour-long chat on February 15. Jaggi is quick with an answer: "I'm a human being with interest in human well-being."

Tough to pick holes on that one; so, I ask, "Are you asking the rich to give to the poor? Advocating charity?" He says, "No, I'm against charity." It's investment, argues Jaggi, the way perhaps, C.K. Prahalad reasons in The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid.

Investment in what? English education and computers, says Jaggi. For the salvation for the Indian poor, he argues. Disturbingly, adamantly. He talks about Isha's work, such as mobile clinics and village sports. Thankfully, though, the English-computer formula is yet to get launched. I feel the issue is worth a larger debate before rushing in to catch `the economic bus'!

There are, however, many right things Jaggi talks about. Such as, herbal gardens, yoga, afforestation, rejuvenating rivers and so forth. Volleyball and throw-ball events in villages wipe out caste distinctions, he avers. Possible. Didn't Vivekananda say, "You will be nearer to Heaven through football than through the study of the Gita?" (http://sriramakrishnamath.org).

He discusses varied problems ranging from the racial discrimination in the US to the politicisation of Iraq issue, from religious terrorism to the desertification of Tamil Nadu. "Are you getting Government funding for your projects?" I ask Jaggi. He shakes his head. "No. Because if we take that money, we'd have to follow their parameters."

On the other hand, he also speaks bitterly about the extensive under-utilisation of funds earmarked for rural development. It seems Jaggi has given up on the politicians, though he is open to the idea of imparting legislators with his training inputs. Global business leaders were keen to participate, he says, citing his Davos interactions, and panel discussions. "What about Indian corporates? Have they committed any resources for his projects?" I ask. His answer is negative. He tells us, instead, about the commercial ventures started by Isha, in fields such as furniture and landscaping. "What's new in your teaching?" I ask. Jaggi says, "Presentation." For example, body, mind, emotions and energy are like the four wheels of a car, he says to gel with contemporary thinking. "Shambhavi maha mudra is the key," he says. "A powerful process of immeasurable antiquity," I learn from the foundation's site.

"What's the secret of peacefulness?" I ask Jaggi. "You can't create peace," he says earnestly. "But you can stop creating turmoil," he advises.

Which, I guess, implies not asking more questions.

SayCheek@TheHindu.co.in

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