Baba Ramdev is now busy preparing an army of youngsters who will be declared his successors on Ram Navmi, the day he was initiated in the realm of renunciation many years ago.
They are now being trained at a camp in Baba Ramdev’s Haridwar-based ashram for the occasion during which they would declare that they break free of the shackles of the bonds of the worldly life. It is learnt that the number of the young ‘Sannyasis’ being consecrated thus for taking the renunciation vow is 85.
The primary requisite for the initiation is thorough knowledge and insight into the hoary Indian scriptures, particularly the four Vedas.
Those close to the Yoga Guru said that this is the first time he would initiate youngsters in the realm of renunciation on March 25, the day he himself was consecrated to renunciation.
Swami Ramdev says that after him, these young Sannyasis would be his successors who would collectively shoulder all the responsibilities of running the organisation he built up.
He insists that the call of the soul for a life of renunciation and service is what matters and not the class and creed they belong to.
It is learnt that 35 Brahmcharinis and 50 Brahmcharis have been chosen for the diksha. Preparations are now going on in full swing. Thatched huts have been built over three acres of land lying between Sant Kutir (Ramdev’s house) and Patanjali Yog Peeth phase 2. The newly initiated sannyasis would stay in these huts. A magnificent Yajnashala is also being prepared in the vicinity. Among others the Juna Akhada head Swami Awdheshanand Giri and Mahamandaleshwar Gursharananand would be present when the sacrificial fire would be lit strictly in accordance with the Vedic traditions.