Early Life
Acharya Balkrishna was born on August 4, 1972, in Haridwar, Uttarakhand (then Uttar Pradesh) to Nepalese immigrant parents. He spent his childhood in Nepal before returning to India. His early life was marked by a deep interest in yoga and Ayurveda, which he pursued diligently from a young age.
Rise to Success
Balkrishna's career is highlighted by the founding of the Divya Yoga Mandir Trust in 1995 with Ramdev and Acharya Karamveer. In 2006, he co-founded Patanjali Ayurved, a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company, which has become a household name in India. He holds a significant 94% stake in Patanjali Ayurved. Patanjali's revenue grew rapidly, with the company selling a wide range of products, from herbal toothpastes and cosmetics to noodles and jams. Balkrishna has been instrumental in promoting Ayurveda and Yoga through numerous publications and research articles.
Key Business Strategies
Key strategies that have contributed to his wealth include building a comprehensive product portfolio, leveraging Baba Ramdev's popularity, and implementing an aggressive pricing strategy. The company has also established vertically integrated supply chains and a strong brand identity linking patriotism and natural wellness. Patanjali Foods Limited, formerly Ruchi Soya Industries Limited, was acquired by Patanjali Ayurved in 2019, with Balkrishna later installed as chairman.
Philanthropy
Balkrishna oversees 5,000 Patanjali clinics, the Patanjali University, and a yoga and Ayurveda research institute. Profits from Patanjali are donated to various trusts and charities.
