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Biography

Early Life

Dr. Acharya Balkrishna was born on July 25, 1972, to Nepalese immigrant parents, Jai Vallabh Suvedi and Sumitra Devi, in Haridwar, India. Shortly after his birth, the family moved back to Nepal, ensuring young Balkrishna grew up surrounded by family and loved ones. His childhood was marked by poverty and hardship, often going to bed hungry and living without basic comforts. His mother worked tirelessly, but their needs were never fully met, and Balkrishna's only new clothes came from his father's occasional visits from India. This challenging environment forced young Balkrishna to mature quickly, taking on responsibilities to help his mother. After completing his initial schooling in Nepal, Balkrishna's interest in traditional texts and scriptures deepened. His parents couldn't afford a private school, so they agreed to his decision to study at a Gurukul. Since none were nearby, young Balkrishna eloped to Varanasi, knowing his parents wouldn't send him alone. In Varanasi, he had no money or food and slept on the streets, often missing his parents and questioning his decision. After months without finding a mentor, he decided to leave from Varanasi. His passion led him to Shrimad Dayanand Ved Vidyalaya-Gurukul in Gautam Nagar, New Delhi.

The three years he spent there were pivotal in shaping his future. However, a disagreement with the authorities over inappropriate recitations during an event at the Gurukul prompted him to leave and study in Varanasi under Acharya Raghunath Ji. After spending a few months under Acharya Raghunath’s tutelage, he continued his education at the Gurukul in Khanpur village, Haryana, under Acharya Pradhyuman. In 1988, while at Khanpur, Balkrishna met yoga guru Baba Ramdev, then known as Acharya Ramkrishna. After three months, feeling something lacking in his education, he returned to Varanasi to continue studying under Acharya Raghunath. His educational journey next took him to the Gurukul in Kalwa, Haryana, where he studied under the late Acharya Baldev, completing his education there in October 1992. Later he arrived in Haridwar with a wish to go to Gangotri, where he meet Acharya Karamvir ji, a saint of the highest order.

Acharya Ji along with Acharya Karamvir ji organized a yoga camp in Bodoland, Assam, during a period of rising Christian missionary activity and conversions. They educated the local population on Hindu principles, prescribed Ayurvedic remedies, and advocated against animal sacrifices to deities. Acharya Balkrishna then spent time in Porbandar, Gujarat, in deep meditation and seclusion. Upon re-entering public life, he treated the sick with herbal medicine and acupressure, quickly gaining fame for his effective remedies. In the summer of 1993, Acharya Balkrishna and Acharya Karamvir arrived in Gangotri, staying initially at the Ann Kshetra of Swami Aprokshanand before moving into the Sheshnag cave. He spent three years there in Sadhana. Realizing the need to promote Indian cultural pride and well-being, Balkrishna decided to leave Gangotri and work for the welfare of the people, who had grown sick, poor, and disconnected from Vedic and Ayurvedic traditions.

The Transition

With the help of Swami Shri Shankar Dev Ji Maharaj, Swami Ramdev Ji and Acharya Balkrishna Ji laid the foundation for the Divya Yog Mandir Trust in 1995, after years of untiring dedication and persistence. The establishment of the trust was a response to the growing demand for Yoga and Ayurveda, fueled by the success of free Yoga classes. The trust provided the necessary infrastructure, organisational framework, and outreach programs to extend the benefits of these ancient sciences beyond the immediate community. This pioneering establishment was soon followed by the creation of several sister organisations, each dedicated to various sectors including Yoga, Ayurveda, wellness, healthcare, education, research and development, agriculture and IT.

Philosophy Towards Life

Dr. Acharya Balkrishna is a profound and original thinker, deeply rooted in the principles of karma and self-awareness. He believes that karma is the simplest yet most profound philosophy: as you sow, so shall you reap. Every action carries its own consequence, yet it is the intention behind the action, not the expectation of the result, that truly matters. Acharya ji emphasizes that nothing significant can be achieved without right thought and progress; no guru, teacher, or friend can determine our goals for us. We must choose our own paths and work diligently towards our objectives. Valuing relationships is another cornerstone of his philosophy, as life without connections is empty. Maintaining relationships requires sensitivity, open communication, and the avoidance of insensitivity and coldness. He identifies ignorance and lack of compassion as primary sources of human suffering, whereas love and peace are the foundations of true happiness. Acharya ji advocates that recognising our innate nature of love and peace and acting in accordance with it is essential for achieving goodness and happiness. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding that everyone has their own version of the truth. Listening to others' perspectives before forming opinions is crucial, as assumptions can lead to disastrous misunderstandings. Living authentically, without pretence, is another key aspect of his philosophy; despite any facade we may present, we are always aware of our own truths. Deeply inspired by Dayanand Saraswati Ji’s mission to eradicate superstition and ignorance, Acharya ji believes that an enlightened soul can guide society away from false beliefs and towards enlightenment. He stresses the need for intelligent work, not just hard work, to achieve our aims. In today’s world, people often overthink and underact; Acharya ji advocates for balanced thinking followed by decisive action. Spirituality and meditation are vital to his philosophy, as they strengthen the mind and provide control over distressing thoughts. Dr. Acharya Balkrishna underscores the importance of giving rather than wanting, promoting a life of selflessness and mutual coexistence. His holistic approach blends spiritual wisdom with practical action, aiming to foster a life of balance, compassion, and purposeful living.