Ramdev's ‘sharbat jihad’ remark sparks controversy, claims funds used to build mosques, madrasas
Haridwar: Yoga guru Ramdev has landed himself in a controversy by using the term “sharbat jihad” in a viral video, where he claimed that a company selling sharbat is using its earnings to build mosques and madrasas, while promoting Patanjali’s rose sharbat.
In the video, which was posted on the official Facebook page of Patanjali Products and has garnered over 37 million views, Ramdev is seen promoting Patanjali’s rose-flavored beverage. He contrasts it with an unnamed competitor’s product, saying: "If you drink that sharbat, there will be masjids and madrasas made. But, if you drink Patanjali's gulaab sharbat, then gurukuls, Acharyakulam, Patanjali University, and the Bharatiya Shiksha Board will be made.”
While he did not mention any specific brand, media reports have speculated that the comments may be directed at Hamdard’s Rooh Afza.
The caption accompanying the video took the messaging further, warning viewers about what it described as “toilet cleaners being sold as soft drinks.” Referring to this as “sharbat jihad,” Ramdev likened it to “love jihad” and “vote jihad,” and said people must protect themselves from it.
The remarks have sparked backlash on social media, with some users accusing Ramdev of communalising consumer choices. One comment read: “Looks like he’s eyeing a political role now, suddenly remembering mosques and madrasas.”
Meanwhile, many users asked Patanjali to reveal the total number of gurukuls and universities they have opened so far.
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Maharashtra sets up state vaccination task force to strengthen immunisation programme
Mumbai (PTI): The Maharashtra government has set up a State Vaccination Task Force to strengthen the regular immunisation programme and review the progress of related campaigns, a health department official said on Monday.
The State Vaccination Task Force will comprise at least 29 members and will be headed by the administrative head of the health department, he informed.
The government has also constituted separate district-level and municipal vaccination task forces to improve implementation and address challenges at the grassroots level, he said.
Municipal task forces, chaired by respective civic commissioners, have been constituted in view of the vast urban population in Maharashtra and the role of civic bodies in implementing different health programmes.
The district-level task forces will function under the chairmanship of collectors.
"Complete immunisation of children at the appropriate age is an extremely simple, cost-effective and highly effective measure to reduce child mortality and the prevalence of diseases among kids. Immunisation is a powerful tool for reducing illness in children," maintained the official.
To ensure full vaccination of all children, the state government implements various campaigns from time to time as per the central government guidelines, he pointed out.
"Active participation and cooperation of other relevant government departments are essential (in making these campaigns successful)," according to the official.
The state-level body will review the regular immunisation programme, associated campaigns and vaccine-preventable diseases in detail. It will also conduct focused assessments of high-risk districts and municipal corporations, including vacancies at district, municipal and sub-district levels, availability of cold chain equipment, resource gaps and training requirements, he noted.
The state task force will review allocation and utilisation of funds for immunisation and ensure timely action by officers concerned based on reports from district and municipal task forces and state-level monitoring mechanisms, the official said.
It will also ensure active coordination and participation of other government departments in immunisation drives, while district and municipal task forces will carry out similar functions at their respective levels, the official added.
