Patanjali University—IGB Sugriwa State Hindu University MoU Discusses Yoga Center, Research, and Ayurveda, Acharya Balkrishna: Balinese and Indian Cultural Roots Share Common Ground

Denpasar (Atnews) - I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa State Hindu University (UHN) Denpasar is collaborating with Patanjali University India in the areas of yoga, research, student exchanges, and the development of Ayurveda.

This effort aims to strengthen international networks, particularly between Hindu universities in Indonesia and India.

The collaboration was discussed during an audience between Rector of I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa State Hindu University Denpasar Prof. Dr. I Gusti Ngurah Sudiana, with Vice-Chancellor of Patanjali University Acharya Balkrishna, accompanied by the Chairman of the NasDem-Democrat Faction of the Bali House of Representatives (DPRD), at the Nakula Sthana Building of the Brahma Widya Faculty, Sugriwa State Hindu University, Thursday (Jun 4). 

The occasion was also enlivened by yoga performances, flute performances by the Patanjali University group as well as spiritual songs presented by Sangathan Sukta and Sanatan Sanskruti.

Vice-Chancellor of Patanjali University Acharya Balkrishna, who is also the CEO of Patanjali Ayurved, was accompanied by Pankaj Shah, Anshul Sharma, Parul Sharma, Sadhvi Swaroop, Sadhvi Suman, Sadhvi Devashrita, Sadhvi Devvani, Sadhvi Devsaumya, Sadhvi Devshakti, Swati Arya, Karuna, Swami Arshdev, Swami Mitrdev, Swami Divyadev, Swami Punyadev, Swami Atmadev, Dr. Rajesh Kumar Mishra, Dr. Bhasker Joshi, and Mr. Prateek Sengar.

The meeting focused on the development of yoga research and studies based on Hindu science and literature. Furthermore, global yoga figure Swami Ramdev is known for his strong support of the development of yoga based on scientific study.

Patanjali University embodies the spiritual vision of Yogrishi Swami Ramdev Ji and Ayurved Shiromani Acharya Balkrishna Ji, who established a holistic learning center blending ancient wisdom with modern knowledge. 

Rooted in the profound wisdom of their ancient traditions and driven by a vision for holistic education, the university is committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also spiritually grounded.

By instilling qualities of independence and national pride in its students, it empowers them to pioneer innovative social and educational reforms for sustainable national development.

Patanjali University prioritizes the holistic development of students, blending traditional teaching with modern methodologies to cultivate empathetic leaders who positively impact society.

The campus provides a dynamic ecosystem where students are encouraged to explore their interests, broaden their horizons, and realize their full potential.

In his remarks, Prof. IGN Sudiana explained that I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa State Hindu University is the only state Hindu university in Indonesia. “We only have one state Hindu university, while Islam already has more than 40 universities,” said Prof. IGN Sudiana.

Prof. IGN Sudiana stated that Sugriwa State Hindu University was a gift from President Joko Widodo, achieving excellent national accreditation and boasting 12 outstanding study programs out of a total of 25.

According to him, Sugriwa State Hindu University shares a vision that aligns with Patanjali University, particularly in developing Hindu-based education and general knowledge. 

“One of the practices of yoga theory has been demonstrated earlier by our students,” he explained.

Prof. IGN Sudiana further explained that the Health Yoga Study Program at the university combines Patanjali Yoga with Ancient Balinese Yoga, a hallmark of Balinese scientific development.

In addition to discussing academics, Prof. IGN Sudiana also addressed the need to build a Yoga Center on campus, which has yet to be completed.

“If he wishes to have his name inscribed on the building he will donate, we will build one in Bali to immortalize his name, for example, the Patanjali Yoga Center of I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa State Hindu University,” he said.

He also welcomed the offer of an international yoga competition between Patanjali University and Sugriwa Hindu State University, planned for next year.

“We warmly welcome the offer from the Vice-Chancellor of Patanjali University to hold a Yoga Competition between Patanjali University and I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa State Hindu University next year,” said Prof. IGN Sudiana. 

Prof. IGN Sudiana also appreciated the contribution of Acharya Balkrishna, who has actively supported various yoga education activities internationally.

“We are very proud because the Vice-Chancellor of Patanjali University is very generous, and I read his biography and he is one of the richest writers in the world,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor of Patanjali University Acharya Balkrishna expressed his impression of the warm welcome from the Sugriwa State Hindu University academic community, including the yoga and Balinese dance performances presented by students.  

“As mentioned earlier, I was very pleased to see the yoga performances, including Balinese dance. Hopefully, Patanjali University can collaborate with I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa State Hindu University,” said Acharya Balkrishna.

Regarding the development of the Yoga Center, Acharya Balkrishna proposed naming the center after a renowned spiritual teacher from India.

“We will send yoga books so that students here can learn, and he wants to collaborate on student exchanges so that lecturers here can come to India and Indians can come here for research,” he explained.

Under this collaboration, the two universities also offer opportunities for student and lecturer exchanges for doctoral degrees between Bali and India. Acharya Balkrishna believed that Bali has a very strong and tangible Hinduism in everyday life.

“Although India is the center of Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma), after seeing it in Bali, he was very impressed and saw that real Hinduism can actually be seen in Bali in everyday life,” he explained.

Acharya Balkrishna also added that the cultural roots of Bali and India share strong similarities, so cooperation between the two institutions is believed to have positive developments in the future.

The collaboration was marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa State Hindu University Denpasar and Patanjali University.

“The MOU was signed with joy and enthusiasm. Similarly, those from Patanjali University will work enthusiastically to ensure this collaboration can be quickly realized,” he explained.

Going forward, the two universities will focus on developing joint research in the fields of yoga, health, Ayurveda, and traditional medicine for the benefit of the global community.

It is worth noting that Acharya Balkrishna is a spiritual figure, Ayurveda expert, and co-founder and CEO of the Indian health product company, Patanjali Ayurved. He is known as a close associate of yoga guru Baba Ramdev and is highly respected for his dedication to popularizing traditional Hindu medicine worldwide.

Moreover, Acharya Balkrishna is also renowned as an Ayurveda expert, possessing a profound knowledge of herbal plants, Sanskrit, and the Vedas. He dedicates his life to researching and testing various medicinal plants for natural remedies.

Later on, Acharya Balkrishna, together with Baba Ramdev, founded Patanjali Ayurved in 2006, which is now one of the largest fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies in India. Acharya Balkrishna holds the majority of shares and manages the company operations.

Given his global influence, Acharya Balkrishna is often referred to as Acharya (meaning Guru) and has written numerous books on health and Ayurvedic medicine.

According to reports, Acharya Balkrishna is a billionaire, with a net worth reaching billions of US dollars, making him one of the most influential businessmen in India.

Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Sugriwa State Hindu University Collaboration Center, Prof. Purnamawati, called the collaboration an important measure in the development of Hindu-based health science and modern science.

“Moreover, it is already science. So, we can meet in science because Hinduism has the same roots, and this will be a good thing in the fields of health, yoga, and science,” said Prof. Purnamawati.

Prof. Purnamawati explained that Sugriwa Hind has also developed Ayurveda and Balinese traditional medicine (usadha) learning through the Health Yoga Program.

“So, Ayurveda has been taught here in Health Yoga. Furthermore, here we also teach the Vedas, including the Smriti, Sruti, and Upanishads,” she added.

Professor Purnamawati hoped that the collaboration with Patanjali University will strengthen research into traditional medicine based on Balinese Usada and Ayurveda for the benefit of global health.

“In this area, we can collaborate on traditional medicine, and it will benefit all humanity worldwide because health is not just about Hinduism, but about all humanity,” she concluded (GAB/ART/WIG).

Bali Provincial Govt Must Help Facilitate Construction of Public Facilities for Indian Cultural Center in Renon

DENPASAR (Atnews)—Global traveler Putu Suasta, an alumnus of Gadjah Mada University and Cornell University, expressed his surprise that land belonging to the Bali Provincial Government has been abandoned for almost a quarter of a century.

The land belonging to the Bali Provincial Government, planned for the construction of the India Cultural Center Bali (ICCB) on Jalan Tantular, Renon, Denpasar, has once again come under public scrutiny.

A sign board has even been installed, and the planned construction of the ICCB project was inaugurated by the Governor of Bali (1998-2008), Dewa Beratha, Indian Ambassador Hemant Krishan Singh, and ICCR DG Rakesh Kumar.

However, to date, the project is known to be stalled, with no signs of continued progress. Understandably, the public is questioning the fate of the Bali Provincial Government assets used for the project.

“Well, we are actually just wondering why the land, which already has a sign out in front, has not been opened yet,” said Putu Suasta, Founder of the JARRAK NGO and the Wisnu Foundation, in Denpasar, Thursday (Jun 4).

Moreover, the allocation of the assets having been approved for the Indian government should be available for public use to enhance cultural and economic relations between Bali and India.

The land having been approved for the purpose should be able to be developed by the Indian government.

“If there are bureaucratic and administrative obstacles, the Bali Regional Government is obligated to help smooth out all these obstacles,” he stressed.

Considering that India is a large country with the largest population and Hindu population in the world as well as having economic, educational, and resource strength, the country under leadership of Prime Minister Modi is advancing in all aspects.

The 2026 global GDP estimate reflects the latest projections for major economies. Although the US and China remain the top two economies, India currently ranks 6th in nominal value with a nominal GDP of approximately USD 4.15 trillion. India also remains the fastest-growing major economy in the world.

India is among the top 10 largest economies. The United States, with a GDP of USD 32.38 trillion, remains the largest economy in the world. China, with a GDP of USD 20.85 trillion, remains the second-largest economy.

Meanwhile, India, with a GDP of USD 4.15 trillion, currently ranks 6th among the largest economies after Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

However, India experiences the fastest-growing economy, leading the economies with a growth rate of 6.48 percent by 2026.

Therefore, the relationship between Indonesia and India continues to strengthen, as they share common cultural roots and ancient traditions based on sanatana dharma dating back to the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

This effort is intended to strengthen the relationship between the two countries, which has been connected since the time of President Sukarno.

India and Indonesia already established diplomatic relations in 1949. A year later, Indonesian President Sukarno was appointed chief guest at the first Republic Day of India in 1950.

Similarly, the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, visited Bandung to attend the Asia-Africa Conference in 1955.

Under leadership of President Subianto, strong diplomatic steps signaled a significant change in foreign policy approach of Indonesia. Furthermore, the relationship between Indonesia and India has strengthened amidst global geopolitical shifts.

President Prabowo Subianto even visited India as Guest of Honor at Republic Day celebrations of India, where he was welcomed by Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on January 24-26, 2025.

His visit to India affirmed the strengthening and expansion of strategic cooperation between Indonesia and India, particularly in the economic, defense, and maritime sectors, since the two countries agreed to become comprehensive strategic partners in 2018.

Previously, President Joko Widodo was the guest of honor at the 69th Republic Day commemoration in New Delhi, India, in 2018, and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) was in 2011, and President Sukarno was a guest at the commemoration of the First Republic Day in 1950.

Moreover, the Indian Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, met with the 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Megawati Soekarnoputri. They both discussed the close relationship between India and Indonesia since the era of President Soekarno and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

The meeting was held at the residence of Megawati in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Monday (May 25). It took place in a warm atmosphere and was filled with nostalgia, reflecting the close historical ties and shared heritage of both countries.

Similarly, the meeting discussed various strategic issues related to geopolitics, efforts to improve the quality of democracy, and strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

In a warm atmosphere filled with stories of the past, Megawati and Sandeep discussed how the personal closeness between the two founding fathers of the nation has been the foundation of the relationship between Indonesia and India to this day.

The discussion touched not only on history but also expanded to geopolitics, democracy, and the global challenges facing both countries.

The meeting demonstrated that the relationship between Indonesia and India was not built solely on modern diplomatic interests, but rather rooted in an ideological friendship having existed since the struggle for independence.

Megawati opened the conversation by recounting her personal experience attending the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, on September 1-6, 1961. At the time, Megawati was only 14 years old, but she had already joined the Indonesian delegates and met directly with a number of prominent world figures.

She recalled sitting with the founders of the Non-Aligned Movement, including Jawaharlal Nehru. That moment became one of the most memorable experiences of her life. “I was wearing a kebaya,” said Megawati while showing an old photo of her meeting with Nehru.

Megawati also displayed several other historical documents, including a photo of Nehru talking with President Soekarno at the Merdeka Palace on June 8, 1950.

In addition, recently, Chairman of the Bali House of Representative (DPRD), Dewa Made Mahayadnya, also known as Dewa Jack, accompanied by the Chairman of the Nasdem- Democratic Party Faction of the Bali House of Representatives for the Buleleng Electoral District, Dr. Somvir, received the CEO of Patanjali Ayurved, Acharya Balkrishna, in the room of the Chairman of the Bali House of Representatives, Denpasar, on Thursday (Jun 4).

Acharya Balkrishna is also the Managing Director of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) conglomerate of India, Patanjali Ayurved. He co-founded the company with renowned yoga guru Baba Ramdev in 2006.

Under his leadership, Patanjali has grown from a small pharmacy to one of the largest consumer goods (FMCG) companies in India with an annual turnover of tens of thousands of crores of rupees.

Acharya Balkrishna, also the Vice-Chancellor of Patanjali University, India, was born in Haridwar on August 4, 1972, to a family of Nepalese immigrants. He studied Ayurveda and Sanskrit at Gurukul Haryana, where he first met Baba Ramdev.

The success of Patanjali has made him one of richest billionaires of India, with a net worth reported by Forbes to be in the billions of dollars.

The Vice-Chancellor of Patanjali University, India, Acharya Balkrishna, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the first public Hindu university in the country, IGB Sugriwa State Hindu University.

In the meantime, the number of Indian tourists visiting Bali ranks second. It has been increasing almost every year, with spending in Bali drastically increasing foreign exchange earnings and foreign tourist levies (PWA). This will also support the economic growth of Bali. (GAB/ART/002)