RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, Nov.25: Locals in the state are not happy with ‘Acharyakulam’ being run by Patanjali Yogpeeth Trust Haridwar, in Bargawan under Namkum circle of Ranchi district.
It has resulted in a complaint about the trust’s usage of land, which was provided for the purpose of opening an Ayurvedic College on a 30-year lease for a minimal fee of Rs 101 in 2006.
“Fee of Acharyakulam is high and locals are not benefited from it. Thus, locals are disgruntled and have started a smear campaign against the trust. As a part of their campaign, they have targeted the land being used to run school. They are of the opinion that they are using the land for the school which was gifted for opening Ayurvedic College,” a local resident said.
A resident of Katari Bagan, Samlong, and an advocate Sunil Kumar Mahto supported the observation saying he has knocked the door of chief secretary for taking back the 15-acre land given to trust, which is using the gifted land for commercial purposes.
“Following my representation on September 2, joint secretary of revenue, registration and land reform department joint secretary Anjani Kumar Mishra directed the Ranchi deputy commissioner (DC) to probe into the matter on September 29. Now I am waiting for a probe and further action. In case proper action is not taken on my true information, I will knock on the door of the Jharkhand High Court for justice,” Mahto said.
An official at chief secretary office said that Mahto raised the demand after procuring all documents related to lease agreement exercising his power under Right to Information Act.
The documents, annexed with Mahto’s representation include the cabinet approval for proving the land on 30-yr lease on token amount of Rs 101 on March 29, 2006 besides deed of lease agreement made on April 27, 2006 between Governor of Jharkhand through the then DC of Ranchi, Pradeep Kumar and secretary general of Patanjali Yogpeeth Trust, Acharya Bal Krishnajee Maharaj.
In 2006, the government apart from providing 15 acre land for opening Ayurvedic College, had also provided 62.26 acre land to the trust for establishing the Centre for Research and Cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant at Dami village in Bundu Circle.
However, instead of a college, the ‘Acharyakulam’– was inaugurated on 26th of April, 2013 which is a residential educational institute. It claims to be the divine confluence of the age-old tradition of imparting wisdom and knowledge in the ancient Gurukulams by ancestral Rishis & Munis and the ultra–modern scientific, professional and IT– enabled education system of today.
It claims to have an objective of preparing proven scholars in grammar, philosophy, Upanishad, Veda, Vedic literature, Vedic Mathematics, Indian proven history and Raj Dharma besides preparing graduates with the power to give socially, spiritually, economically, scientifically and politically ideal leadership in the country.
It also claims to prepare intellectuals and national leaders who can set new landmarks in different fields including technology, management, defense, administrative services, police services, medicine, engineering, games and sports, fine arts, music, drama, agriculture, industry and research besides others.
Sources close to trust, however, denied the allegation saying locals have no problem and they are happy. They said soon Ayurvedic College will also be opened.
Ranchi DC Chhavi Ranjan when contacted for his comment, said: “No update.”
