Shantanu Gupta - The Monk Who Became Chief Minister: The Definitive Biography Of Yogi Adityanath

1. Yogi gave first interview to RSSs magazine Panchjanya
   after becoming CM

The Monk Who Became Chief Minister

The Definitive Biography of Yogi Adityanath

Shantanu Gupta

First published in India 2017

2017 by Shantanu Gupta

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Yoga is the defining term for India and its great dharmic civilization of thousands of years. The global spread of Yoga since Swami Vivekananda first travelled to the West over a hundred years ago has paralleled Indias development as a nation.

In March 2017 Yogi Adityanath, head of the eminent Gorakhdham Mutt, became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in India. His appointment, which was a great surprise to many, marks a significant new chapter in the ongoing relationship between Yoga and Indias national awakening.

The current Prime Minister of India Sri Narendra Modi, with his establishment of International Yoga Day and bringing Yoga education into the schools, has emphasized this connection. By selecting Yogi Adityanath, the BJP that Modi leads has furthered this yogic vision of a new India. Yogic values and practices can help us better perform our duties and create a happier, more prosperous and aware society. This is particularly relevant and possible in India, the land of Yoga.

Gorakhdham Mutt is one of the most prestigious seats of yogic knowledge in the country. Yogi Gorakhnath, who the Mutt represents, has been the most influential of Indias Yogis over many centuries. He was a famous exponent of Hatha Yoga and its psychophysical exercises and of Siddha Yoga and its deep meditation practices.

As representing Gorakhdham Mutt, Yogi Adityanath carries on this venerable tradition of Nath Yoga, which long ago spread throughout South Asia bringing the light of Yoga to the entire region. As a Nath Yogi, Adityanath has a training and a heritage perhaps unparalleled among political figures today.

Nath Yogis are Hindu Shaivites, but in the universal view of Shaivism and Sanatana Dharma, share their teachings for the benefit of all peoples, regardless of religious or cultural backgrounds. They follow strict vows and practices aimed at both inner spiritual awakening and providing service to humanity. Historically, Nath Yogis served in the protection of temples and holy sites.

While Yogi Adityanath is the first Yogi to become a chief minister in India, we must remember that great Yogis like Sri Aurobindo played crucial roles in Indias Independence Movement. The Bhagavad Gita of Yogeshvara Krishna inspired the movement overall and remains Indias most characteristic and widely read book.

Yogi Adityanath received his initiation in 1994 from revered Mahant Avaidyanath, the head of Gorakhnath Mutt and disciple of famous Mahant Digvijaynath. He became head of the Mutt himself in 2014 when Avaidyanath passed away.

Yogi Adityanath contested and became a member of the Lok Sabha from Gorakhpur in 1998, at the age of 26; the youngest person ever elected to the Lok Sabha, and has not lost an election since. He took over the seat from his own guru Mahant Avaidyanath who had previously held it for many years, working for the country according to the same yogic values. His Mutt has many upliftment programs for all segments of society, including women, the youth and the poor.

Yogi Adityanath has not only a vast spiritual heritage but also the extensive government experience necessary to run such a large state as UP, taking an active role in Lok Sabha functions and committees over the years. He conducts regular Janta Darbars for meeting with the common people and discussing their problems on all levels. Yogi Adityanath reflects yogic attitudes and values in his working to improve education, increase infrastructure, and counter crime and corruption.

With such extraordinary accomplishments already, Yogi Adityanath at the young age of forty-four is a leader with a destiny likely to remain a key figure in India for decades to come. Sri Narendra Modis commitment both to Indias development and to promoting Yoga is part of the Yogis inspiration.

Uttar Pradesh has over two hundred million people, more populous than but a few countries in the world. Sadly the state has suffered from decades of misrule and lack of development, including massive corruption under previous administrations. Though Uttar Pradesh is the ancient center of India culturally, misrule and nepotism has kept it one of the most backward regions of the country. This makes uplifting the state a daunting challenge requiring a leader of Yogi Adityanaths stature and determination. Given his special background, it is imperative that people today learn more about Yogi Adityanath and what he truly represents.

Shantanu Gupta recently wrote Compilation of Prime Ministers Mann Ki Baat, explaining with clarity and depth the thoughts and guidance of PM Narendra Modi from his weekly radio addresses. In The Monk Who Became Chief Minister, he has provided a detailed analysis of the life of Yogi Adityanath a well-informed biography of the Yogis personal, public and spiritual aspects, particularly relative to his recent election.

Readers will find it fascinating to delve into the story of this young and transformative leader of the new India. The book brings the Yogi alive and allows us to understand his key ideas and statements, and appreciate his strong character and determination.

The Monk Who Became Chief Minister is well researched and referenced, replete with extensive factual data and illuminating comments. It covers all aspects of the Yogis work, including the controversies that have been created around him. It is likely to be an authoritative study for years to come.