Swami Ramdev's first yoga sessions outside of India ran very successfully, with thousands attended a weeklong series of workshops at the Elmbridge Club in Ilford. The event was organised by Patanjali Yog Peeth and Aastha Broadcasting Network (UK), and took place from 15th July to 22nd July. Similar events are planned in Leicester and Harrow in the next few weeks.

However, there were cries that the sessions were extortionately priced. Participation in the event required the purchase of a 'donor pass', which are categorised into four different types: "Silver" (£70),"Gold" (£140), "Diamond" (£300) and finally "V.I.P." (£500).

Anger over the pricing led to an online petition asking the organisers to rethink their pricing policy in order to make the event more affordable and less profit orientated. The Hindu Human Rights group also released a press release criticising the pricing policy of the event.

"What should have been a momentous occasion for the Hindu community and also non-Hindus in the UK has instead seemingly turned into a commercial farce," read the press release.

"There is no suggestion that Swami Ramdev himself is behind the discriminatory pricing system and is attempting to gain financially but in turn this sort of behaviour by the organisers does not reflect well on Swami Ramdev's reputation and Hinduism in general. Moreover, we feel that this is no way to treat those loyal masses who may or may not be able to afford to visit the camps and leaves a deep feeling of foul-play in the minds of many people."

Bobby Verma, speaking on behalf of Aastha Broadcasting Network, replied: "The people who are denouncing us forget that we have been providing Aastha TV as a free channel for their benefit for an entire year, without any advertising. Furthermore, we aim to help build a professional Yoga and Ayurvedic infrastructure in the UK based on ancient Vedic teachings. There are costs involved. I do not feel that the price of £70 for eight workshops is either excessive, or outside of the means of most people in the UK. The more expensive donor passes are designed to provide a way in which people can contribute greater funds to the work of Swami Ramdev if they so wish."

He expressed regret that some people felt upset over the pricing of the event. He emphasised that many costs are involved in organising such events, and that extra money will be used to fund charitable projects of Patanjali Yog Peeth, including hospitals and educational centres.

Hindu Voice Comment:

The pricing policy for the event in question is certainly excessive. Furthermore, the existence of a VIP (Very Important Person) category of pricing at what is supposed to be a spiritual event is a contradiction of the teachings that the event is supposed to promote. Nobody should be considered a VIP at a spiritual event, simply for paying extra money to enter. It goes against the whole philosophy of yoga and Vedanta, and reflects an elitist viewpoint. But we believe it is more a case of misjudgement than malicious intent. It should be remembered that Aastha Broadcasing Network has a history of providing excellent services to Hindus across the world, free of charge, and cannot be accused of being profit mongers on the basis of one mishap or misjudgement. Astha TV has enabled millions of Hindus to maintain spirituality in their lives through the numerous discourses and programmes that are broadcast by the channel of a daily basis.