Yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Independence Day warned that growing irregularities in education and government recruitment could trigger stronger youth protests across the country, urging authorities to address the concerns before the situation escalates.

Speaking to reporters after hoisting the national flag at Patanjali Yogpeeth in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar on Saturday (August 15, 2026), Mr. Ramdev said, “I am seeing protests by students everyday over unavailability of teachers in schools or sometimes of books and proper education. Even basic facilities such as electricity, drinking water and toilets remained unavailable in some places.”

He further alleged that question papers get leaked in competitive examinations and that the marks secured by students in board examinations have become useless.

Rampant corruption

Turning to government recruitment, the yoga practitioner claimed that corruption was particularly rampant during interview-based selections.

“They choose people from their own caste, community, organisation and ideology….despite this, lakhs are being asked as bribe,” he said adding that such acts are not just against democracy but also justice.

Warning that failure to address such concerns could lead to larger protests, Mr. Ramdev called on authorities to “mend their ways” and undertake reforms in the education and recruitment systems.

Need for course correction

Stating that there is still time to correct the system, Mr. Ramdev asked the government to correct itself.

“Sudhar jao….desh me ghapla bahut hai…ye theek kar lo (Mend your ways…there is a lot of corruption and irregularities in the country. Fix these problems),” he said adding that continued inaction could result in stronger protests across the country.

At the same time, he cautioned against violence and disorder during demonstrations. While acknowledging the right of young people to raise grievances, he said protests should remain peaceful and disciplined.

Mr. Ramdev also criticised the increasingly hostile relationship between the government and the Opposition, saying political and caste-based divisions were damaging democratic discourse. He urged both sides to show greater respect and restraint.