Ramdev to launch 2 TV channels in Nepal
Yog guru Ramdev is set to launch two TV channels as a part of Patanjali’s increasing footmark in Nepal. The channels will be named Aastha Nepal TV and Patanjali Nepal TV.
Founded by Acharya Balakrishna in 2006, Patanjali has gone on to become a South Asian behemoth. What started as an Ayurveda medicine manufacturing company has branched out to other fields like clothing( Patanjali Paridhan), dairy ( Patanjali Dairy), food items and many more. Patanjali has been steadily grabbing Nepalese food, dairy and medicine market as well. With the addition of two Tv networks, it remains to be seen how well it fits within the Patanjali ecosystem.
Interestingly, Ramdev’s TV initiative has met resistance here with some claiming that it is an effort to further the Hindutva ideology in the social fabric of secular Nepal.
What remains interesting is the general hostility towards India. While entry of any Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is contentious, it is bewildering that Chinese investments here in Nepal do not face the same level of scrutiny. For example, China has come under heat for ensnaring developing countries like Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe under massive debt track. Yet, there is great exuberance amongst the Nepalese populace for One Belt One Road(OBOR) initiative.
While different political parties tend to use this anti-India card to rally its cadets and general citizens, time and time again, it has been seen that once the party comes to power, they ultimately welcome India’s engagement, be it politics or business! What do you think? Would you say that there are valid reasons to worry about Patanjali’s massive incursion in Nepalese market, or is the whole thing unnecessary politicization that can hinder FDI investment in Nepal from India?
