Haryana government to take control of Aparna Ashram

The Haryana government is planning to take control of the Aparna Ashram Society, founded by the late Yoga Guru Dhirendra Brahmchari, due to ongoing disputes among its members. A bill, called the Aparna Institution (Taking over of management and control) Bill, 2025, will be introduced in the state assembly during its current budget session. This move aims to resolve over two decades of conflict within the Society. The government believes that some members were trying to sell 24 acres of valuable land in Gurugram for personal profit, which could threaten the purpose of the institution. An administrator will be appointed to manage the ashram on behalf of the state. Dhirendra Brahmchari created the Aparna Ashram in the 1970s to promote yoga through education and training. He acquired the land in Gurugram with funds from donations and government support. After his death in 1994, the society split into two rival factions. A controversial land sale in December 2020 raised suspicions due to its low price. The government later canceled the sale when it was found to be undervalued. Brahmchari, known as the "Flying Swami," was a prominent figure in Indian society and politics. He was an advisor to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and faced accusations of various legal issues during his lifetime. He died in a plane crash in 1994.