Sadhguru
Born 1957 · Age 68
Indian yogi, author and founder of the Isha Foundation; spiritual teacher and environmental campaigner known as Sadhguru.
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Life & Career Timeline
Born in Mysore
Born Jagadish Vasudev in Mysore, Mysore State (now Karnataka), India, youngest of five children to B.V. Vasudev and Susheela Vasudev.
Met Malladihalli Sri Raghavendra Swamiji
As a youth, met Malladihalli Sri Raghavendra Swamiji and learned some yoga practice (age ~12).
Completed BA (English Literature) at University of Mysore (estimated)
Completed undergraduate studies in English literature at the University of Mysore, reportedly earned second rank while studying literature.
Started first business — poultry farm (approx.)
After graduating, established a poultry farm in Mysore; it provided income and time to pursue other interests like writing poetry.
Entered construction industry (Buildaids) (approx.)
Co-founded a construction company named Buildaids with a friend (civil engineer), applying practical building experience from the poultry farm.
Closed businesses to pursue spiritual practice and travel
Around age 25, after repeated spiritual experiences, shut down his businesses and began traveling and meditating to deepen his experience.
First profound spiritual experience at Chamundi Hill
Reported a major mystical/spiritual experience while sitting on a rock at Chamundi Hill; this catalyzed his spiritual path and later teaching.
Taught first yoga class in Mysore
Conducted his first yoga class (Sahaja Sthiti Yoga) in Mysore; began traveling across Karnataka and Hyderabad on a motorcycle to teach.
Married Vijaykumari (Vijji)
Married Vijaya Kumari (Vijji); she later served as a volunteer and yoga teacher with Isha activities.
Birth of daughter Radhe
Sadhguru and Vijaykumari had their only child, Radhe, who later trained in Bharatanatyam.
Founded Isha Foundation
Established the Isha Foundation as a platform for spiritual, environmental and educational activities (based near Coimbatore).
Searched for location to establish ashram
Began searching for land to establish an ashram to meet growing interest in his yoga classes and programs.
Purchased land and inaugurated Isha Yoga Center
Purchased land near the Velliangiri mountains and inaugurated the Isha Yoga Center (global HQ/ashram) in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
Death of wife Vijaykumari
Wife Vijaykumari died on 23 January 1997. Her father later alleged foul play; police dismissed the matter.
Dhyanalinga completed at Isha Yoga Center
Dhyanalinga, a consecrated yogic meditative space/temple within the Isha Yoga Center, was built (reported completion ~1999).
Spoke at UN Millennium World Peace Summit
Invited to address the United Nations' Millennium World Peace Summit, bringing yogic perspectives to an international forum.
Publication: Encounter the Enlightened
Published the book 'Encounter the Enlightened'. (Listed among Sadhguru's early publications.)
Publication: Mystic's Musings
Published 'Mystic's Musings' and continued to expand public teachings and publications.
Launched Action for Rural Rejuvenation
Started Action for Rural Rejuvenation to improve rural health and quality of life; reported to have helped millions and thousands of villages (program growth over years).
Founded Project GreenHands (PGH)
Launched Project GreenHands, a large-scale reforestation/agroforestry initiative in Tamil Nadu to address soil and water issues.
Regular speaker at major institutions (MIT, House of Lords, others) — ongoing
Over years, invited to speak at institutions including MIT, British House of Lords, IMD, reaffirming international speaking role (multiple dates; WEF appearances noted 2007/2017/2020).
Isha Foundation granted 'Special Consultative Status' (UN)
Isha Foundation obtained Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (reported in 2007).
Spoke at World Economic Forum (Davos) — 2007
Invited to speak at the World Economic Forum; later returned in subsequent years.
Project GreenHands receives an award
Project GreenHands was recognized with an award (reported in The Hindu on 21 May 2011).
Ranked among 100 most powerful Indians (Indian Express)
Placed 92nd in The Indian Express' list of 100 most powerful Indians (2012 list segment).
Publication: 'When I Was 25' (contributor/subject) & media profile growth
Subject of multiple profiles and contributed works continued; public profile and book list expanded (multiple publications through 2010s).
Inner Engineering becomes signature program and leads to NYT bestseller status
Inner Engineering program and book elevated Sadhguru's global reach; the book listed on New York Times bestseller lists.
Publication: Inner Engineering: A Yogi's Guide to Joy
Published 'Inner Engineering', later a New York Times bestseller and central to Isha's signature program.
Launched Rally for Rivers campaign
Launched 'Rally for Rivers', a national campaign to build support for river revitalization and policy proposals; submitted a policy to the PM's office.
Award announced: Padma Vibhushan (2017)
Announced as recipient of the Padma Vibhushan (India's second-highest civilian award) for contributions to spirituality and humanitarian services.
Frequent international public speaking — World Economic Forum 2017
Spoke at the World Economic Forum in 2017 as part of continued global engagement on environment and leadership.
Isha's Adiyogi site and programming expand international outreach
Consecration of Adiyogi and related programming increased visibility of Isha Foundation worldwide and drew high-profile attendees.
Consecrated the Adiyogi Shiva statue (Isha)
Consecrated the 34-metre (112 ft) Adiyogi Shiva bust at Isha Yoga Center near Coimbatore; a major Isha landmark.
Presented Padma Vibhushan at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Padma Vibhushan presented at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 13 April 2017 (ceremony with then-President/officials).
Adiyogi declared world's largest bust by Guinness World Records
Adiyogi sculpture declared the world's largest bust by Guinness World Records (reported 13 May 2017).
Public criticism over pseudoscientific claims noted (mercury, eclipses)
Critics and scientists publicly challenged several claims (e.g., endorsing mercury in traditional medicine, claims about solidifying mercury and eclipse effects).
National Geographic coverage on Rally for Rivers (2018)
National Geographic covered the Rally for Rivers initiative in March 2018, highlighting national-level environmental advocacy.
Alt News / Sumaiya Shaikh criticism of mercury endorsements
Journalist Dr Sumaiya Shaikh published critique (26 Feb 2018) challenging Sadhguru's endorsement of mercury in traditional medicine and related claims.
Controversial 'Taliban' remark and apology (London)
Referred to a Muslim student in London as a 'Taliban' in 2019 and later apologized after heavy criticism (reported April 2019).
Cauvery Calling launched (July 2019)
Launched 'Cauvery Calling' campaign to support agroforestry and tree-planting along the Cauvery basin to revive groundwater and river health.
Ranked in India Today '50 most powerful Indians' (2019)
Placed 40th in India Today's list of 50 most powerful Indians (2019).
Spoke at World Economic Forum (Davos) — 2020
Delivered keynote / participated at World Economic Forum in Davos (2020), continuing presence as an international speaker.
Publication: Karma: A Yogi's Guide to Crafting Your Destiny
Published 'Karma', listed among his New York Times bestsellers.
Cauvery Calling planted reported 2.1 crore trees (milestone)
Cauvery Calling movement reported planting 2.1 crore trees (21,000,000) as of reporting in early 2022.
Embarked on 100-day motorcycle Journey to Save Soil (London to India)
Completed a 100-day motorbike journey from London to India to raise awareness for the 'Save Soil' campaign and soil health issues (reported March 2022).
Addressed leaders at UNCCD regarding 'Save Soil'
Addressed leaders of 195 countries at the UN Convention to Combat Desertification to talk about soil health and the 'Save Soil' movement.
PM Modi attends World Environment Day event with Sadhguru
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a World Environment Day 2022 event where Sadhguru discussed efforts to improve soil health.
Net worth estimate (2023) ~USD 25 million (Yogajala)
Yogajala (Dec 2023) estimated Sadhguru's net worth around USD 25 million.
Allegations against Isha Home School (reported 2025)
Reports in 2025 alleged sexual misconduct at Isha Home School, including reports of historic abuse and institutional failings; Isha Foundation denied allegations and filed suits (ongoing legal/ media matters).
Net worth estimate (2025) ~USD 50 million (Mabumbe estimate)
Mabumbe reported (May 31, 2025) an estimated net worth between ₹468–1,100 crore (~USD 50M); wide range reflects uncertainty.
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