Asana for 100 years of Kaivalyadhama’s history

Calm is the balm at Kaivalyadhama

Bend it like Beckham, or, Bend it like they do at Kaivalyadhama. The renowned yoga institute nestled in the Sahyadri Mountains in Lonavala, is ready to crack a century next year. The institute recently released a documentary called ‘Yogic Science', which can be seen on YouTube at a launch event in Mumbai. The name is self-explanatory as it highlights the synergy between science and yoga, and aims to demystify yoga, capturing its evolution over the last 100 years.

Founder, philosophy

Subodh Tiwari, chief executive officer (CEO), said, "The documentary encapsulates Kaivalyadhama's commitment to preserving the authenticity of yoga. Digitally too, people all over the world can join us as we are ready to mark our centenary milestone. They can learn about the legacy and see the profound impact yoga has on lives through the documentary."

The institute emanates a sense of peace

Kaivalyadhama spokespersons stated that at the, "heart of the documentary lies the indomitable spirit of Swami Kuvalayananda, Kaivalyadhama founder, affectionately known as the ‘Yogi Scientist.' Swami Kuvalayananda brought the therapeutic benefits of yoga to the forefront." The institute born in 1924 follows the principles and philosophy of Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga. "We take pride in teaching traditional yoga in its purest form," said Tiwari.

Take-off stage

The CEO added, "We have launched our documentary amidst a slew of programmes, some already done and others at different take-off stages in our centenary run-up celebrations. One of these is training educators of special children in yoga. After they learn they can impart these skills to students. On June 7 and 8, one training programme for teachers of children with special needs was already held at our Lonavala campus. We are going to have conferences about the role of yoga in school education, followed by the role of yoga in higher education."

Kaivalyadhama has a ‘Bharat Yoga Mala' initiative planned, which will feature yoga programmes at 32 locations across the country. There is also an international conference scheduled for late next year on yoga for cancer survivors in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, with details being worked out. Several programmes have already taken place in Mumbai too, proving strong ties between Mumbai and the Lonavala outpost. Amongst these, one standout was a yoga workshop for blue-collar workers of the Mumbai Coastal Road undersea tunnel, held at a SoBo park in June this year.

Symbol, songs

The documentary release follows the launch of a special centenary logo and Kaivalyadhama's centenary song, ‘Yog se Sahyog' which is on a number of digital music channels. Tiwari stated in response to a question of weeding out the genuine yoga teachers from those simply parading as experts, "yoga has seen a boom in recent years but with that has come the question of demand and supply. It is important for people to research, and quiz people like where you did your yoga training etc before deciding on a teacher. There is also an attempt to streamline yoga teaching. There is the Indian Yoga Association certification and Yoga Certification Board, Ministry of AYUSH." Meanwhile, the Lonavala outpost is marking time and holding its breath, Pranayam style, for its milestone moment.

Docu dekho
The documentary can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/QJEvRf1v69A