BUILDING A MINDFUL COMMUNITY
Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, the Director of The Yoga Institute in Mumbai, is a revered figure in the wellness community. Renowned as the First Lady of Yoga, she has spearheaded the yoga movement for over four decades. With her insightful advice and compassionate counseling, she has assisted numerous individuals in dealing with the challenges of life through resilience. The Yoga Institute, established by her father-in-law in 1918, stands as the world’s oldest organized yoga center, with Dr. Hansaji diligently upholding its legacy with grace to date.
Dr. Hansaji was born in 1947 to Shri Jitendra Phulchand Patni and Smt. Tara Patni, in a Jain family. The well-versed leader holds a B.Sc. degree from Mithibai College and a degree in Law from the Government Law College, Mumbai (India). She found her calling at The Yoga Institute during her formative years when she and her friends used to invent new yoga postures as a hobby. Initially, she focused only on the physical aspects of yoga. However, her fascination heightened during her school days when she used to spend hours reciting verses from the Holy Bhagavad Gita, which influenced her spiritual perspective.
Her marriage to the Late Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra, a true yogi and the then President of The Yoga Institute, marked a significant turning point. She took charge of the expansion of the ladies’ wing of The Yoga Institute and revitalized its activities. In 1997, she assumed the role of Director and steered the institute towards innovation and vibrancy. Currently, The Yoga Institute has more than 1,000 students enrolled. Additionally, the septuagenarian yoga expert has inaugurated numerous yoga centers in locations such as Malaysia, Hong Kong, Kunchaman, Mumbai, and Rajasthan, all managed by teachers trained at The Yoga Institute.
“With over 50,000 dynamic sessions on yoga, mental well-being, and holistic wellness, she has left an indelible mark on the world. Dr. Hansaji, along with her husband Dr. Yogendra, has traveled extensively to share their knowledge with students and practitioners worldwide. She is renowned for her exceptional ability to captivate audiences with real-life anecdotes while imparting Yoga Philosophy.
As a celebrated speaker, Dr. Hansaji’s oratory skills have enthralled audiences across continents. From delivering lectures and seminars in India, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Canada, Hong Kong, Pakistan, and the USA, to conducting talks at prestigious institutions like BARC and IIT, her influence also extends to community groups like Rotary and Lions Clubs. Besides captivating countless people with her knowledge and passion for Yoga, she has also spread the goodness of the practice to the corporate sector. Under her stewardship, The Yoga Institute became the first QCI-accredited yoga teacher training school in India.”
CULTIVATING SELF-AWARENESS
According to Dr. Hansaji, yoga is more than just an exercise regimen, it combines psychology and philosophy. Nevertheless, over the years, she has observed a shift in the global perception of yoga. She opines that presently, there is a predominant fixation on the superficial aspects of yoga, such as techniques, physical fitness, and aesthetics, while the essence of introspection and self-awareness has dwindled.
At the Yoga Institute, her mission is to enlighten individuals by instilling in them a culture of introspection and self-discovery. She inspires her students to embrace yoga not merely as a fitness regimen but as a transformative journey towards holistic well-being. She also aims to build a community of individuals who strive to become better versions of themselves, both on and off the mat. The Yoga Guru says, “Yoga is for everyone, no matter how old or what shape you are in. Anyone can gain from doing yoga.”
“SHE IS A TRAILBLAZER IN HER OWN RIGHT. HER PIVOTAL ROLE IN THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY ON JUNE 21, 2015, IN NEW DELHI, WHERE SHE SHARED THE STAGE WITH THE PM OF INDIA, SHRI NARENDRA MODI, DEMONSTRATES HER DOMINANT INFLUENCE ON THE WORLD STAGE”
DONS MULTIPLE HATS
Along with her role as the Director of The Yoga Institute, Dr. Hansaji also chairs the Yoga Certification Committee for the Quality She serves as Vice President of the Indian Yoga Association and holds the Presidency of the International Board of Yoga, a position that extends her influence beyond India.
The Yoga Guru has also authored and co-authored numerous yoga books, such as 7 Rules to Reset Your Mind and Body for Greater Well-being, Yoga for Back & Joint Disorders, Growing with Yoga, The 12 Yogic Principles for Making Marriage Work, Yoga for All, and Heart Care.
In 1980, she captivated audiences with the highly successful television series “Yoga for Better Living,” which aired on DD National Channel. With her charismatic presence, she brought the transformative power of yoga into the homes of millions, inspiring them to embrace a healthier lifestyle. She expanded her reach by serving as both consultant and host for the ‘Yoga Sutra’ segment on ZEE TV. This TV show reached audiences in 162 countries. Her blend of expertise and relatability made her a household name, inspiring countless individuals to embark on their journey to holistic wellness.
SIMPLE LIVING, HIGH THINKING
Dr. Hansaji, an advocate for a yogic lifestyle, finds joy in the simplicity of life. She believes in nourishing both mind and body with wholesome choices. While she embraces the principles of yoga, she also indulges in simple joys of life, such as occasional movie outings while relishing popcorn and ice cream at the theatre or relaxing with a cup of cold coffee.
GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY
Dr. Hansaji is a benevolent leader who also runs impactful programs for social welfare. Under her direction, the Yoga Institute has evolved into a catalyst for positive social transformation. She leads the institution to implement impactful social programs such as women’s shelters, yoga for special needs children, and empowerment camps for vulnerable communities. These programs also address critical issues like exploitation, abuse, malnutrition, and HIV/AIDS.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the spiritual Yoga Guru demonstrated her agility by taking her Yoga practice online. By doing so, she helped several people prioritize their well-being during the period of immense stress and uncertainty posed by the global crisis. This innovative approach not only ensured the continuity of her practice but also highlighted the power of yoga in promoting mental and physical resilience.
GLORIOUS ACHIEVEMENTS
Dr. Hansaji is a trailblazer in her own right. Her pivotal role in the First International Yoga Day on June 21, 2015, in New Delhi, where she shared the stage with the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, demonstrates her dominant influence on the world stage. In 2020, she received the Woman of the Year award from the American Biographical Institute, USA. Her dedication to the advancement of yoga also garnered her the prestigious Bharat Gaurav Award at the British Parliament’s House of Commons in 2019. Additionally, she was conferred with a PhD from the Open International University for Complementary Medicines in February 2018, alongside the 2018 Divine Shakti Leadership Award at the International Yoga Festival, presented by Parmarth Niketan. The Yoga Institute has also earned the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Promotion and Development of Yoga on International Day of Yoga 2018.
