Namrata’s world of yoga

What inspired you to launch World of Yoga?

I had worked for the Corporate sector for over a decade, when I was diagnosed with an advanced hypothyroid condition. I was shocked when my physician told me that this was a psychosomatic ailment, and had no modern medical cure! I was informed that I would need to be on hormones for the rest of my life. I knew about the side effects of these hormones, and knew that this could lead to a spiral of health issues and supplements for life.

My anguish, coupled with my obstinacy to find a solution, led me to Yoga. I knew that Yoga deals with psychosomatic health and mind-body integrated health. I started travelling extensively in the Himalayas, and went to different ashrams seeking knowledge of this science and doing intensive practice. And of course, I was able to cure myself completely with Yoga.

But what started as a quest for finding a solution to a psychosomatic ailment, proved to be a turning point in my life. I subsequently gave up my Corporate career, and dedicated my life to learning and teaching Yoga. 'World of Yoga', an internationally registered brand and Yoga studio was born in March 2000 in Dona Paula, Goa.

What are the various fitness activities offered by World of Yoga?

World of Yoga has been teaching and training both individuals and institutions for the last seventeen years. We were the first professionally managed Yoga studio in goa, which runs Yoga programs round the year, 365 days a year. We conduct various customised classes  adults as well as  children.

We have a special focus on breathing techniques and meditation. We also conduct Yoga and meditation workshops for corporates and educational institutions. 

What difference does incorporating yoga make to the susegado Goan lifestyle?

When I started teaching Yoga in Goa 17 years back, very little was known about this science and its relevance to physical fitness, personal wellbeing and curing illnesses. Neither did people know of its amazing effects on de-stressing, improving mental productivity and enhancing creative skills. It has been hard work spreading awareness about the miraculous positive effects of Yoga in the personal and professional lives of Goans. World of Yoga started with two students when there were no Yoga studios in Goa; and no professionally trained Yoga Shiromanis to boot!  But we can boast of having contributed in a fundamental way to developing a market for Yoga in the state. Over the years, Goans have adopted it with relish into their susegado lifestyle.                            

What challenges did you face as a Yoga trainer?

I faced huge challenges Yoga practitioner, trainer and entrepreneur. Personally, since I moved out of a successful corporate career, I had to deal with the pressures of breaking away from established stereotypical attitudes towards success and achievement. Secondly, there was the huge task of developing a market for a service which at that time was unknown. Thirdly, we are struggling always to acquire the requisite support from the government and financial institutions to help us provide world class infrastructure and teachers.

What makes World of Yoga unique?

The objective of this Yoga studio was what made it unique. We believed in disseminating the knowledge of this ancient science for the elevation of individual health and lifestyle, without the inclusion of any religious or moralistic bindings which most ashrams and Yoga gurus demand. In a small and modest way, World of Yoga presented that alternative in Goa, attracting Yoga enthusiasts from all walks of life. 

What advice would you give to people interested in yoga?

The full significance and relevance of a Yoga is still not being understood by the majority of people. Yoga is not merely for improving one’s health or a physical workout option. It is in fact the science which helps combat the growing stress and psychosomatic ailments associated with the fast paced and pressurized lifestyle of the modern world.