Bikram Yoga is known for introducing an exclusive yet impactful practice of Hot Yoga. It has been proved and experienced by millions that the26 postures developed by Bikram Choudhury from Hatha Yoga, if work systematically, gives strength to all the internal organs, veins, ligaments and muscles. It helps in maintaining optimum health and maximizes function of each body component.
The Bikram Yoga can be practiced under the guidance of a certified Bikram Yoga Teacher at one of the affiliated Bikram Yoga studios only. These studios are built in such a way that you always get the proper heating, which help you to do your postures optimally. Significantly, Bikram calls these studios as ‘Torture Chambers’.
To mark the celebration of International Yoga Day, Wellness Indian talked to Pallavi Aggarwal, Director, Bikram Yoga Delhi, who unveiled her big plans to reap benefits of Yoga practice being promoted and organised on a larger scale by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, by introducing organised practice across the globe.
Current scenario of Yoga & growth potential for business
In India, Yoga is everywhere! But unfortunately, nowhere in organized form. We have lot of institutions and teachers practicing and teaching it. However, it is very difficult to find the genuine one in the crowd. The kind of image Yoga has formed in the country is – ‘It is for aged people who have lot of time and it is performed under tree or in open garden’. But in reality, Yoga is much more than that. As Mr Modi (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) has said, “Yoga is an art of controlling Body, Mind and intellect”. Hence, its benefits are not restricted to any segment of the society. It is very rare art, which addresses need of body and mind. With lot of segments and strata’s of society untouched, it has got huge potential, promising great future with organized efforts required for it.
Views over Central Govt & PM Modi’s Yoga initiative
Modi has got Midas touch, whatever he touches it turns into gold. We strongly support Modi Ji for what he is doing for Yoga. This shows his commitment and confidence in this ancient Indian practice. We are lucky to have Modi on Yoga’s side. We have all to gain nothing to lose in this.
Yoga’s contribution in GDP & Indian economy
Yoga is integral part of our civilization and with time, it has lost its sheen. All it needs now is - recognition and awareness of its benefits. To reach a level at which it contributes to Indian economy, it needs right medium and promoters, who have believe and strength to back this ancient practice. Finding a brand ambassador like ‘Narendra Modi’ will surely help in reinstating the confidence in its core concept and future. Need of the hour is to commercialize the benefits of Yoga and recognize and organize the practice of Yoga as an industry.
Benefits of Yoga Day celebration event to its Practitioners
Spreading awareness about any less understood concept is beneficial for entire fraternity, who are directly or indirectly related to it. The society and locality where we operate are international travelers and receptive of new things. It is definitely much easier to convince people for a concept which is successful in developed (relatively) economies. This is how consumers in developing economies act. So definitely concept is well accepted and popular in much developed countries and will have ripple effect on economies like our’s and we definitely want to ride this new wave. Bikram Yoga already has presence in China and serving people across the world for many years, new institution will be a big help in Bikram’s Yoga’s effort to keep the world healthy.
View on overseas expansion & reach
The event reminds me of the history of Buddhism, which started from Central Asia and China and then many other countries adopted Buddhism from China. This Ancient Indian practice has lot of scope and benefits which needs recognition and awareness. Acceptance of Yoga in China is a big win and achievement. We are sure with this win gates of many other countries will open for Yoga.
Plans to cash-on PM Modi’s developmental initiative
It is very difficult to measure the direct benefit to us speciallyin short term. This is like brand building of Yoga, which will definitely help organized players in this field, like us, in the long run. As we mentioned earlier, all this industry needs is- recognition and awareness, to reach new heights. This act of Modi is just the right one. We have enough patience to see this industry getting organized and run on its feet. Once that happens many variants and versions of Yoga will develop like we have specialized form called “Bikram HOT Yoga” which is just opened in Delhi and with such efforts we expect more people joining us and getting benefits.
Future of Yoga practice in India
With Modi promoting Yoga big time, we see a lot of awareness spreading across the world. This will attract big or may be international players like Bikram Yoga, grow in confidence, to invest behind this concept. The recognition Yoga is gaining now, will attract lot of new strata’s and segments of society to follow it. This will result in development of organized players in the industry, spending behind commercially sound models to teach Yoga. Specialized forms of Yoga like Bikram Hot Yoga will also find place it deserve in the changing scenario.
