Women are the foundation of society, embodying strength, wisdom, and compassion. Their role in shaping families, communities, and cultural traditions is invaluable. Yoga Shakti Sangamam was an extraordinary gathering that celebrated the role of women in yoga, focusing on empowerment, equality, and transformation.
The event brought together inspiring women who have dedicated their lives to the practice and teachings of yoga, sharing their experiences and insights. Through deep discussions and reflections, the event highlights how yoga serves as a powerful tool for personal growth, healing, and societal change. This event was conducted online with Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani ji, Joint Secretary, IYA and five of India’s most remarkable women yoga teachers on the auspicious occasions of Holi and Savitri Vratam, on 14 March 2025.
The esteemed panelists at the Yoga Shakti Sangamam were distinguished women who have made significant contributions to the field of yoga. Among them was Yoga Shakti Fharzana Siraj, a Holistic and Integrative Therapist specializing in chronic disease management at Orange Ray Holistic Clinic. She has dedicated her work to healing through an integrative approach that blends yoga with complementary therapies.
Another panelist, Yoga Shakti Anandhi Mary Cecil, serves as a Master Trainer in Indian Knowledge Systems under the Ministry of Education and is the Head of the Department of Yoga at NSHM, Kolkata. She also leads SPANDA, an initiative promoting the academic and practical study of yoga.
Yoga Shakti Shailaja Menon, the Founder of ‘Mat and Beyond’ Yoga Studio in Puchong, Malaysia, has been instrumental in spreading yoga beyond its traditional boundaries, making it accessible to diverse communities.
Yoga Shakti Nrithya Jagannathan, the Director of Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai, continues to uphold and share the classical teachings of yoga, ensuring their relevance in the modern world.
Lastly, Yoga Shakti Pallavi Kavhane, Director of Maharashtriya Mandal’s Yoga and Ayurved Prabodhini & Vishwananda Kendra in Pune, has played a pivotal role in integrating yoga with Ayurveda, creating a comprehensive approach to wellness and self-care.
Each of these esteemed panelists brought their unique expertise and experience, enriching the discussions at Yoga Shakti Sangamam with their profound insights and dedication to the yogic path.
Traditionally, yoga has been perceived as a male-dominated field, with historical figures primarily being men. However, women have played an integral role in sustaining and advancing the practice of yoga. The discussion at the event highlights that women are the nurturers, sustainers, and often the torchbearers of yogic wisdom.
The conversation also touches on historical influences, mentioning figures like Rishikas (female sages) who contributed to the Vedic scriptures and the importance of Shakti in Indian philosophy. The role of women in preserving cultural and spiritual traditions is emphasized, reminding us that yoga is a practice beyond gender.
Yoga Shakti Sangamam serves as a tribute to the invaluable contributions of women in shaping families, communities, and societies. Women tirelessly nurture, support, and uplift those around them, playing pivotal roles in the personal and professional lives of countless individuals. Through their selfless dedication, resilience, and wisdom, they bring harmony and progress to the world. Yoga Shakti Sangamam honors this spirit, recognizing the immense sacrifices and efforts of women in every sphere of life.
Yoga and Personal Transformation
The panelists shared personal journeys of discovering yoga, with each experience underscoring the transformative power of the practice. Some women began yoga as a physical practice and later discovered its deeper mental and spiritual benefits, while others sought yoga as a tool for stress management and emotional healing. These personal narratives revealed how yoga had a profound impact on the lives of the women panelists, empowering them in profound ways.
A key theme in these stories is self-empowerment. Yoga provided these women with confidence, inner strength, and clarity to navigate life’s challenges. They highlighted that yoga is not merely about physical postures but a way of life that integrates mindfulness, self-care, and resilience. Through their own transformative experiences, the panelists demonstrated how yoga can be a powerful tool for personal growth, helping women develop a deeper connection with themselves and cultivate the inner resources to thrive despite life’s obstacles.
Role of Yoga
Yoga offers holistic solutions for women’s health, from menstruation to menopause. Key benefits include hormonal balance, support during pregnancy and postpartum, mental and emotional well-being, and pain management. However, women face social, cultural, and professional barriers in pursuing yoga. The panelists emphasized the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and community support. Yoga is also highlighted as a powerful mind-body medicine and a potential career path for women, requiring authentic practice, continuous learning, and a commitment to the tradition while adapting to modern times.
