Nestled in the lush green market of Chanakyapuri, Lifeyoga offers a serene refuge from Delhi's often polluted and noisy traffic. As I entered this bespoke yoga center, I was met with an instant sense of freshness and a welcoming glass of jasmine sharbat. Dr. Tanu Singh, one of the founders, gave me a tour of their tranquil space, including the yoga rooms, therapy rooms, and a carefully crafted café.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to sit down with the founders, Dr. Varun Veer and Dr. Tanu Singh, to understand their vision and the journey that led to the creation of Lifeyoga.
Dr. Varun's passion for yoga was evident as he shared his story: "Yoga is my path of life; it's in my genes, it's in my sanskar. From early childhood, I was deeply involved in yoga, introduced to me by my father. I feel this connection isn't just from this life but from previous lives. Spirituality doesn't happen in one life; it takes many lives to feel and experience it. Since age nine, I've been dedicated to yoga, and I knew I wanted to make a career out of it. After completing my formal education, including a Ph.D. in yoga, and gaining international recognition, I decided to return to India to create one of the best yoga centers in the world, right here in Delhi."
Emphasizing on Lifeyoga's authenticity and connection to nature, he tells us "I wanted it to be authentic, genuine, and close to nature. The location, interior design, teachers, facilities, and service—everything had to be the best without compromise and Studio Lotus did a great job at that. When you enter Lifeyoga, you should feel peace of mind and happiness. Our modern lifestyle is very artificial and mechanical. Yoga, often associated with ashrams in Rishikesh or Haridwar, should be accessible to urban dwellers. We offer 25+ styles of yoga, with over 20 classes each day, catering to everyone from kids to prenatal classes."
One aspect that stood out during my visit was the sense of community at Lifeyoga. Dr Tanu tells me more about it, "In yoga, there is a Guru-Shishya tradition where teachers and students form a close bond. Teachers should be humble and treat students like family. We address our students' emotional and physical problems, fostering a sense of unity. Lifeyoga is one family, with 28 staff members and over 400 students. We also organize social gatherings, building a yoga community that supports each other."
I was invited to join a 60-minute Iyengar yoga session. It was a fun yet deeply therapeutic experience, with an emphasis on precise alignment using yoga props like blocks. Despite my initial doubts about surviving the session, I found it incredibly rewarding. Afterward, I enjoyed a relaxing steam, which complemented the yoga perfectly. The instructors were very helpful, boosting my confidence as someone who does'nt perform yoga in her life. Although I felt tired, there was also a spark that energized me for the rest of the day.
After this relaxing yoga session and steam, it was the time for food! I headed to the café for some healthy yet delicious delights. I devoured ragi pani puri, sweet potato chaat, a refreshing saffron drink, and jackfruit tacos. Dr. Tanu tells me more about the cafe, "Our café offers a menu designed to support health, using hand-picked spices and organic ingredients. It’s the first of its kind in Delhi, combining Ayurveda with our dishes. We also sell products that support a healthy lifestyle, from morning rituals to bedtime routines."
Lifeyoga is more than just a yoga center, it’s a sanctuary for holistic well-being and forms a joyous community, making it a truly unique and valuable addition to Delhi.
Words Paridhi Badgotri
Date 28.05.2024