Our Speakers
Dr. Shirley Telles, PhD, MBBS, M.Phil., leads yoga research at Patanjali Research Foundation in India. With 200+ articles, 7 books, and 17 chapters, she’s a Templeton and ICMR awardee. A Fulbright fellow studying meditation neuroimaging, she’s also a dedicated yoga practitioner.
Dr. Srijan Pal Singh, IIM-A Gold Medalist, is a renowned author, speaker, and education innovator. He worked as advisor to President Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam and now serves as CEO and Co-Founder of the Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam Centre, dedicated to advancing Dr. A.P.J Kalam’s vision through integrated missions.
Smt. Manisha Verma is a seasoned Indian Administrative Service officer and an alumnus of Harvard Kennedy School and IDS Sussex. She has held prominent positions in various sectors including Finance, Education, Tribal Development, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Her dedication to sustainable, inclusive and innovative programs has earned her numerous accolades. She is an expert on social development, leadership training, public policy and management.
Cdr. Abhijit Kumar was commissioned into the engineering branch of Indian Navy in Jan 2008. An alumni of prestigious Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, he has completed his Masters in Defence and Strategic Studies from Madras University. A trained yoga enthusiast he is presently posted at INS Shivaji and is carrying out the duties of Training Commander since June 2020.
Mr. Vikram Singh, a 2001 UPSC officer, holds an ME degree from Delhi College of Engineering and an MBA from FMS, Delhi University. He has played key roles in the power sector, including with the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission. Currently Director at the Ministry of AYUSH, he’s a dedicated blood donor and an enthusiast of running, biking, writing and meditation. He authored a novel on Shaheed Bhagat Singh and now oversees MDNIY as well.
She is a dedicated advocate for student well-being and health. Her journey is rooted in her commitment to fostering a holistic approach to value-based education with a deep belief in the power of yoga as a tool for improving physical fitness and mental resilience. Her primary focus is to create a nurturing school environment that promotes healthy minds and bodies striving for academic excellence.
Dr. Satbir Bedi is a retired IAS officer from the AGMUT cadre (1986), with a distinguished career spanning over three decades. With extensive experience in leadership positions across sectors including education and health, she has worked with the United Nations in Afghanistan. She holds a PhD in Psychology and is a Master Trainer for Department of Personnel & Training, Government of India.
Rt. Rev. Bishop Thomas Dabre of the Diocese of Poona, is known for interfaith dialogue. He was a professor at Jnana Deepa Vidyapeeth and holds a doctorate on Marathi poet Tukaram. Ordained priest in 1971 and bishop in 1990, he served as bishop of Pune from 2009-2018. He is an excellent orator and is a Sanskrit scholar.
He holds a degree in Physics from St. Stephen's College (Delhi University), an MBA from the IIM, Ahmedabad, and a PhD in Operations Research from the University of Texas at Dallas, USA. A former Principal of Rishi Valley School, and now a trustee of the Krishnamurti Foundation India (KFI), he has been dedicated to KFI schools since the early 1980s. Dr. Shirali has deep interest in ancient Indian mathematics and is committed to fostering inquiry into fundamental issues among high school teachers and students.
Dr. N. D. Joshi, a highly respected educator with over four decades of experience, has dedicated his life to education. His illustrious career, marked by accolades like the 2011 National Award, includes roles as the Principal of 6 Kendriya Vidyalayas and Kaivalya Vidya Niketan. Driven by a passion for sports, he organized Regional, National and SGFI events, fostering the well-being and fitness of students. Additionally, he served on the CBSE panel, inspecting schools in India and abroad.
Ms. Bharati Kawade is a dedicated educator with a strong commitment to children’s well-being. She excels at building relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to foster independence and self-esteem. A lifelong learner, her passion and enthusiasm in working with children are evident in her approach.
Dr. Panda is a distinguished Professor of Education with expertise in distance education, teacher education, and higher education. He holds a Fulbright Post-Doctorate and a BBC Certificate in Educational Television. Throughout his career, he has held key roles in various institutions and works on diverse educational fronts, including technology-enabled learning and inclusive education.
Prof. Senapaty is a distinguished education expert with over 30 years of experience in teaching, research, development, training, in the realm of school and teacher education. Former Director of NCERT, Prof. Senapaty has made significant contributions to initiatives like "NISHTHA", benefiting 4.2 million teachers and school heads. His leadership also fostered international collaborations in the field of teacher education. Prof. Senapaty received an honorary D.Lit (Honoris Causa) degree from Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Odisha.
Dr. Bhagwan Balani serves as the Registrar and Dean of Faculty of Humanities at HSNC University, Mumbai. He’s also the Principal of Bombay Teachers Training College. With a doctorate in teacher education quality assurance, he’s a recognized teacher of the University and brings 19 years of teaching experience to B.Ed. programs. He has presented research papers, conducted workshops, and guided students in various research projects and assignments. He’s also led courses on e-learning and outcome-based education.
Ms. Anjali Deshmukh, a devoted Yog Sadhak and Sevak, passionately supports individuals, including cancer patients, special children, and senior citizens from marginalized backgrounds. She leads a team dedicated to improving physical and emotional well-being through yogic practices. Ms. Anjali also guides yoga training courses at Savitribai Phule Pune University and oversees Kaivalyadhama’s Pune center for yoga-based studies.
Dr. Menon brings over a decade of expertise in studying yoga’s psychological aspects. She is committed to inclusive education, introducing yoga to children with special needs, educators, and caregivers. As an Assistant Professor at the G.S. College of Yoga & Cultural Synthesis, she supervises PhD students at the college’s research center affiliated with Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Ramtek, Nagpur. Her credit also includes a substantial body of well-published research and contributions to conferences.
She holds a Master's and PhD in Psychology specializing in Indian Integral Psychology. Her primary focus is on integrating self-knowledge into education and psychology, advocating for an integral way of living. Dr Kaul serves as a guest faculty for Integral Psychology at AURO University, Surat, and offers online courses and workshops through the NAMAH platform under the Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry. She actively contributes to the YES (Yoga, Education, and Spirituality) project managed by the YESpirituality Trust.
Dr. R. S. Bhogal, brings over 30 years of experience in meditation research and teaching. He’s the former Principal of Gordhandas Seksaria College of Yoga and Cultural Synthesis, Editor-in-Chief of Yoga Mimamsa, and authored seven books. He has numerous scientific papers and has received both national and international awards.
Ms. Suchitra Pareekh, MSc, MA, BEd, CYEd, is an educationist, a speaker, author, and now Vritti Coach, Senior Faculty at The Yoga Institute, Yoga auditor for the AYUSH-QCI Yoga scheme, Yoga Ratna awardee, has contributed to many publications of WHO-AYUSH publications and publications of The Yoga Institute. She has envisions Yoga teachers to practicing Yama Niyama as much as they practice Asana Pranayama before teaching and striving to fulfil it.
The Art of Living is the world's shadow of peace with 25,000 teachers and high impact programs. As CEO and Director of Sri Sri Yoga , Vasanti continues to lead directionally as she has for over 23 years across India and its borders through its varied programs and initiatives. She has over the years held positions of responsibility as an opportunity to contribute be it as a National Teachers coordinator or as Vice President of Sri Sri Tattva Panchakarma or any other role. Guided by a moral compass that is unconditional she plays a pivotal role in driving its essence.
Dr. Ishwar V. Basavaraddi, a renowned Yoga Scientist, Philosopher, and Master with 35+ years of teaching and research, is celebrated for developing specialized Yoga protocols for various health conditions and demographics. He has trained countless Yoga enthusiasts and teachers, and is a key figure behind the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), practiced globally. He has hosted International Day of Yoga (IDY) events since 2015, marking his significant impact on the world of Yoga.
He is a prominent figure in yoga and sports management, specializing in advancing Yogasana as a competitive sport and advocating for its inclusion in the Olympics. Winner of many National and international Gold Medals in Yogasana, he currently serves as the Technical Director of Yogasana Bharat, a National Sports Federation recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, GOI. Mr Dawn has also worked with International Organizations to promote Yoga Asana Championships in the USA, UK, Greece, Russia, Malaysia, China and more.
Ms. Aarti Pal seamlessly combines the athletic and philosophical dimensions of Yoga. Having achieved victory in numerous Asana competitions at an early-age, she made a deliberate choice to delve into the academic realm of Yoga's philosophy and science. Following the attainment of her master's degree, she joined the Physical Education Department at SPPU. Presently, Ms. Aarti Pal imparts her knowledge and expertise in Yoga Science at the University of Patanjali, Haridwar.
Ms. Mamta Bisht has passionately taught yoga for 6 years in schools, institutes, and corporate environments. Her journey into yoga commenced during her pursuit of an M.A. in Philosophy in 2015. Subsequently, she attained a postgraduate diploma in Yoga Education from Kaivalyadhama and achieved a master's degree in the same field from Uttarakhand University. Mamta's background in theater, radio, and Indian Classical Dance - Kathak, has been instrumental in shaping her exploration of yoga's philosophy and practice.
Dr. Sharma’s academic achievements include M.A. in Education, an MSc, and a PhD, within the field of Yoga. He brings extensive experience to the realm of yoga education, having taught at institutions like Navodaya Vidyalaya and Kendriya Vidyalaya. Additionally, he has served as an examiner for the Yoga Certification Board, a body under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. Actively engaged in various national and international organizations, Dr. Rajanish's true passion lies in imparting the wisdom of Yoga.
Prof. R. K. Bodhe is a M.A. (Philosophy & Sanskrit), M. Phil. (Philosophy), he is associated with Kaivalyadhama for 30 years. He is invited for delivering talks, workshops at several universities and institutions. In his career Prof. Bodhe has authored several research papers in Traditional Yoga and co-authored several Volumes. He is also working as the Associate Editor of Yoga Mimamsa. His areas of interest include Yoga Philosophy, Applied aspects of Traditional Yoga, Value Education and Philosophical bases of esoteric sciences.
Shri. Neeraj Singh is a science graduate with deep interest in yoga. He completed his Diploma in Yoga from Kaivalyadhama and has wide experience of teaching. He is popular with the international groups, who love his very quite and peaceful demeanor, his clarity and simplicity.
He has completed B.N.Y.S, MBA (Hospital Administration), FCSW, PhD scholar; he is also Reiki Grand master level 12, Advance Pranic Healer, certified psychotherapist, PGDIA, and PGDIN. He has been awarded the President’s National award, and has also earned a Gold medal in Yoga and Naturopathy in 2005 awarded by the International Naturopathy Organization in New Delhi, India. He has over 24 years of Clinical experience in treating various diseases by way of Naturopathy, Yoga, and Acupressure & Acupuncture He has over 35 years of experience in Chakra meditation. Dr. Pandey has participated in the International Conference on Yoga, Naturopathy and Arogya expo-2012 at Bangalore, AYUSH Ministry.
Ms. Gauri Swakul, a dedicated disciple of Kathak Guru Pandita Maneesha Sathe, holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in Kathak dance and an Alankar degree, ranking as a top performer in India. She received specialized training from Pandit Suresh Talwalkar and is an ICCR empaneled artist, a Graded artist of Doordarshan, and holds various prestigious titles. Gauri also serves as an Honorary Guru at multiple universities and excels as a professional anchor.
Shri. Arif Mohammed Khan, an accomplished politician, began his career as a student leader at Aligarh Muslim University. He served in various parliamentary roles, including as a Member of Parliament and Union Cabinet Minister. Khan authored "Text and Context: Quran and Contemporary Challenges" in 2010 and is known for his writings and lectures on religious reforms. He represented India at international conferences, including the Non-aligned Information Ministers Conference in 1982 and the World Economic Forum in Switzerland in 1990
Our Speakers
Dr. Shirley Telles, PhD, MBBS, M.Phil., leads yoga research at Patanjali Research Foundation in India. With 200+ articles, 7 books, and 17 chapters, she’s a Templeton and ICMR awardee. A Fulbright fellow studying meditation neuroimaging, she’s also a dedicated yoga practitioner.
Dr. Srijan Pal Singh, IIM-A Gold Medalist, is a renowned author, speaker, and education innovator. He worked as advisor to President Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam and now serves as CEO and Co-Founder of the Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam Centre, dedicated to advancing Dr. A.P.J Kalam’s vision through integrated missions.
Smt. Manisha Verma is a seasoned Indian Administrative Service officer and an alumnus of Harvard Kennedy School and IDS Sussex. She has held prominent positions in various sectors including Finance, Education, Tribal Development, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Her dedication to sustainable, inclusive and innovative programs has earned her numerous accolades. She is an expert on social development, leadership training, public policy and management.
Cdr. Abhijit Kumar was commissioned into the engineering branch of Indian Navy in Jan 2008. An alumni of prestigious Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, he has completed his Masters in Defence and Strategic Studies from Madras University. A trained yoga enthusiast he is presently posted at INS Shivaji and is carrying out the duties of Training Commander since June 2020.
Mr. Vikram Singh, a 2001 UPSC officer, holds an ME degree from Delhi College of Engineering and an MBA from FMS, Delhi University. He has played key roles in the power sector, including with the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission. Currently Director at the Ministry of AYUSH, he’s a dedicated blood donor and an enthusiast of running, biking, writing and meditation. He authored a novel on Shaheed Bhagat Singh and now oversees MDNIY as well.
She is a dedicated advocate for student well-being and health. Her journey is rooted in her commitment to fostering a holistic approach to value-based education with a deep belief in the power of yoga as a tool for improving physical fitness and mental resilience. Her primary focus is to create a nurturing school environment that promotes healthy minds and bodies striving for academic excellence.
Dr. Satbir Bedi is a retired IAS officer from the AGMUT cadre (1986), with a distinguished career spanning over three decades. With extensive experience in leadership positions across sectors including education and health, she has worked with the United Nations in Afghanistan. She holds a PhD in Psychology and is a Master Trainer for Department of Personnel & Training, Government of India.
Rt. Rev. Bishop Thomas Dabre of the Diocese of Poona, is known for interfaith dialogue. He was a professor at Jnana Deepa Vidyapeeth and holds a doctorate on Marathi poet Tukaram. Ordained priest in 1971 and bishop in 1990, he served as bishop of Pune from 2009-2018. He is an excellent orator and is a Sanskrit scholar.
Dr. Shailesh Shirali, is the Director of Sahyadri School (KFI) in Pune and the former Principal of Rishi Valley School. He holds a degree in Physics from St. Stephen's College (Delhi University), an MBA from the IIM, Ahmedabad, and a Ph.D. in Operations Research from the University of Texas at Dallas, USA. As a trustee of the Krishnamurti Foundation India (KFI), he has been dedicated to KFI schools since the early 1980s. Dr. Shirali has deep interest in ancient Indian mathematics and is committed to fostering inquiry into fundamental issues among high school teachers and students.
Dr. N.D Joshi, a highly respected educator with over four decades of experience, has dedicated his life to education. His illustrious career, marked by accolades like the 2011 National Award, includes roles as the Principal of 6 Kendriya Vidyalayas and Kaivalya Vidya Niketan. Driven by a passion for sports, he organized Regional , National and SGFI events, fostering the well-being and fitness of students. Additionally, he served on the CBSE panel, inspecting schools in India and abroad.
Ms. Bharati Kawade is a experienced, and goal-oriented educator, she is unwavering in her dedication towards safeguarding and advancing the education and well-being of children and youth. Ms. Bharati Kawade excels at cultivating supportive relationships, not only with students but also with parents and fellow educators, all aimed at nurturing students' independence and self-esteem. A true team player who constantly pursues further knowledge and experience, her confidence, passion, and enthusiasm for working with children shines through.
Dr. Santosh Panda is a distinguished Professor of Education with expertise in distance education, teacher education, and higher education. He holds a Fulbright Post-Doctorate and a BBC Certificate in Educational Television. Throughout his career, he has held key roles in various institutions and works on diverse educational fronts, including technology - enabled learning and inclusive education.
Prof. Hrushikesh Senapaty is a distinguished Professor of Education and possesses over 30 years of experience in teaching, research, development, training and extension in the area of school education and teacher education. He served as Director of NCERT from 2015-2020. He contributed significantly in the formulation of Professional Development programme of in-service teachers titled “National Initiative for School Heads and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement (NISHTHA)” which covered more than 4.2 million teachers and school heads of primary and lower secondary levels. Moreover, he successfully led the roll out of learning-outcome based National Achievement Survey (NAS), 2017 in which 2.2 million students across the country participated. He steered the preparation of the historic document, “Learning outcomes at the elementary and secondary stage” in 2017 and 2019. During his tenure as Director, NCERT, he facilitated international collaborations with USA, Finland, Australia, South Korea, Mauritius, Germany, Bhutan and Taiwan in the field of teacher education, open, distance and technology-mediated learning, curriculum development, educational research and technology; and NCERT has signed MoU’s with many countries. Prior to NCERT, he was Principal of the Regional Institute of Education, NCERT, Bhopal. Prof. Senapaty was also awarded Honorary D.Lit (Honoris Causa) degree by Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Odisha.
Dr. Bhagwan Balani serves as the Registrar and Dean of Faculty of Humanities at HSNC University, Mumbai. He’s also the Principal of Bombay Teachers Training College. With a doctorate in teacher education quality assurance, he’s a recognized teacher of the University and brings 19 years of teaching experience to B.Ed. programs. He has presented research papers, conducted workshops, and guided students in various research projects and assignments. He’s also led courses on e-learning and outcome-based education.
Ms. Anjali Deshmukh is a Yog Sadhak and a dedicated Sevak. She, along with a team of sevaks, tirelessly reaches out to individuals facing diverse health challenges, including cancer patients, special children, senior citizens, from marginalized families. Their mission is to enhance physical and emotional well-being through researched yogic practices. Ms. Anjali also plays a pivotal role in offering yoga training courses at Savitribai Phule Pune University and leads the Pune center of Kaivalyadhama, where various yoga-based studies are conducted.
Dr. Ishwar Basavaraddi is Former Director of Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) Ministry of AYUSH Government of India. He was also Adviser (Yoga & Naturopathy),- Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Yoga Certification Board (YCB), Ministry of AYUSH - Government of India Dr. Ishwar Basavaraddi is a Physicist having done M.Sc. in Physics; later turned to Yoga and Yoga philosophy and did Ph.D in Yoga Philosophy. He has more than 30 years of professional experience in Yoga education, therapy and research.
Shri. Umang Gopalbhai Dawn is a prominent figure in yoga and sports management, specializing in advancing Yogasana as a competitive sport and advocating for its inclusion in the Olympics. Winner of many National and international Gold Medals in Yogasana, he currently serves as the Technical Director of Yogasana Bharat, a National Sports Federation recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, GOI. Mr Dawn has also worked with International Organizations to promote Yoga Asana Championships in the USA, UK, Greece, Russia, Malaysia, China and more.
Ms. Suchitra Pareekh, MSc, MA, BEd, CYEd, is an educationist, a speaker, author, and now Vritti Coach, Senior Faculty at The Yoga Institute, Yoga auditor for the AYUSH-QCI Yoga scheme, Yoga Ratna awardee, contributed to many publications of WHO-AYUSH publications and Publications of The Yoga Institute. She has visioned Yoga teachers to practice Yama Niyama as much as they practice Asana Pranayama before teaching and strives to fulfil it.
The Art of Living is the world's shadow of peace with 25,000 teachers and high impact programs. As CEO and Director of Sri Sri Yoga, Ms. Vasanti Iyer continues to lead directionally as she has for over 23 years across India and its borders through its varied programs and initiatives. She has over the years held positions of responsibility as an opportunity to contribute be it as a National Teachers coordinator or as Vice President of Sri Sri Tattva Panchakarma or any other role. Guided by a moral compass that is unconditional she plays a pivotal role in driving its essence.
Dr. Praseeda Menon has over 10 years of work experience as a Research Officer at the Scientific Research Department of Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Lonavala, India. She conducts research on the psychological and mental health aspects of yoga. She believes in inclusive practices in school education, and over the years, has been working to introduce yogic practices to children with special needs, and to their educators and caregivers. She has well-published research studies and several conference presentations to her credit. She serves as an Assistant Professor at the G. S. College of Yoga & Cultural Synthesis, Kaivalyadhama, and is a recognised PhD Supervisor of the college’s research centre affiliated to the Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Ramtek, Nagpur.
Dr. Aditi Kaul holds a Master's and PhD in Psychology specializing in Indian Integral Psychology. Her primary focus is on integrating self-knowledge into education and psychology, advocating for an integral way of living. Dr. Aditi Kaul serves as a guest faculty for Integral Psychology at AURO University, Surat, and offers online courses and workshops through the NAMAH platform under the Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry. She actively contributes to the YES (Yoga, Education, and Spirituality) project managed by the YESpirituality Trust.
Dr. R. S. Bhogal, brings over 30 years of experience in meditation research and teaching. He is the former Principal of Gordhandas Seksaria College of Yoga and Cultural Synthesis, Editor-in-Chief of Yoga Mimamsa, and authored seven books. He holds first ever PhD in "Fundamental nature of Siva Samhita Meditation" from Savitribai Phule Pune University. He has numerous scientific papers and has received both national and international awards.
Ms. Gauri Swakul, a dedicated disciple of Kathak Guru Pandita Maneesha Sathe, holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in Kathak dance and an Alankar degree, ranking as a top performer in India. She received specialized training from Pandit Suresh Talwalkar and is an ICCR empaneled artist, a Graded artist of Doordarshan, and holds various prestigious titles. Gauri also serves as an Honorary Guru at multiple universities and excels as a professional anchor.
Ms. Mamta Bisht has passionately taught yoga for six years in diverse settings, including schools, institutes, and corporate environments. Her journey into yoga commenced during her pursuit of an M.A. in Philosophy in 2015. Subsequently, she attained a postgraduate diploma in Yoga Education from Kaivalyadhama and achieved a master's degree in the same field from Uttarakhand University. Mamta's background in theater, radio, and Indian Classical Dance - Kathak, has been instrumental in shaping her exploration of yoga's philosophy and practice. She strongly advocates the continual exchange of knowledge and experiences among individuals to enrich one's life with love and a profound sense of fulfillment.
Dr. Rajanish holds the position of Senior Yoga Teacher and Faculty Member at the GS College of Yoga and Cultural Synthesis within Kaivalyadhama. His academic achievements include M.A. in Education, an MSc, and a PhD, within the field of Yoga. Dr. Rajanish brings extensive experience to the realm of yoga education, having taught at institutions like Navodaya Vidyalaya and Kendriya Vidyalaya. Additionally, he has served as an examiner for the Yoga Certification Board, a body under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. Actively engaged in various national and international organizations, Dr. Rajanish's true passion lies in imparting the wisdom of Yoga.
Shri. R. K. Bodhe is a M.A. (Philosophy & Sanskrit), M.Phil. (Philosophy) Worked as Research Officer, Philosophico-Literary Research Department, Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala, for 30 years. He is invited for delivering talks, workshops at several universities and institutions. In his career of 30 years, Prof. Bodhe has authored several research papers in Traditional Yoga and co-authored several Volumes. Prof. Bodhe is also working as the Associate Editor of Yoga Mimamsa. His areas of interest include Yoga Philosophy, Applied aspects of Traditional Yoga, Value Education and Philosophical Bases of Esoteric Sciences.
Shri. Neeraj Singh is a science graduate with deep interest in yoga. He completed his Diploma in Yoga from Kaivalyadhama and has wide experience of teaching. He is popular with the international groups, who love his very quite and peaceful demeanor, his clarity and simplicity.