Leadership Team
Dr. O. P. Tiwari
Chairman, Kaivalyadham
Dr. O. P. Tiwari is a student of Swami Kuvalyananda. One of the few masters teaching Pranayama practice with a classical technique, where the scientific outlook harmonizes with traditional wisdom. He is a humble man who does not try to prove anything, but with integrity, and sincerity passes on the practice of Yoga in the traditional way.
Dr. O. P. Tiwari
Dr. Om Prakash Tiwari was born in the town of eastern Uttar Pradesh, Etawah in the year 1933. His father was a lawyer, but passed away early in 1940’s. Dr. Tiwari-ji toiled his way hard to complete his education. He completed his double Masters in Art from the prestigious Allahabad University, In the year 1958 he landed up a government job , but at the same time he had an option to come to Kaivalyadhama Lonavla, where he was granted admission in the two year course of Yoga Pravishta. He choose the latter , and rest is history.
Dr. Tiwari-ji arrived at Kaivalyadhama in the year 1958 and spend time under the direct guidance of the founder Swami Kuvalyananda un-till 1966 , when Swami ji passed away. IN 1965, the founder nominated him to be the Secretary of the Trust Kaivalyadhama.
Passing away of the founder had left a great vaccum in the institute. Shri.Tiwari-ji at the young age , steered the institute towards progress in research , training and therapy. The scientific research of the institute depended on a large scale, on the grants of the Government of India and Maharashtra, this continued due to his great dedication and devotion.
Dr. Tiwari-ji carried the great legacy of the founder and represented the institute at various forums at national and international levels. He was instrumental in starting of the Yoga Camps all over India in early 1970’s, with the help of Ministry of Education. He was the face of Yoga in the SNIPES, the National Board that looked after sports and education. He was Chairman of the committee, which initiated the process of introduction of Yoga in Kendriya Vidyalay Schools in early 80’s. Dr. Tiwari-ji was founder member of the Central Council of Research in Yoga and Naturopathy. He was deeply involved in the policy making in the Government.
While administration was important, on the other hand, he continued his teachings of the experiential aspect of Yoga in various course in the College. Since 1970’s he visited many countries to share his knowledge and experience of Yoga. In times to come, he became one of the most prominent teachers of Classical Pranayama. Since 1997 he devoted more time to teaching and had extensive tours to Japan, China, US, Canada, Europe and other continents.
Dr. Tiwari-ji was appointed as the Chief Patron of the Indo-China Yoga School Established in Yunnan province, post the visit of the Hon’ble Prime Minister in 2015. He has been recipient of many awards and was conferred Honorary D Lit by the Kavi Kul Sanskrit University.
At the age of 89 , Dr. Tiwari ji continues his teachings with all humility and simplicity , to contribute towards the society. His primary objective in life is to serve the vision of his teacher Swami Kuvalyananda , and believes in ensuring that Yoga is not diluted.
He often quotes his teachers favorite lines
“ माना अपमाओ
यवेटि योगिनास्तौ विशमृते ! अपमानो मृतम प्रहरमनस्तु विषम विषम !
For a Yogi praise and insult are verily poison and nectar. The wise dealers that insult is nectar and praise the gravest poison.
Justice B. N. Srikrishna
Former Judge, Supreme Court of India
Justice Srikrishna (born May 21, 1941) is an Indian jurist and a retired Judge of the Supreme Court of India.
Born in Bangalore, he was brought up in Bombay (now Mumbai) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Science from the Elphinstone College of the University of Bombay, received an LL.B. from the Government Law College, Mumbai, an LL.M. from the University of Bombay, and stood second in the University. He holds an M.A. in Sanskrit from the University of Mysore, a diploma in Urdu and a postgraduate diploma in Indian Aesthetics from the University of Bombay. He knows eleven languages including his mother tongue Kannada.
Justice B. N. Shrikrishna (Retd)
Bellur Narayanaswamy Srikrishna (born 21 May 1941) is an Indian jurist and a retired judge of the Supreme Court of India. From 1993–98, he headed the "Srikrishna Commission" that investigated causes and apportioned blame for the Bombay riots of 1992–93. He is currently the chairman of the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC) and also works as an independent arbitrator.
Justice Srikrishna was born in Bangalore, was a lawyer in Bombay High Court. He was brought up in Bombay (now Mumbai) and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Science from the Elphinstone College of the University of Bombay, received an LL.B. from the Government Law College, Mumbai, an LL.M. from the University of Bombay, and stood second in the university. He holds an MA in Sanskrit from the University of Mysore, a diploma in Urdu and a postgraduate diploma in Indian Aesthetics from the University of Bombay. He knows ten languages including his mother tongue Kannada.
In 1967, Justice Srikrishna entered private practice in the Bombay High Court, specialising in labour and industrial law. He was counsel for a number of large corporations. Besides appearing in the High Court, he also argued cases in the Supreme Court of India and was designated as a Senior Advocate in 1987.
Justice Srikrishna was appointed as an additional judge of the Bombay High Court in 1990 and as a permanent judge in 1991. In 1993, he assumed charge of the Commission of Inquiry into the riots that took place in Bombay in 1992–93. The "Srikrishna Commission", as it became known, submitted its report in 1998, and generated widespread interest in India and abroad. In September 2001, he was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court and on 3 October 2002, was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of India. On 21 May 2006, as per rules, on reaching the age of superannuation of sixty-five years, he retired from the Supreme Court.
He is leading the effort to draft new data privacy-laws for India that will regulate how tech giants from US and elsewhere will operate in the country. Justice Srikrishna plans to navigate a "middle path" between the laissez-faire US approach and the stringent GDPR just imposed in Europe.
Shri. Subodh Tiwari
Hon Secretary | CEO
Shri. Subodh Tiwari was born in the yogic atmosphere at Kaivalyadhama Lonavla. At a young age he received spiritual initiation from Swami Digambarji, the Director and spiritual head of Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute.
In 1997 he decided to devote his life to the Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute and to serve it.
Being a nature lover at heart, he has implemented many environmentally friendly practices.
His goal is to qualitatively enhance the life of an individual through the practice of yoga and enhance the quality of environment through human efforts.
Shri. Subodh Tiwari
Born in the yogic atmosphere at Kaivalyadhama Lonavla and with schooling in this hill station. Since a young age was initiated into the spiritual practices by Swami Digambar-ji, who at that time was the Chairman and Spiritual head of Kaivalyadhama. Initiated into yogic practices at the age of 6 under the guidance of his father Dr. O. P. Tiwari, the disciple of the founder Swami Kuvalyananda. In March 1997 decided to devote my life at the institute and to serve it.
Over past two decades, he has been able to strengthen the foundations of the institute to achieve the vision of the founder i.e to ‘coordinate the spiritual phenomena of Yoga with Modern science’. He serves in various capacities in committees relating to policies, academics and research in the field of Yoga under the ageis of Government of India, Government of Maharashtra and various Universities.
Travelled to various countries to conduct workshops on Yoga. Invited as a guest speaker in numerous conferences across the world.
Passionate to preserve nature and promote efforts towards a better environment.
Presently the Hon Secretary / CEO at the Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute holding firm belief that, Yoga is not only ‘doing’ but also ‘being’, and therefore in broad parameters harmony with nature and discipline, dedication and devotion in life are key to a meaningful life.
He also possess great passion towards enhancing the quality of life holistically and therefore has laid great focus on cleaner environment and service to the society through participation in through various forums. He likes to take off time, with his passion of photography and being amidst nature.
Justice B. N. Srikrishna
(Chairman)
Former Judge, Supreme Court of India
Justice B. N. Shrikrishna (Retd)
Bellur Narayanaswamy Srikrishna (born 21 May 1941) is an Indian jurist and a retired judge of the Supreme Court of India. From 1993–98, he headed the "Srikrishna Commission" that investigated causes and apportioned blame for the Bombay riots of 1992–93. He is currently the chairman of the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC) and also works as an independent arbitrator.
Justice Srikrishna was born in Bangalore, was a lawyer in Bombay High Court. He was brought up in Bombay (now Mumbai) and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Science from the Elphinstone College of the University of Bombay, received an LL.B. from the Government Law College, Mumbai, an LL.M. from the University of Bombay, and stood second in the university. He holds an MA in Sanskrit from the University of Mysore, a diploma in Urdu and a postgraduate diploma in Indian Aesthetics from the University of Bombay. He knows ten languages including his mother tongue Kannada.
In 1967, Justice Srikrishna entered private practice in the Bombay High Court, specialising in labour and industrial law. He was counsel for a number of large corporations. Besides appearing in the High Court, he also argued cases in the Supreme Court of India and was designated as a Senior Advocate in 1987.
Justice Srikrishna was appointed as an additional judge of the Bombay High Court in 1990 and as a permanent judge in 1991. In 1993, he assumed charge of the Commission of Inquiry into the riots that took place in Bombay in 1992–93. The "Srikrishna Commission", as it became known, submitted its report in 1998, and generated widespread interest in India and abroad. In September 2001, he was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court and on 3 October 2002, was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of India. On 21 May 2006, as per rules, on reaching the age of superannuation of sixty-five years, he retired from the Supreme Court.
He is leading the effort to draft new data privacy-laws for India that will regulate how tech giants from US and elsewhere will operate in the country. Justice Srikrishna plans to navigate a "middle path" between the laissez-faire US approach and the stringent GDPR just imposed in Europe.
Dr. D. R. Karthikeyan
Padmashree Awardee
IPS, Former Director General CBI
President – Foundation for Peace, Harmony & Good Governance
Dr. D. R. Karthikeyan
He is the former Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation and Director General, National Human Rights Commission and Special Director General, Central Reserve Police Force.
He obtained a B.Sc. degree in Chemistry and Agriculture from the Annamalai University. He also obtained a Bachelor of Law degree from the Law College, Madras and was enrolled as an Advocate in the Bar Council of Madras.
He began an eventful career after becoming an Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1964. He also served in a number of important positions - Deputy Commissioner of Police, Law and Order, Bangalore; Deputy Inspector General of Police, Karnataka State Intelligence Department; Head of Karnataka State Police Academy; Inspector General of Police.
Mr. Karthikeyan was First Secretary in the Embassy of India, Moscow, Russia in 1974. He was stationed in Sydney Australia from 1985 to 1989, promoting Indian exports to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.
Mr. Karthikeyan is globally appreciated for leading the successful investigation and prosecution of the accused in the tragic assassination of Prime Minister Mr. Rajiv Gandhi. Shri Karthikeyan is the recipient of numerous awards and honours from India and abroad. He is the recipient of the Government of India’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service and President’s Medal for Distinguished Service. Among others he was awarded “Doctor of Honours” by the International Open Wellness University at the World Congress on Integrated Medicine at Colombo, Sri Lanka.
A Padma Shri awardee in 2010, he is an example for what one can achieve through sincerity, dedication and hard work.
He has authored several articles in publications inside and outside India on varying subjects including human rights, terrorism, spirituality, interfaith harmony, farm crisis, water, solar bio-fuel and renewable energy, environment, police reforms ,corruption and good governance. Among the celebrated books he has authored are -“Triumph of Truth–Rajiv Gandhi Assassination–The Investigation” and “Human Rights–Problems and Solutions”.
Along with Link Campus University in Rome, he co-edited the popular book “Pathways out of Terrorism and Insurgency: the Dynamics of Political Violence and Peace Processes in Contemporary Societies”.
Shri. Karthikeyan has dedicated his life to promote peace, health, Yoga, inter-faith harmony, human rights, human responsibilities, rural development, farmers’ welfare, protection and respect for environment, renewable energy, care of the elderly and good governance.
He plays a key role in different capacities in several social and spiritual organizations, including Age-Care India; Assocham National Council on Security; Bharat Bio-Fuels and Renewable Energy Foundation; Foundation for Restoration of National Values.
Shri. P. H. Parekh
Padmashree Awardee
Senior Counsel, Supreme Court of India
Shri. P. H. Parekh
Pravin H Parekh is a Senior Counsel practicing at the Supreme Court of India. He has founded and headed “P.H. Parekh & Co.”, one of the premier law firms in India . He has been in the legal practice for over 5 decades now. He has served as the President of Supreme Court Advocates Association for 10 years and as the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association of India for six times. In 2012, he was conferred with Padma Shri, the fourth highest Indian civilian honor. He is the President of Indian Society of International Law.
In 1963 he graduated with BA. (Hons) from Elphinstone College, Bombay and then went on to do his LL.B. from Government Law College, Bombay. He got the Rashtra Bhasha Ratna Degree in 1968. Later he did PIL from, Harvard University, U.S.A.
He has been a managing trustee of the Consumer Education and Research Centre (CERC), where he was earlier the chairman. He had also been active in fighting for the rights of women and children and disadvantaged sections across the country.
He has edited and authored a number of Books, articles and spoken extensively at various national and international forums in different parts of the world.
He has represented Presidents of India and Vice Presidents of India in the election petitions, number of present and past Union Cabinet Ministers, Chief Ministers, State Ministers, Ford Foundation, Election Commission of India, Bombay High Court, Patna High Court, Consumer Education Research Centre, Press Council of India.
Other clients include the Bombay Stock Exchange, Bombay Municipal Corporation, Kalyan Municipal Corporation, Nuclear Power Corporation City, Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corp Ltd and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra and other large industrial houses. Appeared for Reliance Industries Ltd., Somaiya Group of Industries, Kothari Industrial Corporation, Jaiprakash Industries, Hindustan Unilever Ltd., ELECON
Engineering Co. Ltd. (Group of Companies).
He has represented Hydro-Electric Power Plants, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Gujarat Electricity Board, Gujarat Gas, Gas Authority of India, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL).
Taj Group of Hotels, International Hotel Licensing Company were also among his clientele.
He has represented most of the Indian and foreign Construction Companies. He has advised clients on diverse projects from Airports, Ports, Roads, Thermal Plants etc. and have also represented them in Courts and in Arbitrations.
Shri. Sashikant Savale
Former Charity Commissioner
Maharashtra
Shri. Shashikant Bhanudas
Shri. Shashikant Bhanudas Savale born in 1959 did his Bachelors and LL .B. from Pune University. He entered Judiciary directly as District Judge. He did 19 years of service in judiciary which includes posted as District judge in Nagpur, [2000-2003], Nasik [2003-2006] and Aurangabad [2006-2008]. He served as Principal Judge holding charge of Administration from February 2008 onwards. He then served as Chief judge of small cause court, Mumbai [2010-2013] followed by appointed as President, co-operative appellate court, Maharashtra, Mumbai [2013-2015]. He held the esteemed post of the Charity commissioner of Maharashtra from 2015 to 2017. Shri. Savale was appointed as President of Industrial courts, Maharshtra in 2017 and then Principal district judge Nagpur in 2018-2019 and then retired in 2019.
He is presently practicing as Advocate and consultant. He is also Honorary Chairman of fee regulatory committee, Mumbai Educational Department of Maharashtra state. He is also legal advisor of Satpuda sugar factory in shahada thus also adding his experience in Labour’s matters.
Prof. Rajan Welukar
Vice Chancellor of Atlas SkillTech University, Mumbai
Prof. Rajan Welukar
Vice Chancellor of Atlas SkillTech University, Mumbai
Dr. Rajan Welukar is presently Vice Chancellor of Atlas SkillTech University, Mumbai from December 2021. He is an eminent academician, recently he was Vice Chancellor of AURO University , former vice-chancellor of the University of Mumbai, Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University and G H Raisoni University.
Mr. Welukar holds Master’s Degree and Ph. D in statistics. He has over 36 years of experience in the field of higher education, which includes teaching at the under-graduate and post-graduate levels, academic, administration, training and capacity building, community service and youth development. He had been serving as the Director of Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Education (SIMSREE) from September 2009 to 2010. He served as the vice-chancellor of the Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, Nashik between 2004 and 2009. Earlier, he served as Senior Programme Officer and HRD Lead Officer to the Commonwealth Secretariat's, Commonwealth Youth Programme, Asia Region. He was an Officer on Special Duty in the Higher and Technical Department of Government of Maharashtra and also served as Deputy Secretary (Education)to the Governor of Maharashtra between March 2002 and October 2003.
He has compiled and edited the book, Gandhi@150 which explores the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas in today’s world and the impact of his philosophy across a wide spectrum of areas such as religion, economics, science, education, the arts and health and development. Other books he has conceptualised and edited are “ Words of Wisdom” and “निर्भया एक आत्मचिंतन (Nirbhaya Ek Aattmachintan)”.
He has a passion to make a difference to the lives of students and learners through involvement as a policy and opinion leader, as well as actually implementing development initiatives, has made him a known higher educational professional.
Shri. B. C. Khatua
IAS
Former Secretary, GOI
Shri B. C. Khatua
Khatua, a 1976 batch IAS officer of Maharashtra cadre, Khatua, who was appointed as the Forward Markets Commission (FMC) chairman in May 2007.Khatua, was previously working as Sales Tax Commissioner in Maharashtra
Mr. B. C. Khatua is a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. After completion of his higher education in English literature, he has done Masters in Business Management from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute, Mumbai as well as from Birmingham University, UK.
He has worked in various senior level assignments in the Government of Maharashtra as well as Government of India spanning over 35 years. Over the years, he has worked in diverse fields, viz, development administration, urban development, industry, taxation, financial management and financial regulation. Some of the highlights of his achievements are as follows.
As Textiles Commissioner, Government of India, he dismantled the restrictive control regime and brought in focus on diversification and development of the complex textile industry. Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) conceptualised, designed and implemented by him has revolutionized the industry to make it globally competitive. Over Rs 3 lakh crore investment with ₹3000 crore interest subvention has been possible over the last 23 years. The Cotton Technology Mission doubled the production and productivity to catapult india to the 2nd spot globally.
As Principal Secretary in the Government of Maharashtra, he implemented community-led rural drinking water supply schemes with focus on source sustainability in the water-starved state. Under Gadge Baba Sanitation Campaign, community-driven rural sanitation program was implemented in over 12000 villages in just 4 years.
As the Commissioner for VAT, Maharashtra, he implemented the Value Added Tax system including many systemic reforms, viz, timely assessment, refunds etc which helped in reduction of tax evasion as well as tax payers' grievances and corruption.
He also headed the Forward Markets Commission in Government of India, regulator of the commodity financial derivative market. Under his leadership, the FMC successfully protected the markets and investors from the adverse impacts of the 2008-09 Global Financial Crisis.
Post-retirement (2011), he headed the Mumbai Transformation Support Unit (MTSU) a think-tank of the Government of Maharashtra for 8 years to advise and support the urban development and reform initiatives of various govt agencies in the Mumbai metropolitan region. He had been associated with Kaivalyadham since the last 25 years. Kaivalyadham benefits from his long years of experience and expertise, especially in land and legal matters.
Shri. Prasad Menon
Former Chairman, Vistara Airlines
Shri. Prasad Menon
Tata veteran and former managing director of Tata Power, Prasad Menon, who also served as the first chairman of Air Vistara till he retired. He holds a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur.
Prasad Menon serves as Director on a number of Tata Boards, including Tata Industries, Tata Chemicals, TRF Limited and Tata Foundation. He is the Chairman of the Board of Tata Consulting Engineers, Tata Projects and the Tata–Singapore Airlines Joint Venture in addition to being a Director on the Board of Axis Bank, SKF India and Sanmar Group. He is an Independent Director at Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited.
Prasad Menon has over 40 years of diverse experience in premier multinational and Indian companies, across the Chemical and Power industry. He started his career with the Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) where he served for 20 years, followed by Nagarjuna Fertilizers. He joined the Tata Group in 2000 and served as the Managing Director at Tata Chemicals, and subsequently with Tata Power.
Apart from his Board responsibilities, Prasad Menon is actively involved in various advisory committees in the areas of Academics, Sustainability and Corporate Governance. He is active Member of the Governing Council of Centre for Environment Education-Nehru Foundation for Development. He is Chairman on the Board of Wildlife Trust of India. He served as Member of the Advisory Council of IITB-Monash Research Academy; Member of the Advisory Board of the Grantham Institute - London; and is on the Advisory Council of CII-ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development.
Dr. Anand Gokani
MD, Diabetologist
Dr. Anand Gokani
Dr. Anand has 35 years plus experience as Consultant physician and diabetologist and is associated with Bombay Hospital and medical research centre. He also has private consulting practice. He has earned his postgraduate degree course in medicine from the J J Hospital affiliated to the Grant Medical College. His research paper in diabetes has also been published in the Lancet Medical Journal published in the UK. He is Member of American Diabetes Association and National Diabetes Association India. He is a renowned diabetologist based in Mumbai, not purely because of his illustrious lineage of being Mahatma Gandhi's great grandson but also because of the unorthodox approach he has adopted to treat his patients. He felt the need to be more proactive to curtail the exponential rise in the number of patients getting diagnosed with diabetes — a disease strongly associated with increase in stress and poor lifestyle. He saw that the root cause of stress was often a lack of focus and there being too many distractions. He also realised that the disease was being diagnosed at a much younger age.
He changed from being a doctor who spends long clinic hours dispensing medicines to one that prioritises preventive measures through stress management sessions and week-long workshops. He takes extensive lectures on diabetes and related disorders to a susceptible population as a measure of prevention of diabetes.
Special areas of interest include treatment of diabetes and related disorders with wholistic measures including lifestyle change, nutritional modification, physical training, homeopathic, ayurvedic, naturopathy and yoga based support for conventional allopathic treatment.
His audiences include Patients, Cooperate offices and Banks, College and School students, social organisations like Rotary and Lions clubs and organisation like YPO, YEO and other Forums.
He also thought that intervention at the school level was necessary. He held residential camps for Socially Useful and Productive Work and Leadership, Ethical practices and Self Improvement held for Schools, Colleges like Cathedral and John Connon School, Villa Theresa School for Girls, Global Indian International School Chinchwad and St. Xavier`s College Bombay.
Shri. Ajit Sharan
Former Secretary, GOI (Ministry of AYUSH)
Shri. Ajit Sharan
Former Secretary, GOI (Ministry of AYUSH)
Dr. O. P. Tiwari
Chairman, Kaivalyadhama
Dr. O. P. Tiwari
Dr. Om Prakash Tiwari was born in the town of eastern Uttar Pradesh, Etawah in the year 1933. His father was a lawyer, but passed away early in 1940’s. Shri.Tiwari-ji toiled his way hard to complete his education. He completed his double Masters in Art from the prestigious Allahabad University, In the year 1958 he landed up a government job , but at the same time he had an option to come to Kaivalyadhama Lonavla, where he was granted admission in the two year course of Yoga Pravishta. He choose the latter , and rest is history.
Dr. Tiwari-ji arrived at Kaivalyadhama in the year 1958 and spend time under the direct guidance of the founder Swami Kuvalyananda un-till 1966 , when Swami ji passed away. IN 1965, the founder nominated him to be the Secretary of the Trust Kaivalyadhama.
Passing away of the founder had left a great vaccum in the institute. Shri. Tiwari-ji at the young age , steered the institute towards progress in research , training and therapy. The scientific research of the institute depended on a large scale, on the grants of the Government of India and Maharashtra, this continued due to his great dedication and devotion.
Dr. Tiwari-ji carried the great legacy of the founder and represented the institute at various forums at national and international levels. He was instrumental in starting of the Yoga Camps all over India in early 1970’s, with the help of Ministry of Education. He was the face of Yoga in the SNIPES, the National Board that looked after sports and education. He was Chairman of the committee, which initiated the process of introduction of Yoga in Kendriya Vidyalay Schools in early 80’s. Shri.Tiwari-ji was founder member of the Central Council of Research in Yoga and Naturopathy. He was deeply involved in the policy making in the Government.
While administration was important, on the other hand, he continued his teachings of the experiential aspect of Yoga in various course in the College. Since 1970’s he visited many countries to share his knowledge and experience of Yoga. In times to come, he became one of the most prominent teachers of Classical Pranayama. Since 1997 he devoted more time to teaching and had extensive tours to Japan, China, US, Canada, Europe and other continents.
Dr. Tiwari-ji was appointed as the Chief Patron of the Indo-China Yoga School Established in Yunnan province, post the visit of the Hon’ble Prime Minister in 2015. He has been recipient of many awards and was conferred Honorary D Lit by the Kavi Kul Sanskrit University.
At the age of 89 , Dr. Tiwari ji continues his teachings with all humility and simplicity , to contribute towards the society. His primary objective in life is to serve the vision of his teacher Swami Kuvalyananda , and believes in ensuring that Yoga is not diluted.
He often quotes his teachers favorite lines
“ माना अपमाओ
यवेटि योगिनास्तौ विशमृते ! अपमानो मृतम प्रहरमनस्तु विषम विषम !
For a Yogi praise and insult are verily poison and nectar. The wise dealers that insult is nectar and praise the gravest poison.
Justice Dr. S. Radhakrishan
Former Judge – Bombay High Court
Justice Dr. S. Radhakrishan
Justice Dr. S. Radhakrishan was born on 25th December, 1946. He rank First in LL.M. in Bombay University. He went on and did his doctorate in Law by Bombay University.
He served as a Judge of Bombay High Court from 15th April, 1996 to 24th December, 2008 for nearly 13 years. He was the Chairman of High Court Legal Services Committee and was heading various Committees of the High Court including Finance and “Budget Committee”.
As a Judge of Bombay High Court he handled various Commercial matters, Company matters, Arbitration matters including Income Tax, Central Excise, Customs, Service Tax matters. As a Judge, he was instrumental in orders related to environment protection orders. He gave directions to plant 1 Lakh trees in the city of Nagpur, gave various directions to protect Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Venna Lake at Mahabaleshwar etc.
He was also the Chairman of Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal from 28th January, 2009 till 27th January, 2014. Have streamlined the disposal of cases, with minimal pendency now. Mostly cases were disposed of within a year or six months.
Practiced Law for about 25 years in the Bombay High Court mainly in Civil, Commercial, Constitutional and Administrative Law fields. He was designated as a Senior Advocate in 1991. He appeared in various P.I.L. matters to protect Green Spaces in Mumbai and for visually impaired, to protect privacy of women, enhancement of pension for old retired teachers.
In the light of a PIL, Bombay High Court requested the Government of Maharashtra to appoint Prison Reforms Committee, post which he was appointed by the Government of Maharashtra as the Chairman Prison Reforms Committee from June 2017 to June 2018. This Committee submitted various Recommendations to State Government and Bombay High Court in June 2018.
Shri. Subodh Tiwari
Hon Secretary | CEO
Shri. Subodh Tiwari
Born in the yogic atmosphere at Kaivalyadhama Lonavla and with schooling in this hill station. Since a young age was initiated into the spiritual practices by Swami Digambar-ji, who at that time was the Chairman and Spiritual head of Kaivalyadhama. Initiated into yogic practices at the age of 6 under the guidance of his father Dr. O. P. Tiwari, the disciple of the founder Swami Kuvalyananda. In March 1997 decided to devote my life at the institute and to serve it.
Over past two decades, he has been able to strengthen the foundations of the institute to achieve the vision of the founder i.e to ‘coordinate the spiritual phenomena of Yoga with Modern science’. He serves in various capacities in committees relating to policies, academics and research in the field of Yoga under the ageis of Government of India, Government of Maharashtra and various Universities.
Travelled to various countries to conduct workshops on Yoga. Invited as a guest speaker in numerous conferences across the world.
Passionate to preserve nature and promote efforts towards a better environment.
Presently the Hon Secretary / CEO at the Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute holding firm belief that, Yoga is not only ‘doing’ but also ‘being’, and therefore in broad parameters harmony with nature and discipline, dedication and devotion in life are key to a meaningful life.
He also possess great passion towards enhancing the quality of life holistically and therefore has laid great focus on cleaner environment and service to the society through participation in through various forums. He likes to take off time, with his passion of photography and being amidst nature.
Shri. Shobhit Gupta
Director (IFD)
Ministry of Education, Department of SEL, Govt. of India
Shri. Shobhit Gupta
Director (IFD)
Ministry of Education, Department of SEL, Govt. of India
Shri. Subhash Chandra
CAO/IFA
National Council of Educational Research and Training
Shri. Subhash Chandra
CAO/IFA
National Council of Educational Research and Training
Director
Ministry of Education, Department of SEL, Govt. of India
Director
Ministry of Education, Department of SEL, Govt. of India
Mahant Shri. Jagannathdasji
Guru Shri. Premdasji Maharaj
Managing Trustee
Satyanarayana Mandir, Malsar
Mahant Shri. Jagannathdasji Guru Shri. Premdasji Maharaj
Jagdish Chandra Ramkrishna Mehta was born in Audhichya Sahastra Brahmin Family, in a beautiful sacred place of Paramhans Shri Madhavasji Maharaj at Malsar of Vadodara District, north bank of Narmada river. He was very fascinated towards devotion to God as his parents had high values since childhood. Since the family was in poverty, he could not have higher education, but he studied Sanskrit from Shri Mafatlal Ratneshwar Shukla, a very learned renowned Sanskrit scholar from Malsar. It was only through their grace that the service-satsang and closeness of Shri Dongreji Maharaj was achieved by Jagdish.
He used to perform rituals in Malsar village and studied Astrology too simultaneously. Jagdish also got deep knowledge of Shrimad Bhagavat Katha while visiting several pilgrimages along with Shri Dongreji Maharaj for 10 - 12 years and hence his love for Shrimad bhagavat and Shri Krishna Bhagwan grew. However, after becoming brahmin by Shri Dongreji Maharaj (Pujya Bapji), he got the advantage of narrating Shrimad Bhagwat Katha..
Further, due to the association with Shri Satyanarayan Mandir of his father, Jagdish continued to get the benefit of service from Mandir as well as from Dada
Guru Shri Sanatkumardasji Maharaj and Guru Shri Premdasji Maharaj since his childhood. Upon the insistence of Shri Sanatkumardasji Maharaj , Mother Smt. Bhanuben agreed to appoint Jagdish as the successor and disciple of Mahant Shri Premdasji Guru Shri Sanat Kumar Dasji. On 5th October, 2009, the auspicious day, Jagdish Maharaj was titled as Mahant Jagannathdasji Guru Shree Premdasji of Maharaj Shri Satynarayan Temple, Malsar.
Presently, in the development of temple, Mahant Shri uninterruptedly performs the services such as the services of the poor narayan, Gauseva, Public service & the service of Narmadaji Parikaramavasi.
Shri. Dinesh Panjwani
Secretary H(S)NC Board
Shri. Dinesh Panjwani
Prof. Dinesh Panjwani, the first Vice Chancellor of the Hyderabad Sind National Collegiate University (HSNCU), and Secretary of the H(S)NCB, is a pre-eminent educationist and administrator with vast experience in institution building of over 43 years. He has provided enlightened, motivational and progressive leadership to the Colleges that he headed as Principal - Smt. CHM College, Ulhasnagar (2000 to 2009) and RD National College (2009 to 2017). During his tenure, both the Colleges made substantial qualitative and quantitative progress in academics, sports, cultural activities, research and outreach programmes.
This was seen particularly in the rise in the enrolment of students, the marked improvement in results at all levels of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, the increase in the allotment of research funds to the faculty by statutory bodies of higher education like the UGC, DBT and DST among others, manifold increase in the number of teachers completing their PhD, establishment of research centres and the rise in international affiliations and exchange programmes with institutes of higher education in prestigious universities in the US. As Secretary of the HSNC Board 2017 onwards, he has been actively involved in the co-ordination of the establishment of HSNCU.
Prof. Dinesh Panjwani has been the Member of the Senate, Management Council (UoM), Member, Academic Council (UoM and YCMOU, Nashik), Member of Governing Body (NAAC, Bangalore), UGC Nominee as Chairperson/ Member Secretary/ Member on Expert/ Governing Committees for grant of Autonomy of Institutions and 2F and 12 B status and on Governing Bodies of several autonomous institutions, Member, IB Asia Pacific Regional Advisory Council.
Prof. Panjwani has conceptualised and implemented innovative programmes since the earliest years of his career at KC College. He has initiated outreach programmes like the Community Awareness and Assessment Survey Projects, Adult Education Programmes, Community Based Rehabilitation Programmes, Yoga Intern and Master Yoga Intern Programmes in the Colleges and the University of Mumbai.
He is committed to community orientation and the immense potential of the programmes of higher education to involve youth in outreach programmes so as to nurture the values of good citizenship and governance in them.
Shri. Rakesh R. Seksaria
Member
Shri. Rakesh R. Seksaria
Shri. Rakesh seksaria is the son of Late Shri. Radheshyam Makhanlal Seksaria who was the main Donor of the Gordhandas Seksaria College of Yoga and Cultural Synthesis. Shri. Rakesh Seksaria is a businessman and also devotes a lot of his time in social and charitable activities.
He is on the board of Trustees and Governing body of Arya Kumar Mahasabha a Charitable trust headquartered in Baroda.They run an Ayurveda Hospital and girls high school in Kareli Baugh and three schools in Saurastra known as Gurukul Songad. He is very active in their day to day management.
Shri. Rajkumar Seksaria
Shri. Rajkumar Seksaria
Rajkumar Seksaria is a whole time director with SAJJAN CHEMICALS INVESTMENTS PRIVATE LIMITED. Rajkumar Seksaria was previously associated with 1 company, Fujizakura Private Limited.
Professionally, Shri Rajkumar Seksaria is a businessman who at a young age of 18 years entered into the business world of sugar mills, textile mills and then in motion picture industries through the Famous Cine Laboratory at Tardeo, where some of the famous films were processed and Famous Recording Studio where a large number of popular Bollywood songs were originally recorded.
He is the Chairman of many Charitable Trusts, the most important of the being:
- Shri. Govindram Seksaria Charity Trust
- Kudilal Govindram Seksaria Foundation
- Govind Nagar Charitable Trust
Shri. Rajkumar and his family inherited the zeal for promoting educational and medical Institutions from his father Late Shri Kudilalji Seksaria and grandfather Late Shri Govindramji Seksaria.
His family has established many Institutions and some of the famous ones are:
- Shri. Govindram Seksaria Institute of Technology & Science, Indore.
- Govindram Seksaria Institute of Management and research, Indore
- Govindram Seksaria College of Commerce, Nagpur & Wardha
- Govindram Seksaria College of Commerce & Economics, Jabalpur
- Kudilal Govindram Seksaria Sarvodaya School
- Kudilal Govindram Seksaria English School, Malad
Dr. Srimanta Kumar Ganguly
Former Principal – G. S. College, Kaivalyadhama
Dr. Srimanta Kumar Ganguly
Dr. Shrimanta Kumar Ganguly, former Principal of G. S. College of Yoga, Assistant Director Research at Scientific Research Department of Kaivalyadhama. He was always inclined towards Physical education since early age inspired to turn his life towards Yoga. After completing general education in Bihar and Calcutta in Science, put 8-years of services as a Science teacher in two different junior colleges of West Bengal. In the year 1971, he completed his Master Degree in Physical Education from renowned Laxmibai National College of Physical Education, Gwalior and joined Scientific Research department of Kaivalyadhām serving 21-years successfully, working as Research Assistant, Research Officer and Assistant Director Research. Later on, he served the Institution as the Principal for G S College of Cultural Synthesis for more than 15 years. He got his Ph.D. degree from Mumbai University.
As a silent worker, his contribution towards skill of teaching and also the theoretical aspect of yoga and Physical Education as well as researches in these fields are worth mentioning. In this connection, he attended and presented papers in a number of conferences in India and abroad. He was invited in the countries like Czechoslovakia, Spain, Italy & Korea for spreading the massage of yoga and also successfully organized YOGA TRAINING PROGRAME in India and overseas. By now more than 70 Articles & Research papers on various topics exclusively related to Yoga & Physical Education are published in India and other foreign Journals and also in Yoga-Mimamsa – a quarterly Research journal of Kaivalyadhām. He has been associated with more than a dozen of universities as an Examiner, paper setter, framing of Syllabus and evaluating books. He has been awarded with Bharat Gaurav by IIFS, New Delhi. His two books “Yogasanas- A Teacher Guide” (1983) published by N.C.E.R.T. and “Teaching Methods for Yogic Practices” (1988) under joint authorship published by Kaivalyadhama bagged the first prize for the books on National book competition on yoga. The other book “Yogabhyas ki Adhyapan Vidhiya” is printed in Hindi also. The author believes that they will be highly useful for those students, Director of Physical Education, Yoga teachers who intend to teach selected yoga practices. He retired from services as Principal of the G.S.College of Yoga and C.S. after serving altogether for 16 years continuously. He is also governing body as well as life member of the Institute. For couple of months in the absence secretary, he worked as acting secretary. He worked as the Head of Yoga-Mimamsa department and also as guest Professor of G.S.College of Yoga and C.S.and for M.Phil, Ph.D. in Yoga under Pune University in the honorary capacity.
Dr. Ganguly was first Yoga Coach at N. S. N. I. S Patiala (India) and also prepared Syllabus (1979) for the sports participants.
Adv. Nivit Srivastava
Advocate
Adv. Nivit Srivastava
Advocate
Prof. Ranjeet Singh Bhogal
Joint Director – Research, Kaivalyadhama
Prof. Ranjeet Singh Bhogal
Born in a sleepy, remote village of Himachal Pradesh, Prof. Bhogal, as a child, spent hours & hours pondering over the natural landscapes, trees & rainy streams of the hills, taking lessons in silence from the tender whispers of the Mother Nature. No wonder, it developed in him a native inclination towards inward thinking & contemplating for delving deep into fathomless realities of the Nature. The spiritual ambience of the village inculcated in him panache for meditation which over the years has culminated into discovering simple meditative techniques, based on basic principles, from Hatha Yoga & Patanjala Yoga, with their wider implications for therapy, well-being & cognitive abilities. Mumbai, Pune & Lonavla (Maharashtra) proved nurture grounds for him, where he happened to meet many a luminary, such as Nanaji Deshmukh, P. L. Deshpande, Prabhakar Padhye, S. M. Joshi, Dr. V. V. Pendse, Swami Digambarji, BKS Iyengar and many other eminent authors & poets. He has been deeply associated with many a social & spiritual organizations.
Recipient of prestigious Shivram Apte prize for Sanskrit from Fergusson College and merit scholarship for his Post Graduate studies in Psychology at Pune University, Prof. Bhogal then joined Kaivalyadhama’s Scientific Research Department in 1987 and was merit selected to the post of Research Officer in 1992. Kaivalyadhama’s spiritual climate & encouraging ambience honed further his expertise of communicating meditation. He also worked as Managing Editor of the Research Quarterly Yoga Mimamsa for over a decade. Currently he is Editor in Chief of Yoga Mimamsa. He has worked as Principal of Kaivalyadhama’s G. S. College of Yoga & Cultural Synthesis (2004-13). His research interest includes exploration into psycho-physiological & neuro-psychological perspectives of experiential phenomena of Yoga & Meditation for effective Stress Management & enhancement of Emotional Intelligence, towards a holistic Personality development. Widely traveled globally for lectures/talks/ Work-shops in Yoga Psychology & Yoga Meditation, he has authored seven published books, including “Yoga and Mental Health” (apart from English this book has been published in Hindi, Gujarati, Chinese, Korean, Bulgarian, Brazilian Portuguise, German and Tiwanese) and “Yoga Psychology and Beyond” (Published in English and German). He has over hundred research & scientific papers published in many a reputed research journals. Prof. Bhogal has travelled in many cities across Asia, America and Europe for spreading the classical message of Yoga and Meditation. Recipients of many awards and accolades, nationally and internationally, he has recently, been nominated for the prestigious award, “Yoga Ratna Puruskar” for his achievements in Yoga
Smt. Pushpa L. Mandke
(Associate Member), Kaivalyadhama
Smt. Pushpa L. Mandke
Mrs. Pushpa Mandke has been working in Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute for the last 40 years. Mrs. Mandke has a sense of selfless dedication in herself, duty-fidelity, efficiency, equanimity towards all the workers & towards the organization.
She last served at the position of Administrative Officer. She had started her career as Assistant and with her dedication towards her work and Institute she has rose up to senior level and has been part of important projects at Kaivalyadham. Her loyalty, sincerity and commitment for the Institute is unparalleled. She is one of the Governing Body members of the Institute and always being there to guide all the subordinates for administrative requirements.
Director of Education (Higher)
Govt. of Maharashtra
Director of Education (Higher)
Govt. of Maharashtra
Shri. Shobhit Gupta
Director (IFD)
Ministry of Education, Department of SEL, Govt. of India
Shri. Shobhit Gupta
Director (IFD)
Ministry of Education, Department of SEL, Govt. of India
Shri. Subhash Chandra
CAO/IFA
National Council of Educational Research and Training
Shri. Subhash Chandra
CAO/IFA
National Council of Educational Research and Training