For thousands of years, yoga has been an integral part of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Rooted in ancient texts and philosophies, it was traditionally practiced as a path towards physical well-being, mental discipline, and self-realisation. Today, yoga is recognised across the globe, with millions incorporating it into their daily lives.
The worldwide popularity of yoga did not happen overnight. Behind its global journey stand remarkable teachers, spiritual leaders, and practitioners who preserved its traditions while adapting them for changing times. On International Yoga Day, here is a look at some of the personalities whose contributions helped yoga transcend borders.
Tirumalai Krishnamacharya (1888–1989)
Often called the Father of Modern Yoga, Krishnamacharya was born in Karnataka and spent decades studying Sanskrit, philosophy, Ayurveda, and yoga. Teaching at the Mysore Palace under the patronage of the Maharaja of Mysore, he developed a highly personalised approach to yoga, adapting practices to individual needs. His emphasis on the connection between breath, movement, and discipline laid the foundation for many modern yoga styles. His students included B.K.S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, and Indra Devi, making his influence unparalleled in contemporary yoga.
B.K.S. Iyengar (1918–2014)
Born in Bellur, Karnataka, Iyengar overcame serious childhood illnesses through yoga. He went on to create Iyengar Yoga, a style known for precise alignment and the use of props such as blocks, belts, and chairs. His landmark book, Light on Yoga, introduced millions to the practice and is often called the “Bible of Yoga.” Iyengar’s method made yoga accessible to people of all ages and physical abilities.
Pattabhi Jois (1915–2009)
A devoted student of Krishnamacharya, Pattabhi Jois founded Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, a vigorous and structured practice that synchronises breath with movement. Born in Karnataka, he spent decades teaching in Mysore, attracting students from around the world. His energetic approach later inspired many popular forms of power yoga practiced globally today.
Indra Devi (1899–2002)
Born in Latvia as Eugenie Peterson, Indra Devi became one of the first women to study under Krishnamacharya. She later introduced yoga to Europe, the United States, and Latin America, teaching Hollywood stars and helping yoga gain international recognition. Her approach focused on gentle postures, relaxation, and wellness, making yoga more approachable for beginners.
Swami Sivananda (1887–1963)
Originally a medical doctor in Malaysia, Swami Sivananda returned to India and embraced a spiritual life in Rishikesh. He promoted yoga as a complete way of life encompassing physical practice, meditation, service, and positive thinking. His teachings gave rise to the globally recognised Sivananda Yoga tradition, which emphasises holistic well-being.
Swami Ramdev (1965–Present)
Born in Haryana, Ramdev became one of India’s most recognisable yoga teachers through television programmes and mass yoga camps. He is particularly known for popularising Pranayama, or yogic breathing exercises, among the general public. His efforts helped bring yoga into millions of Indian homes and encouraged people to view it as part of everyday health and wellness.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (1956–Present)
Founder of the Art of Living Foundation, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar focuses on the relationship between breath, meditation, and mental well-being. His signature breathing technique, Sudarshan Kriya, is practiced worldwide. Through global programmes and humanitarian initiatives, he has helped promote yoga as a tool for stress reduction and emotional balance.
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev (1957–Present)
An author, speaker, and founder of the Isha Foundation, Sadhguru introduced millions to yoga through programmes such as Inner Engineering. His teachings combine traditional yogic wisdom with contemporary discussions on mental health, personal growth, and environmental awareness, making yoga appealing to younger generations.
Baba Hari Dass (1923–2018)
Known for observing silence for much of his adult life, Baba Hari Dass was a respected yoga master who dedicated his life to preserving traditional yogic teachings. He helped establish yoga centres in North America and emphasised discipline, meditation, and selfless service as essential elements of yogic practice.
Narendra Modi (1950–Present)
While not a yoga guru, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a significant role in yoga’s global recognition. His proposal at the United Nations led to the declaration of International Yoga Day, first observed in 2015. His advocacy has helped position yoga as one of India’s most influential cultural contributions to the world.
From the ashrams of India to studios across continents, yoga’s journey has been shaped by teachers, visionaries, and practitioners who believed in its transformative power. Their efforts ensured that yoga remained not merely an ancient discipline, but a living tradition capable of adapting to changing times. On International Yoga Day, their stories remind us that yoga is more than a series of postures. It is a philosophy of balance, self-awareness, and harmony that continues to inspire millions around the world.
