About Us - Vidya Impart
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About Us
Our Gurus
Holiness Paramhamsa Madhavadasji
His Holiness Paramhamsa Madhavadasji was born in 1798 to a Mukhopadhyaya family in Bengal. His childhood surroundings and parental influences inspired in him a devotional attitude and faith. At the tender age of 23 he left his home in search of higher pursuits whilst working as a lawyer in the courts during the British rule. His early association with Bhakti rituals could not satisfy the reformist concepts he was looking for so he learnt different traditions and after going around Assam, Tibet, Himalayas etc. he got an opportunity to get first-
In 1916, at the age of 118, Paramhamsa Madhavadasji was in Mumbai at Madhavbaug for a discourse where he met Yogendraji (then known as Mani). Since then, a strong bond developed between the teacher and student and he personally guided and trained Mani on the path of yoga.
Shri Yogendraji was born as Mani Haribhai Desai in 1897 in Gujarat. Through a chance meeting, he found his Guru, Shri Paramhamsa Madhavadasji and learnt all about yoga from him. With the blessings of his Guru, Yogendraji went on to spread the then secret knowledge of yoga among the masses as he felt yoga could help improve the lives of householders.
He founded The Yoga Institute at 'The Sands', the residence of Dadabhai Naoroji in Versova in 1918. There, he cured many people from various ailments through therapeutic yoga. Following this, he travelled to America and founded a Yoga Institute in Harriman, New York in 1920. Much research work was done on the subtle physiological and psychological effects of yoga along with scientists and doctors.
Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra
Born in 1929, Shri Yogendraji's son, Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra, is a simple man and a true Yogi. Having seen his complete dedication to a life of discipline and simplicity, the Sadhakas of the Institute consider him as their true Guru. Being born in a family of Yogis, he had a spiritual inclination since childhood. Today, as the President of The Yoga Institute, he continues to carry on the Founder's legacy in his silent and sincere way.
Smt. Hansaji Jayadeva Yogendra
A dynamic and charismatic personality, Smt. Hansaji, wife of Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra and present Director of The Yoga Institute, has dedicated her life to the running of the Institute and to teaching yoga as a way of life in a completely practical way. Smt. Hansaji Jayadeva has been selected as "Woman of the Year 2000" by the American Biographical Institute, U.S.A. for her outstanding accomplishment and the noble example she has set for her peers and entire community. She is perhaps best known throughout the nation due to her involvement in the popular television series ’Yoga for Better Living’, first aired in 1980.
Our Teacher in Thailand
Daniel Fonseca
Founder and Headmaster of Vidya Impart in Thailand.
He lived in India for 7 years, full time studying, practicing and teaching Yoga. He is now settled in Chiang Mai but also have been conducting Yoga Training & Workshops in India, South Asia (Hong Kong, Thailand, Bali) and South America (Brazil). Born in Brazil he was interested in Martial Arts and Adventure sports and got his bachelor degree in Tourism. After spending a few years in Europe and completing a pilgrimage throughout Northern Spain in 2005 he made his way to India where he is living since 2006. He has then adopted the Yoga Philosophy as his way of life and he inspires his students with teachings based on Classical Yoga, Bhagavad Gita & Shri Yogendra’s methods for the practice of Hatha Yoga. Besides his formal training in Yoga Education & Therapy at The Yoga Institute of Santacruz, Mumbai, India, where he is also now faculty teacher, he holds a Diploma in Buddhist studies & Vipassana Meditation from University of Mumbai.
Bragging rights
Certified Yoga Teacher & Therapist from The Yoga Institute of Santacruz, Mumbai, India -
