Meet Our Teachers: Tradition & Compassion in Action

Suh Chien, an Iyengar Yoga teacher at BKS Iyengar Yogashala, has over 20 years of experience. She views yoga as a lifelong journey and is passionate about sharing its benefits.

Sri Nandakumar is a certified senior Iyengar Yoga teacher with extensive training under B.K.S. Iyengar, Geetaji, and Prashantji. He began his yoga journey in the 1990s at Sky Yoga Centre and Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Tamil Nadu. Under Br. Rudradevaji in Rishikesh and Sri Ramananand Patel in Pune, he honed his Iyengar Yoga skills. Additionally, he studied Vedanta with H.H. Swami Dayananda Saraswati. Nandakumar integrates Vedanta wisdom into his Iyengar Yoga classes, offering a holistic yoga experience that blends physical practice ...

I was drawn to Iyengar Yoga for its precision, alignment, and the intelligent use of props to deepen practice. Through self-practice, I explore the inner movements of the body, while teaching allows me to learn from my students—observing their responses helps refine my approach. Currently focusing on self-practice, I am deeply inspired by Usha Devi from Rishikesh. My teaching style is slow, steady, and no-nonsense, emphasizing alignment and body awareness. Iyengar Yoga’s structured approach cultivates mindfulness, both on and off the mat...

Iyengar Yoga came into my life during a challenging time when I was dealing with a collapsed neck issue (C3–C6). Weekly hospital visits for traction weren’t a sustainable solution, so I searched for a practice that could truly heal and support me in the long run. What initially drew me in was the precision and alignment of Iyengar Yoga, but what kept me committed was its profound impact—not just on my body, but on my mind and spirit. Over time, this practice became more than just movement; it became a way of life, guiding me toward inner ...

My journey with yoga began in my teens when I received Autobiography of a Yogi and The Tree of Yoga as gifts. Years later, after being initiated into Kriya Yoga, Guruji’s teachings truly resonated with me. While working in London, I took my first Iyengar Yoga class and was drawn to its precision. Returning home, I joined Nandakumar’s classes, and my exploration deepened. Yoga has been a path of self-discovery, teaching me patience, observation, and the power of clear instruction. My love for teaching continues to grow as I guide students...

With over 15 years of experience, Premanandi offers classes that integrate yoga into daily life, tailored to individual health needs. Her teachings focus on balancing the body, mind, emotions, and energy. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your practice and enhance your well-being!

Iyengar Yoga found me when I was searching for more than movement—I was searching for understanding. Guruji’s perseverance in exploring asanas and their connection to healing fascinated me. Living with lumbar scoliosis and right hip impingement, I learned to adapt, using props to explore movement safely. This curiosity now shapes how I teach, helping students work with their unique bodies. My journey has been shaped by incredible teachers like Valerie Chai, Carol, Zerina, Ricardo, Min Tze, Kazumi, Nandaji, and Kathy Cook, each of whom de...

As a child, I was constantly told that physical exercise wasn’t for me. Frequent illnesses kept me in and out of clinics, and I believed my body wasn’t built for movement—until my aunt introduced me to yoga in 2002. Over time, my immune system grew stronger, and I realized I was capable of so much more. What started as a simple practice turned into a gateway to endurance sports—running, swimming, cycling, and even completing a 1,000 km race in 75 hours. Iyengar Yoga became my foundation, refining my alignment, strength, and resilienc...

Tilak Raj, a certified Iyengar Yoga teacher and sports scientist, innovatively inspires students to deepen their practice. Recipient of the Yoga Teacher of the Year award, he promotes a healthy, stress-free lifestyle. Experience his transformative classes at BKS Iyengar Yogashala.

For years, I practiced and taught different styles of yoga, loving the movement and flow. But over time, a persistent ache in my lower back and knees became a quiet warning that something wasn’t right. It wasn’t sharp pain—just a dull reminder that I was missing something crucial. Then I found Iyengar Yoga. The focus on alignment, precision, and props completely transformed my practice. Each pose became an exploration rather than a repetition, and for the first time in years, I felt safe in my own body. The pain faded, but more than th...

For 12 years, I practiced yoga without fully understanding alignment or form. In 2015, a friend introduced me to the Iyengar Yoga Foundation course, and everything changed. I discovered a practice rooted in precision, depth, and mindfulness—one that resonated deeply and has guided me ever since. I first stepped onto the mat in 2002, drawn by college demonstrations, and became a Hatha Yoga teacher in 2006. But it wasn’t until Iyengar Yoga found me that I truly connected with the practice. Under the guidance of Sri Nandakumar, I learned fr...

Sin Yue, petite yet powerful, channels the spirit of Nandaji with boundless energy. She advances her practice annually, passionately promoting the essence and benefits of Iyengar Yoga. Her unwavering dedication to education and spreading Iyengar principles is truly inspiring.