The first time, I met Sweta Shekhar (C-748, 3rd Flr, NFC, 9953753400), some 15 years ago, I said to myself, what will this waif of a girl, teach yoga! Fragile, with a demure personality, she did not seem, she was qualified for her job! As we got to know her, more and more, she came across, as a magical bundle of talent and knowledge. The simile in Hindi, “Gagar Mein sagar”, is an apt description for her.
Born and bought up in Hajipur, Bihar she did her basic schooling, from her home town. Seeing her aptitude in studies, her father, was very keen, that she does engineering, from Pilani. Confident of getting admission there, she missed all applications, elsewhere. Disappointed with this setback, she was very depressed and did not know, where to go. At this juncture, her aunt who was planning to get admission, in the esteemed, Bihar School of Yoga (BSY), suggested she should also try, getting admission there.
Disheartened, yet aiming to get somewhere, in life, Sweta, appeared for the entrance exam of BSY, Munger Bihar. The entrance included a written exam, viva, medical, psychology and orientation. Having no knowledge of this subject, it was a tough call, for Sweta. There were 200 applicants, out of which 45 were selected and to the surprise of Sweta, she got selected!
In her words, this was, the destiny intended, for her. God had directed her, to her path. After the four-month, residential, intensive course, Sweta ventured on her journey of serving mankind.
Doing the course, from the first and best yoga university in the world, BSY, Munger, was the stepping stone, for her journey.
After gaining the core knowledge on yoga, she felt she had to learn more. Interaction with her clients, evoked a desire, to learn naturopathy, for specific physical ailments. She realised, that to provide a holistic healing, she had to delve, into all aspects, of alternative healing. She went on to do her Certificate in Bachelor of Integrated System of medicines (BIMS) from CCMA. Master of Arts in Yoga, from Himalayan university. Diploma in Community Medical Services and Essential Drugs (CMS & ED) from (CIRMD). Diploma in Yoga and Naturopathy System from Central Council of Alternative Medicines (CCMA).
Sweta has been taking group classes and private classes. She has been associated with Surya hotel, New Friends Colony and Eros hotel, Nehru Place. She has to her credit services to the CRPF and Delhi Police, during the yoga day. On the 74th independence anniversary, Sweta was awarded the Samta award, for her selfless service to mankind. She has been doing classes with many eminent personalities, like Meira Kumar (Lok Sabha speaker) and many more.
Her philosophy in life, is that, there is no limit, to gaining knowledge. She feels, she is still on the journey of discovery, as every student, she meets has something unique and new to teach her. Yoga is an elixir, the deeper you go into, the more you gain. Also, by being connected to nature, she keeps replenishing her energies. Her practical insight, on age old religious practices is commendable. She has very logical answers, to why people fast during Navratri, why certain religious practices have, over the years lost meaning yet they hold a great significance. The generation today, need relatable explanations, for the ancient myths and dogmas.
The journey that started in 2003, has come a long way. Her husband Vishnu Shekhar and two beautiful children Gauri and Raghav, are totally supportive of her work. In fact, Sweta has interned with her father-in-law, for ayurvedic medicines too.
Her vision is expansive, she intends to concoct her own ayurvedic concoctions, to heal her students. In fact, during Covid she made an immunity booster, which was very helpful. She wishes, to curate her own health care products, which are genuine and helpful.
She has recently shifted to New Friends Colony, C block, to be closer to her students, and provide a Yoga studio, to the residents. She also excels, in meditation techniques and by the mind and body healing, she aims, at creating happier and peaceful human beings.
