I have always enjoyed experimenting with new thoughts and ideas. I am from Calcutta and concluded my further education from New Delhi. As a student of Political Science from LSR and consequently, a Law graduate from Delhi Law faculty, I worked in different aspects of Law from interning with the Ministry of Rural Development under Mr. Jairam Ramesh to learning the nuances of litigation in the field of IPR with Lall and Sethi Advocates, in Delhi to working with NGOs and specifically for encouraging entrepreneurship in women in the rural areas.
Although Delhi gave me the opportunity to work in various segments my heart was in Wellness and promoting it as a lifestyle as I saw how hectic a professional’s life can be. Many of my counterparts were stressed out and a number of them in their 30s and 40s were completely burnt out, some with serious ailments.
As a person who has been brought up in the tradition of Yoga, Ayurveda and holistic medication, I decided to pursue this field and did my M.sc. in Yogic Science. I had been taking workshops in Yoga and meditation through school and college in Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata, Europe and Thailand but after my masters I started teaching full-time along with writing. I became the Yoga columnist for Men’s Health magazine, India and subsequently for the Telegraph in Calcutta. I enjoy writing and composing music which I do with many enthusiastic artists in Calcutta itself as it has a culture of innovation and thinking out of the box. In collaboration with the VVKI institute we have released a number of Yoga DVDs on ailment based yoga and a TV show on MH1 for yoga and wellness in the past. I hope to collaborate on many such interesting projects this coming year.
Tell us about any current projects
I have started a Wellness community called KYOGI, which stands for Karma Yogi, meaning a yogi who lives in the chaotic world yet is centred and calm. The KYOGI community works with individuals, athletes and sportsmen along with corporate houses and those who have a high stress lifestyle. In the coming year KYOGI will be a part of numerous workshops pan India as well as retreats and events.
We are looking to reach out to yogis all over the world, so that the message of unity and centeredness can be shared with one and all, Projects relating to increasing initiative and entrepreneurship in women is also being overseen, especially in the North East of India.
Working on developing a sense of society and wellbeing with a focus on Ayurveda is what I see myself giving time to this year. I will also be creating awareness among children about healthy eating and creating a practice that will get them onto the mat and have fun!
What has been your biggest challenge in achieving your success?
Taking each day as it comes. Setting small targets every day has helped me overcome the little hiccups along the way. Regular practice ensures that the mind is ready to take on challenges that come along. I have also been lucky to have a supportive family.
If you weren’t doing what you do now, what would you be doing?
I would have been working in a litigation firm.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My teacher Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji who I met when i was five. As well as my mother who has been a strong and inspiring figure in my life.
What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully lots of exciting projects to work on and many amazing people to meet and transformational stories to come across. The only constant is change.
Want to find out more:
Twitter: varunashunglu
Website: www.varunashunglu.com
Facebookpage: www.facebook.com/varunayoga?fref=ts
This article was provided by WeAreTheCity Delhi Committee Member Ashish Bhardwaj.
