Kaivalyadhama, one of the world’s oldest yoga and scientific research institutes, announced the recipients of the Swami Kuvalyananda Yoga Puruskar 2025 at its campus in Lonavla, Maharashtra. The prestigious awards were conferred in the presence of Hon’ble Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Former President of India, and Shri Suresh Prabhu, Former Union Minister and Chairman of the Kaivalyadhama Centenary Committee.
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Standing left to right, Sh. Subodh Tiwari, Dr. Shirley Telles, Sh. Suresh Prabhu, Hon’ble Sh. Ram Nath Kovind, Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Yogacharya Rambhau Khandwe
Celebrating Excellence in Yoga
The Swami Kuvalyananda Yoga Puruskar is presented annually to honour individuals who have made outstanding contributions to yoga in the fields of practice, education, public leadership, and scientific research.
Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Former Chief Justice of India, was honoured for his exemplary promotion of yoga through personal practice and public leadership. During his tenure, he encouraged wellness and yogic well-being in the judicial community by establishing spaces and opportunities for yoga practice. Kaivalyadhama recognizes him as a jurist and mindful leader who embodies the values of yoga.
Yogacharya Rambhau Khandwe, president of Janardan Swami Yogabhyasi Mandal, Nagpur, received the award for over six decades of selfless service in preserving and teaching Ashtanga Yoga in its pure form. His work has inspired thousands to adopt yoga as a disciplined and meaningful way of life at the grassroots level.
Dr. Shirley Telles, MBBS, MPhil, PhD (Neurophysiology), was celebrated for her pioneering contributions to scientific research in yoga therapy and neurophysiology. With more than 150 peer-reviewed publications, she has significantly advanced global understanding of breathing practices, meditation, and their clinical applications.
“The Swami Kuvalyananda Yoga Puruskar stands for dedication, integrity, and excellence in Yoga. This year’s awardees embody these values, inspiring society to uphold Yoga as a way of living”, said Shri Subodh Tiwari, Hon. Secretary & CEO of Kaivalyadhama.
About Kaivalyadhama
Founded in 1924, Kaivalyadhama is dedicated to the scientific research, education, and therapeutic application of yoga. Under the visionary leadership of its founder Swami Kuvalayananda, the institution has consistently worked to bridge ancient yogic wisdom with modern scientific understanding.
