by Suman Gupta
The internationally-acclaimed Yoga Institute, Mumbai, organized a book release event on 7th February, 2024. Renowned Bollywood personality, Ms. Shilpa Shetty presented Dr. Hansaji Yogendra’s new book The Sattvik Kitchen to the audience. The book is inspired by Dr. Hansaji’s vast knowledge of traditional Indian food and nutrition systems, principles of Ayurveda and Sattvik living concepts. The Sattvik Kitchen has easy to follow recipes, immunity-boosting natural remedies, creative non-dairy milk formulations, rare hydrating Ayurvedic drinks, innovations in traditional, Indian vegetarian cuisine and recipes for easy-to-make nutrient packed salads and nourishing soups.
Ms. Shilpa Shetty, said that, “It was an honour to visit The Yoga Institute and share the dais with Dr. Hansaji Yogendra. Dr. Hansaji Yogendra is a source of inspiration, guidance and spiritual mentorship in the Kundra-Shetty household and so this opportunity to launch Dr. Hansaji Yogendra’s latest book was extremely special for her.”
She further added that, “There is need to value our heritage and culture and a book like The Sattvik Kitchen helps us to do just that. Shilpa Shetty was a firm believer of the adage that, “We are what we eat and that Food can be your medicine while Ayurveda and Yoga are a form of science for good-health. She added that The Saatvik Kitchen reveals the rich legacy of our culture and invokes a sense of deep pride in her about being Indian. She thanked Dr. Hansaji Yogendra profusely for her efforts and vision in sharing these life-enriching aspects of India’s food heritage with the world in The Sattvik Kitchen.
Dr. Hansaji J. Yogendra, thanked Shilpa Shetty for her words of appreciation and then said, “The Yoga Institute is 105 years old and has witnessed the changing tide of time. Much has changed over the years especially our relationship with food. Food in India has always been sacred, served to Divinity with a sense of bhakti and prepared with a lot of love in our homes. But over the years food has become a question of calories rather than love and nutrition. “
She said, “Problems arise when our food begins to come in packets rather than being home-cooked with fresh, local produce. When we eat food in a hurry, we are disrespectful to the sacred act of caring and nurturing our bodies. This is what The Sattvik Kitchen aims to help us with: to re-connect with Indian traditions of food and eating. The recipes in The Sattvik Kitchen are easy and simple to cook and aim to help our mind function better. The book also highlights the best concepts from modern food and nutrition theory. Dr. Hansaji Yogendra urged everyone to be mindful of the Indian concept of Annam Bhrama, or the sacredness of food and nutrition with the help of Yoga, yogic living and the ideas presented in Sattvik Kitchen.”
Dr. Hansaji also shared relevant and reflective observations on many problems that affect our dietary choices and habits. This was followed by a discussion of various practical strategies to develop better habits, greater self-acceptance and healthy, balanced living. The session was well-received and openly appreciated for its resonance and thoughtfulness.
ABOUT DR HANSAJI:Dr. Hansaji Yogendra is the Director of The Yoga Institute, Mumbai and a globally acclaimed spiritual guru, well-regarded intellectual and inter-disciplinary academic. Her words, ideas and life-long body of work in Yoga, wellness and mindfulness has created powerful discourse in multiple streams of study. In 2019, Dr. Hansaji J. Yogendra was honoured with the Bharat Gaurav Award at the UK House of Commons, London, for her extraordinary contribution to, and excellence in Yoga.
She has conducted more than 1OO,000 yoga sessions and has been honoured with the Prime Minister’s Award for her contribution to the field of Yoga. Dr. Hansaji has a prolific and commanding online presence on various social-media platforms which connects with millions of viewers worldwide. She is also a published author and writer and is on the board of numerous national and international committees devising Yoga syllabi and policy. Dr. Hansaji Yogendra has designed health systems, special techniques, health camp programmes and well-being modules that cater to a wide range of people across age, ethnicity and gender. Her life is an example in commitment to social service and empowerment. An epitome of grace and wisdom, she is a global symbol of peace, balanced living, and yogic living.
ABOUT THE YOGA INSTITUTE:The Yoga Institute was established in 1918 by the venerable yoga guru Shri Yogendraji, also known as the Father of Modern Yoga Renaissance. The Yoga Institute celebrated its centenary milestone on 25 December 2018. The 100 year anniversary celebration of the Institute was attended by Shri Ramnath Kovind – Ex–President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu – Ex- Vice President of India. Recognizing the philanthropic work done under Dr. Hansaji J. Yogendra’s guidance, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, felicitated The Yoga Institute with the Prime Minister’s Award for Outstanding Contribution for Promotion and Development in 2018.
The Yoga Institute is a non-profit organization and the oldest organized centre for Yoga in the world. The Institute has a diverse legacy of pioneering work in the field of yoga such as: the “householder yoga” movement, several social initiatives such as Annam Brahma (free meals for the underprivileged), free medical health camps, blood donation drive, wellness and mindfulness programmes, yoga for armed forces and police, holistic health programs, yoga programmes for the municipal and western railway staff, wellness programs and much more.
