Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Teachers in Rishikesh, India
Dr. B Shanker Dabral, PhD
Yoga Mentor & Founder
B Shanker Dabral was born into a Sanskrit-speaking family and learned Sanskrit and Vedic science from his father, who was the principal of a postgraduate Sanskrit college. His family hasclose associations with revered Yogis of India.
He was initiated into the Himalayan Yoga Meditation Tradition by a great yogi Swami Rama of the Himalays. He acquired formal training and certification as a yoga Teacher and instructor, earning the ERYT200 and ERYT500 credentials from Yoga Alliance USA, Post Graduate Diploma in Yoga science, Diploma in Naturopathy (DNYS) and Professional Certification of Yoga Teacher & Evaluator from Yoga Certification Board (YCB) of AYUSH Ministry, Government of India. He is also an executive board member of the Asian Yogasana Sports Federation and serves as the coordinator for Southeast Asia.
Additionally, he holds a Master's degree in Yoga Science from a renowned yoga university in India and completed a PhD in Yoga Philosophy. He has authored numerous research papers on yoga and meditation in various academic journals and also contributed a comprehensive chapter titled “Use of Biofeedback Technology in Yogic and Alternative Therapies” for a book on innovation in technology and management.
He dedicated his life to serving the Himalayan Master Swami Veda Bharati working closely with him for over 20 years. He assisted in publications and charitable initiatives, operating under his guidance. He also served on the Board of Directors of AHYMSIN (Association of Himalayan Yoga Meditation Societies, International), acted as Managing Trustee of the Himalayan Yoga Publication Trust, and was Secretary of the Dhyana Mandiram Trust, organisations founded by Swami Veda Bharati in Rishikesh, India.
His life took a new turn when he moved to the United Kingdom for advanced studies in management. He earned a Master’s degree in Business Management from London Metropolitan University, London, United Kingdom and later completed an Executive MBA in Digital Communications and Media/Multimedia from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Visakhapatnam. These management training broadened his perspective, enabling him to design yoga courses for corporate settings and programs on yoga and psychotherapy, stress management and counselling. He has also served as a yoga instructor and wellness expert at Mount Calm Health Spa Centre in London.
He has taught yoga meditation at numerous centers worldwide and has led retreats, workshops, and conferences on Yoga and Ayurveda across Southeast Asia, middle east countries and Europe. Frequently invited to conduct corporate workshops, he focuses on meditation and mindfulness, stress management, and Ayurveda practices for overall well-being. He established and manages yoga retreat centers and studios in Nepal and Bali, where he conducts retreats and programs throughout the year. He also serves on the boards of various charitable organisations and NGOs in India.
Abtar
Yoga Mentor & Founder
Abtar, originally from the foothills of the Himalayas in India, He has over 20 years of teaching experience in South East Asia, he has taught as a senior yoga teacher in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, and Macau.
Abtar has also served as a Yoga/Fitness Manager at The Chateau Spa & Organic Resort in Malaysia and as the Head of the Yoga Department at Just Yoga Indonesia, where he oversaw the expansion of multiple branches.
Abtar possesses a solid foundation in Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, and alignment-based practices, with a particular emphasis on functional yoga anatomy . With years of experience, he has successfully led a wide range of workshops, transformative retreats, and multiple yoga teacher training programs, fostering both personal growth and professional development in aspiring teachers.
His approach is rooted in a deep understanding of anatomy, biomechanics and the holistic integration of mind, body, and spirit.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, a Bachelor of Science, a Postgraduate degree in Yogic Sciences, and a Master’s in Ancient Indian History. Additionally, Abtar has completed a certificate Course in Himalayan Yoga Meditation Tradition from Rishikesh, India.
Ajay “Sivayogi”
Yoga Mentor & Founder
Ajay “Sivayogi” is a luminous figure in the world of yoga, with over 23 years of unwavering dedication to both practice and teaching. His journey into the profound realm of yoga began as a personal quest for healing from stress and depression, a pursuit that led him to reconnect his mind, body, and spirit. This transformative experience kindled within him a lifelong passion for sharing yoga's profound wisdom with students of all levels.
Sivayogi holds a postgraduate diploma in Yoga and Holistic Health. As a highly certified instructor, with credentials such as RYT-500 and E-RYT, he specializes in Hatha Yoga and Himalayan Meditation. His approach artfully weaves together yoga philosophy, mantra, and Kirtan, creating a holistic tapestry that enriches the practice.
Renowned for his classes that are both simple and nurturing, Sivayogi places a strong emphasis on subtle body awareness and serene breathwork. He deftly blends ancient traditions with modern science, crafting a sacred space where students feel empowered to explore their own potential. As a mentor, he champions the core philosophy of self-compassion over perfection, advocating for holistic wellness and presenting yoga as a powerful tool for everyday resilience.
Sivayogi's traditional Hatha Yoga journey took root at Shivanada Ashram Yoga and Vedanta Forest Academy, where he absorbed the foundational principles of yoga and Vedanta, the very philosophy underpinning all yoga systems. This experience was like a seed planted in his soul, one that he has nurtured throughout his years of learning and teaching.
His exploration of the human mind as a meditator led him to encounter and learn from globally renowned Himalayan Masters like Swami Veda Bharati, Swami Ritavan, as well as mentors Pt. Dabral, Ashutosh Shrama, and others. Their ancient wisdom touched his heart deeply, fueling his love for the science of meditation, which he recognizes as a true boon to mankind, enabling people to connect with their inner selves.
In his pursuit of precision in asana alignment, he sought knowledge from esteemed teachers like Guru ji B.K.S. Iyengar, Gita ji, Usha Devi, Father Joshep, S.F.Q Biria, Birjoo Mehta, and many others. He also immersed himself in Iyengar Yoga, undergoing basic and intermediate Iyengar teacher training under the guidance of Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher Gloria Goldberg, Christine, and Marla.
Over the course of his teaching career, Sivayogi has amassed rich experience, serving students from beginners to the advanced level. His teaching is diverse and student-centered, always adapting to meet the unique needs of each individual rather than imposing personal opinions. With an open-minded approach, he respects the diverse cultural, religious, and demographic backgrounds of his students, aiming to simplify yoga learning without any biases or personal judgments.
Having worked in both China and India for nearly 20 years and being proficient in the Chinese language, Sivayogi has witnessed and contributed to the growth of the Chinese yoga industry. He has ascended from being a yoga teacher to taking on training, R&D, and management roles for Yoga Schools in China. He has collaborated with renowned yoga institutions in China, including Yogi Yoga China, Iyengar School of China, Zoefan Yoga, and has also run his own yoga studioYoga Bliss.
Sivayogi has led numerous retreats, workshops, and teacher training programs across mainland China, Hong Kong, and India. His efforts in spreading yoga in South China among the Indian diaspora have been recognized and appreciated by the Indian Consulate in Guangzhou, China.
Off the mat, Sivayogi lives authentically, guided by his heart. He finds joy in nature, loves to apply yogic philosophy to daily life, and savors Chinese tea with mindfulness. His greatest source of fulfillment lies in guiding students to discover their inner strength and live purposefully, one breath at a time.
Embark on your journey towards balance, clarity, and radiant well-being by joining Sivayogi on the mat.
Sunayana
Mentor
Sunayana, born in Rishikesh, India. She has a strong academic background with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and English, along with a Postgraduate diploma in Yoga and Master’s degree in Yogic Science. She has taught yoga across various countries, including Macau, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Hong Kong.
She has a strong expertise in Hatha Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, and Meditation, with a focus on alignment, mindfulness, and holistic well-being.
Known for her disciplined approach, Sunayana prioritizes safety and effectiveness in her teaching, ensuring students practice with proper alignment and awareness.
