Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani

Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, MD (AM), MBBS, is chairman of the International Centre for Yoga Education and Research at Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry, India, and one of India’s best known yoga therapists. He is also chairman of Yoganjali Natyalayam, the premier institute of yoga, Carnatic music, and Indian classical dance, in Pondicherry, India. Author of 19 DVDs and 21 books on yoga, along with more than 200 published papers, compilations, and abstracts on yoga research, Ananda is the son and successor of the internationally acclaimed yoga team of Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri Guru Maharaj and Yogacharini Kalaimamani Ammaji, Smt Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani.

Dr. Ananda is a unique being; not only is he the son of one of the most significant yogis of our time but also has to his credit a modern education through his medical degree. He is also a truly gifted musician. Such a person who has such a spiritual heritage, modern education and artistic flair is rare in today’s contemporary times. Both my colleagues and I have had numerous opportunities to meet and interact with him. Each time, Ananda’s heart extends out so warmly and shows me that he has indeed embraced the real meaning of yoga into his heart. I bless Ananda to have a long and purposeful life and look forward to many more of his creative endeavors.
—T. K. V Desikachar