Yoga million dollar biz in China

They needed spiritual back in materialistic society where success does not bring happiness:Yin

When Manmohan Singh Bhandari,who has turned yoga into a multi million dollar business in China,visited the country in 2003 to conduct yoga classes he was shocked to hear questions like how the spiritual practice originated from the US.

“That was the first question I was asked when I was invited to conduct yoga classes way back eight years ago as yoga was taught by western expatriates here for fashion and physical exercise,” he said.

“His visit was a game changer as far as Yoga was concerned and it never looked back,” Yin Yan,former Editor in Chief of the Chinese edition of the ELLE international fashion magazine who left her high profile job and married Mohan said

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“It was love at first sight when I met him at Rishikesh,where I went for a spiritual journey and my life changed”,Yin who later established the famous Yogi Yoga academy in China which now has emerged as famous India-China cultural joint venture with a turnover of USD four million. The Academy recognised by the Chinese Sports Ministry has several branches in Beijing,Shanghai and Guangzhou backed up 37 franchise units.

“Mohan is the spiritual head of Yogi Yoga and I am the corporate brain behind it”,Yin said as the academy on Sunday celebrated its eighth anniversary attended by few hundred enthusiasts.

Mohan performed fast paced Suryanamasakar on Sunday before few hundred followers backed by Gayatri Mantra music ending with prolonged meditation session.

His disciples included journalists from television and print media,writers and professionals caught up in the race for success in fast paced China.

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“They needed a spiritual back in a highly materialistic society where success does not necessarily bring happiness. Yogi Yoga provides that support for them,” Yin said.

The Academy has so far trained over 6,000 yoga teachers besides publishing numerous books in Chinese by top Indian yoga teachers.

The study of the students from all ages included a visit to Rishikesh for a spiritual experience. Yin says despite all the success,Mohan remained spiritual maintaining a spiritual detachment with money matters.

“I take care of all the financial issues. He is the spiritual guide and I am the corporate boss,” the Founder,Chairman of the academy said.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said the designation gives law enforcement “enhanced powers to combat a group that has instilled fear through violence and intimidation”.

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