Promoting Yoga as a Holistic Science for Health, Healing, Self-Development, and the Social Development of India
About Subodh Tiwari
Subodh Tiwari was born in the yogic atmosphere of Kaivalyadhama, Lonavla, an institution dedicated to integrating the ancient tradition of Yoga with modern scientific research. At a young age, he was initiated into spiritual practices by Swami Digambarji, the then Director and Spiritual Head of Kaivalyadhama. Subodh Tiwari began his yoga journey at the age of six under the guidance of his father, Shri O. P. Tiwari, a disciple of Swami Kuvalayananda, the founder of Kaivalyadhama.
After completing his training, Subodh Tiwari began teaching Yoga in 1993. In 1997, he decided to dedicate his life to the service of Kaivalyadhama. Since then, he has played an integral role in the institution’s organisational, administrative, educational, and developmental activities.
Leadership at Kaivalyadhama
Founded with the vision of bringing together traditional yogic wisdom and scientific inquiry, Kaivalyadhama strives to make Yoga relevant and accessible to people across the world. As CEO of Kaivalyadhama since 2016, Subodh Tiwari has been instrumental in advancing this mission.
Guided by the authentic principles of Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga, he advocates Yoga as a way of life encompassing health, research, education, and personal development. He believes that Yoga is not merely about ‘doing’ but also about a state of ‘being’, and that a consistent and meaningful yoga practice can support physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Subodh Tiwari’s Role in Yoga Policy and Governance
Subodh Tiwari contributes to the institutional development, policy discussions, and governance of Yoga in India. Through his involvement with national-level yoga organisations, government-linked bodies, educational councils, and research institutions, he supports the wider ecosystem responsible for the development, recognition, and promotion of Yoga.
His work across these institutions connects him with Yoga Policy and Governance , particularly in areas relating to certification, education, research, professional standards, and institutional collaboration. Through these responsibilities, he contributes to discussions and initiatives associated with Yoga Policy Development and the evolving role of Yoga within India’s health, education, and wellness systems.
His current and ongoing professional roles include:
Secretary General, Indian Yoga Association (IYA) – contributing to the association’s work in advancing Yoga and strengthening collaboration across the yoga community.
Board Member, Yoga Certification Board, Ministry of AYUSH – participating in the institutional framework for yoga certification and professional standards.
Member, Governing Council, Inter-University Centre for Yogic Sciences, University Grants Commission (UGC) – contributing to the academic and institutional development of yogic sciences.
Member, Governing Council, National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) – participating in educational governance and related institutional initiatives.
Chairman, Sub-Group on Yoga, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) – contributing to discussions and initiatives concerning Yoga and its wider application.
Member, High-Level Task Force on Yoga Research, Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN) – contributing to discussions and initiatives relating to research in Yoga.
These responsibilities place Subodh Tiwari within important institutional and professional discussions concerning Yoga Policy Making in India . His work reflects the importance of collaboration between traditional yogic knowledge, scientific research, educational institutions, and public policy in strengthening the role of Yoga in India’s health and wellness ecosystem.
In this broader context, his institutional experience and engagement with national yoga bodies contribute to his role as a Yoga Policy Maker , bringing together perspectives from yoga education, research, certification, governance, and organisational development.
Beyond these responsibilities, Subodh Tiwari actively contributes to Yoga and wellness initiatives undertaken by the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra. He has also contributed to publications in the field of yoga research and participated in national and international forums focused on Yoga.
Yoga Education and Global Outreach
Subodh Tiwari has travelled extensively to conduct Yoga workshops and has been invited to speak at numerous national and international symposiums. He serves as a senior committee member and advisor to various universities, supporting initiatives to promote Yoga in schools and colleges.
Through his work in education, research, and public engagement, he advocates a holistic understanding of Yoga that goes beyond physical practice and embraces its broader relevance to individual well-being and society. His engagement with educational institutions and professional forums also supports wider dialogue on integrating Yoga into educational systems and promoting its evidence-informed application.
Academic Qualifications
In addition to his formal training in Yoga, Subodh Tiwari holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from Government Law College, Mumbai. He also holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Diploma in Human Resource Development from K. C. College, Mumbai.
In May 2011, he completed a Management Training Programme at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad for AYUSH personnel, following nomination by the Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
His multidisciplinary academic background complements his work in organisational leadership, institutional administration, governance, and the development of Yoga.
Environmental Sustainability and Personal Interests
Subodh Tiwari’s commitment to nature conservation has inspired initiatives to promote environmental awareness and sustainability. He is an Executive Committee Member of the Lonavla-Khandala Citizens Forum.
During his tenure at Kaivalyadhama, he has encouraged an eco-friendly campus through initiatives such as waste management, garden recycling systems, and large-scale organic plantations.
Outside his professional responsibilities, Subodh Tiwari values spending quality time with his loved ones. His interests include fitness sports and nature photography.
A Vision for the Future of Yoga
Through his leadership at Kaivalyadhama and his involvement in national yoga organisations, educational bodies, and research initiatives, Subodh Tiwari continues to support the advancement of Yoga as a holistic discipline with relevance to health, education, research, and social development.
His work highlights the importance of preserving the authenticity of India’s yogic traditions while fostering scientific inquiry, institutional collaboration, and informed policy development to make Yoga accessible and meaningful for future generations. By contributing to conversations around Yoga Policy and Governance and Yoga Policy Development , he supports a vision in which Yoga is recognised not only as a practice for individual well-being but also as a valuable resource for education, public health, and the wider social development of India.