Yogacharya Dhakaram is the founder of Yoga Peace Sansthan, a globally recognized organization. With decades of experience, he has trained thousands of instructors and helped millions transform their lives through the practice of yoga, medical therapy, and holistic well-being.

Yogacharya DhakaRam is the founder of Yoga Peace Sansthan, a renowned organization dedicated to promoting health and happiness through yoga in Jaipur, Rajasthan. With a network of over 3,000 instructors, the Sansthan has reached approximately 1.7 million yoga learners through both online and offline platforms. Guided by the philosophy of 'health to happiness,' its mission is to help individuals achieve overall well-being and inner peace.

Yogacharya DhakaRam explains that Yoga Peace Sansthan functions through several specialized divisions. A primary focus is yoga education, which involves training instructors and trainers to effectively disseminate the practice. Another core division is Medical Yoga, which applies therapeutic yoga techniques to support physical and mental healing. The institution confidently offers a 10-day recovery assurance—stating that if individuals do not experience relief within this period, they are not expected to continue. For those traveling from outside Jaipur, a 5-day recovery program is available. Yogacharya DhakaRam emphasizes that true healing originates from a higher power, and the institution sees itself merely as a conduit in that process.

He emphasizes that it is not about whether they personally help individuals or not. He firmly believes that while they may have limitations, Yoga has the power to reach where they cannot and as deep trust in Yoga. He often says, ‘I cannot change anyone, but Yoga can.’ According to him, neither he nor others can bring about change in a person, but the practice of Yoga has the ability to transform lives. It nurtures mental, physical, and spiritual growth, empowering individuals to create meaningful change within themselves.

Their primary focus is to help people attain true happiness. They have a dedicated wing called 'Yoga for Happiness.' As he puts it, ‘We have everything, yet we are not happy.’ He emphasizes that people often seek happiness in others, but true happiness is something that must be discovered within oneself. According to him, there are specific techniques that, when adopted and practiced, naturally bring happiness and elevate one’s sense of fulfillment.

Another significant wing is 'Yoga for Sports.' He explains that yoga is a vast discipline encompassing various elements and aspects. The true essence of yoga lies in attaining the state of ultimate happiness or bliss. To encourage participation, they organize Yoga Asana competitions, which have also been recognized by the government. The primary goal is to attract the younger generation to yoga and help them establish a career in this field through competitive sports.

Founder of Yoga Peace, Yogacharya Dhakaram shares that yoga offers vast career opportunities, as many of his students have become successful yoga instructors and are leading fulfilling lives. He further emphasizes that while the corporate world appears glamorous, it often brings immense stress, leading to mental exhaustion due to high work pressure and responsibilities. To address this, they provide corporate yoga programs, helping professionals work more happily and energetically. Additionally, they extend their yoga services to foreigners and tourists, promoting wellness on a global scale.

Reflecting on his childhood, Yoga Guru Dhakaram shares that he comes from a very humble background, having grown up in the mountainous regions. Born into a farming family, their land provided for their basic needs. He had four elder brothers, but sadly, he never got to see them as they passed away before his birth. He grew up with one elder sister and two younger brothers, navigating the challenges of life with resilience and determination.

Yoga instructor Yogacharya Dhakaram reflects on the challenges of his early life, where he balanced his education with the responsibility of supporting his family. Aware of his household’s financial constraints, he chose to contribute and ease the burden on his parents. He notes that village life offered certain advantages—minimal expenses and self-sufficiency through farming helped meet their basic needs.

Yogacharya Dhakaram fondly recalls being a mischievous child. He enjoyed building small temples and huts from mud. One memorable incident he shares is when he and a friend played in a rice field, unintentionally dismantling it. In the village, he would often make bows and arrows, playfully portraying Ram and Laxman in their childhood games.

He recalls that there was no technology at that time, and they lived and studied using oil lamps made of mud. Their home had only one room where the entire family stayed together. Coming from a deeply religious family, he shares that his maternal grandfather was highly spiritual, and in their village, no one ate without offering prayers first. This instilled in him the habit of waking up early and praying, a practice he carries forward to this day.

Yogacharya Dhakaram left school after completing the 3rd grade and moved to Jaipur at the age of nine with his maternal uncle to find work and support his family. His uncle owned a hotel where he started working. Being just a child, he would easily get angry when someone provoked him, as he lacked maturity and understanding at that age. After 5-6 months, the contractors at the hotel told his uncle that he was becoming difficult to manage. Believing that education would help him develop maturity and understanding, his uncle decided to enroll him in school.

He completed his schooling at Mahatma Jan Vidhyalaya, also known as Mahatma Gandhi Government School. When he first joined, he was unfamiliar with both Hindi and English, as he only knew Nepali. Although he didn't learn much Hindi in the first six months, he found it easier to read since Hindi and Nepali share the same script. To improve his reading skills, he would often visit a nearby bus stand, where he found various books to read.

Yogacharya Dhakaram used to work in the mornings and evenings while attending school during the day. Whenever he found time, he would bring books from the bus station to read. His dedication to learning, especially his interest in religious books, earned him the admiration and affection of the people around him.

Yogacharya Dhakaram started practicing Yoga when he came across a book on the subject and started practicing different asanas and poses on his own. Alongside Yoga, he had a deep fascination with martial arts and admired legends like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. His passion eventually led him to work with Jackie Chan in the movie Kung Fu Yoga. Wanting to pursue Karate, he requested his uncle for permission to attend classes for two hours a day, which was granted. He soon began his training, making new friends in the process.

His friends encouraged him to learn Yoga, emphasizing its benefits in enhancing physical abilities—citing that even Bruce Lee practiced meditation. At that time, he practiced Yoga on his own without formal techniques, relying on books in 1986 and 1987. He later started Karate in 1989. To develop his skills professionally, he began training under S.K. Jindal Sir, attending sessions daily as he felt rejuvenated after practicing. His natural flexibility allowed him to perform asanas effortlessly, earning admiration from others, which further motivated him. Balancing both Karate and Yoga, he formally entered the field of Yoga in 1993 while continuing his martial arts profession.

In 1998, Yogacharya Dhakaram's mentor accompanied him to a yoga competition in Pondicherry, an event that proved transformative. Despite his prior confidence in his yoga abilities, the competition exposed significant deficiencies in his technique compared to other participants. This revelation prompted serious introspection and dispelled his previously inflated self-assessment. Consequently, he implemented a rigorous daily regimen, dedicating precisely three hours to yoga practice. The disappointment from Pondicherry served as a catalyst for his transformation. Following several months of methodical training, he participated in the Jaipur Yoga Conference where, despite competing with a lower limb injury, he achieved first place and was awarded the gold medal.

From that moment on, Yogacharya Dhakaram never looked back. He continuously participated in yoga competitions, winning gold medals in every event, earning a strong reputation in the field. He found deep satisfaction in seeing the positive impact of Yoga on people’s lives. With humility, he credits his success to divine blessings, believing that he alone could achieve nothing.

Alongside Yoga, Yogacharya Dhakaram was excelling in Karate as well. He recalls how fighters from Nagaland and Manipur were known for their fierce fighting styles, making them seem intimidating. However, he always remained calm and composed in the ring. Whenever an opponent attacked, he skillfully deflected with a smile, which often frustrated them, leading to point deductions. He strongly believed in defense over aggression, a strategy that not only helped him win fights but also earned him multiple gold medals in Karate.

After achieving significant success in both Yoga and Karate, one of his uncles suggested that he learn acupressure. Initially, he dismissed the idea. However, Asit Kumar Kothari, whom he regards as a father figure, frequently visited the institute where he practiced Yoga to give lectures on the subject. At first, he chose not to attend these sessions, but when someone once again recommended acupressure, emphasizing its benefits, he decided to explore it further.

Yoga Guru Dhakaram discovered Sujok therapy and experienced its benefits firsthand. Intrigued, he enrolled in an eight-day course. To this day, he takes pride in his decision, as he was the only one in his batch to consistently score 100 out of 100. His teacher still remembers and appreciates his dedication.

He soon realized that to establish himself professionally in Yoga, obtaining certification was essential. To meet this requirement, he pursued a Diploma in Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences (DNYS), where he gained in-depth knowledge of various healing techniques, including Sujok, Acupressure, Acupuncture, and Naturopathy

Alongside Yoga, Yogacharya Dhakaram continued to expand his expertise in Karate, mastering various forms of martial arts. His dedication to both fields allowed him to develop a holistic approach to physical and mental well-being.

After some time, his close friend, Mr. Sharad Dhakar, a computer software engineer, suggested that he formally establish a Yoga teaching institute, as he was already practicing and instructing others. Taking his friend's advice, they launched the initiative under the name 'Yoga Peace,' with Sharad also creating a dedicated webpage for it.

Yogacharya Dhakaram gradually became more inclined toward Yoga. In 2005, he had a realization—‘एक सजे तौ सब सजे’—meaning if one aspect is perfected, everything else falls into place. He noticed that dividing his focus across multiple fields like acupressure, yoga, and naturopathy was slowing his progress.

During that period, he conducted weekly Yoga sessions at various branches of the Rajasthan Swasthya Parishad. In recognition of his dedication, his friend Rahul Mangal offered him a spacious hall of approximately 2,500 to 3,000 square feet, providing an ideal setting for effective Yoga instruction.

Yog Guru Dhakaram recalls that when he was teaching Yoga in an open space, many people would express their interest in joining his institution. During one of his workshops, around 100 people participated, but when he mentioned the fee for learning, only 4-5 people actually enrolled.

From this experience, he learned an important lesson—love everyone, but don’t expect the same in return. He takes pride in the fact that those few individuals who joined him in the beginning have remained connected with him to this day.

After the movie Himalaya Singh, many people began to recognize him. As a result, around 40 teachers gathered at Yogacharya Dhakaram's home, expressing their desire to learn Yoga from him.

To accommodate this demand, he devised a plan to conduct training sessions only on Sundays for three hours over a span of three months. However, when he set the fee at ₹4000, many found it expensive, and only five teachers enrolled in the program.

This marked the beginning of the Teachers’ Training Program in 2006. Over time, the course expanded from an initial duration of 36 hours to an extensive 1500-hour program, which he believes to be one of the longest Yoga training courses in India.

In 2007, Yogacharya Dhakaram met Karunakara Guruji and was deeply inspired by his simplicity, despite having encountered many spiritual teachers before.

He recalled a moment when he attended a lecture by Guruji on how to stand properly. Initially, he found the topic unusual, as he believed that standing was something everyone naturally knew how to do. However, the concept intrigued him, and he pondered over it for six months. Eventually, he gained such deep insights that he could now deliver a one-hour lecture on the importance of proper posture.

He realized that incorrect balance while standing could lead to various health issues. Motivated by Guruji's teachings, he organized workshops featuring Karunakara Guruji. He considers himself fortunate that Guruji visited two to three times a year, allowing him to learn invaluable lessons from each interaction.

After this, he ventured into the field of Medical Yoga, where he had the privilege of meeting his dream Yoga Guru. Yogacharya Dhakaram describes him as a true gem of Yoga and acknowledges him as a student of the legendary Krishnamacharya.

Through Karunakara Guruji, he was fortunate to meet B.K.S. Iyengar further deepened his understanding of Yoga. Additionally, he had the opportunity to learn Joints Yoga under the guidance of Geeta Iyengar, which enriched his expertise even more.

After delving into Medical Yoga, Yogacharya Dhakaram observed remarkable recoveries in individuals suffering from conditions that typically require long-term medication, such as blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid disorders. This sparked a deep interest in the field, leading him to refine his expertise.

Today, he confidently assures individuals that if they do not experience a noticeable improvement in their physical well-being after just five days of Yoga practice, they are under no obligation to continue or pay any fees. He maintains that while he can provide guidance, meaningful results require personal commitment and consistent effort. He emphasizes that when practiced correctly, Yoga fosters holistic transformation of the body. His dedication and the effectiveness of his approach have earned him widespread recognition and a steadily growing student base.

Yogacharya Dhakaram shares that he also had the opportunity to work in the 2004 film Himalaya Singh as well as in other Hollywood movies. In 2017, he also worked in Kung Fu Yoga alongside Jackie Chan, where he got the chance to interact and dine with him. Interestingly, when he initially joined the shoot, he was unaware that Jackie Chan was part of the film. It was only during the actual shoot that he met the legendary actor.

Over the years, he has had the privilege of meeting various celebrities, but he humbly describes these encounters as small incidents in the larger path of his life.

Yogacharya Dhakaram further shares a thought-provoking perspective on addiction. He asks, 'Do you know what would be the reason if I had a habit of drinking or other addictions?' He explains that many people turn to alcohol or smoking, believing it will help relieve stress and provide a peaceful sleep. However, he emphasizes that the real reason behind such habits is a lack of inner peace and satisfaction. People seek temporary relief through these substances, simply to escape feelings of dissatisfaction, rather than addressing the root cause of their unrest.

Yogacharya Dhakaram humbly shares that he is not one to dictate how others should live their lives. However, he emphasizes that the primary cause of stress and depression is the expectation that everything should unfold exactly as one desires. He explains that life doesn’t always go according to our plans, but rather as per the will of a higher power. He advises people to focus on hard work without stressing over the outcome. 'Work with integrity and honesty,' he says, 'because that is within our control—while the results are not

He further adds that saying and advising others is very easy. Giving an example, he shares that when someone is stressed, another person may try to comfort them by saying, ‘Relax, everything will be fine.’ But later, that same person might also find themselves feeling low. This, he says, proves that giving advice is easy, but true change comes from within. That’s why he always emphasizes, ‘I cannot change anyone, but Yoga can.’

Yog Guru Dhakaram explains that practicing Yoga properly brings a transformation that no amount of exercise or gym workouts can provide. Yoga offers inner peace, which is essential for overall well-being. Yogacharya Dhakaram strongly emphasizes the importance of mental health, stating that physical fitness alone is not enough—true health comes from inner balance and peace.

He shares that inner health will come through Pranayam and controlling our breathing. He highlights that deep breaths will help in relaxing the mind. He describes that Yoga is knowledge that not only helps in maintaining physical health but also enhancing inner and mental health through asanas, yoga activities and Pranayam.

Yogacharya shares that when we practice Pranayama, we naturally focus on spirituality. However, he emphasizes that merely reading and learning religious scriptures does not make someone truly spiritual. To illustrate this, he gives an example: if he is thirsty, he must drink water—simply knowing and chanting 2,500 different names for water won’t quench his thirst.

He encourages individuals to experience Yoga firsthand, often saying, “Perhaps I’m wrong, but there is no harm in trying.” He recommends dedicating at least one hour each day to Yoga, noting its potential to enhance overall productivity and well-being throughout the day. He emphasizes that Yoga strengthens the body, mind, and spirit, making it universally beneficial—from children to the elderly. He describes Yoga as both a shield and a remedy, capable of bringing positive transformation wherever it is practiced.

Yogacharya believes in action rather than mere words. He wakes up at 3:45 AM and practices his Sadhana until 6:00 AM, after which his busy day begins. His daily routine is strictly scheduled from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM. He firmly advises people to practice Yoga, emphasizing that results come only through consistent effort.

Expressing gratitude for the platform that allows him to connect with a wide range of people, he reinforces his belief that true transformation happens only through practice. He assures that Yoga can reduce stress and bring peace—but only if one commits to doing it.

Yogacharya Dhakaram shares that he usually does not emphasize diet, as every individual has their own perspective on food. However, he highlights that with consistent Yoga practice, dietary habits naturally evolve. He believes that imposing strict restrictions may discourage people from exercising or exploring Yoga. Instead, he encourages individuals to practice Yoga sincerely, as it will organically lead to positive lifestyle changes—such as waking up on time, feeling more optimistic, and making healthier food choices. He emphasizes that Yoga doesn’t just transform the body; it reshapes one’s way of life.

He shares that he does not focus much on diet and food because, ultimately, it is the digestive system that matters. If digestion is strong, any food can be beneficial; but if digestion is weak, even the lightest food may not be effective. He emphasizes that it is not just about what we eat, but how well our body processes it. Additionally, he raises an important question—do we eat to live or live to eat? He believes that through Yoga, cravings naturally diminish, and one’s relationship with food transforms effortlessly.

Yogacharya Dhakaram recites a shloka:

‘परम पूज्य भोजन हैं दिव्यम अनूपम,
 परमशक्ति रूपम परंतृप्तति शरूपम।’

He explains that food is a divine blessing, which is why it is said: ‘अन्न भ्रमा, रक्ष्य विष्णु, भूत द्वीपा महेशवरम।’

He emphasizes that every time we eat, we should first greet the food with respect and consume it as prasad. When food is eaten with gratitude, it nourishes not just the body but also the soul, working like nectar. He urges people to eat wholeheartedly, reminding them that while they have the privilege of a full meal, many others struggle even for a single serving of food.

He further stresses the importance of not wasting food, pointing out how, in parties and wedding receptions, people often take more than they can eat and leave it uneaten. Instead, he advises taking only what is needed and finishing it with gratitude.

Yogacharya Dhakaram acknowledges the significant role of Engineer Samprati Singhvi in shaping his professional life. He met him in 2011 when Singhvi, a businessman, expressed his desire to learn Yoga from him. As he does with everyone, Yogacharya Dhakaram advised him to try Yoga for three days first and then decide whether to continue.

He firmly believes that people should only continue if they find satisfaction in the practice. This is why he only proceeds with registration after three days. He also shares that if someone feels the fees are high or they are not satisfied with the experience, they are not obligated to pay. For him, Yoga is about transformation, not transactions.

Yogacharya Dhakaram further shares that Samprati Singhvi joined the center and quickly became a close friend. Recognizing the potential of Yoga, Singhvi took the initiative to design and create a Yoga studio, investing his own money in the project. Later, Yogacharya Dhakaram repaid him for the investment. He proudly recalls that the studio was beautifully designed and well-equipped, to the extent that he confidently considered it the best Yoga studio in all of India.

In 2017, Samprati proposed Yogacharya Dhakaram to merge Yoga Peace and Ekam Yoga, leading to the creation of another studio—one he describes as uniquely designed, beautiful, and exceptionally well-structured. He warmly invites people to visit and experience the studio, emphasizing its serene atmosphere, where even the sound of a single drop of water can be heard.

The studio was meticulously designed with a strong focus on hygiene, ensuring a clean and peaceful environment for practice. He expresses deep gratitude to Samprati Singhvi for his invaluable support, not only in establishing the studio but also in expanding their vision on a global scale.

While sharing experience of his life lessons, Yogacharya shares a profound thought: ‘मैं नहीं चल रहा, मुझे चलाया जा रहा है’ (I am not walking; I am being walked) and ‘मैं कर नहीं रहा, करवाया जा रहा हूँ’ (I am not doing; I am being made to do it). He explains that just as a leaf falls from a tree and drifts in different directions without knowing its destination, we, too, are unaware of where we will be born, where we will work, or where our life will end. Therefore, we should embrace life with gratitude for whatever God provides.

He emphasizes that every individual is beautiful as they are. If one ever feels small, they should look at those who have less—just as someone with a broken hand may find solace in knowing there are others who have lost both hands. He expresses deep gratitude for life itself, acknowledging that simply being alive is a blessing, and happiness comes from appreciating that gift.

Yogacharya Dhakaram encourages people to stay joyful and never belittle or condemn anyone. Instead, he urges them to uplift others and give their best in whatever they do. He believes that these feelings of gratitude and kindness naturally arise when one engages in Sadhna (spiritual practice). He insists on dedicating at least an hour daily to physical and mental well-being, whether through Yoga, gym workouts, or dance. He advises incorporating at least 30% of Pranayama into one's routine, as it cultivates a positive mindset and strengthens the mind. Lastly, he reminds everyone to surrender all their actions to God, finding peace in devotion and practice.

He shares that God has created everyone equally, and if he has experienced transformation—both mentally and physically—then others can too. He emphasizes that we are all children of God and should continue working diligently without being overly concerned about the end results. True growth, he believes, comes from dedication and effort, rather than fixation on outcomes.

Reflecting on the present era, he describes it as a remarkable time—one in which the world is, quite literally, at our fingertips. While some refer to it as Kalyug (the age of decline), he views it as Satyug (the age of truth), owing to the unprecedented opportunities and advancements available today. However, he underscores that it is the responsibility of each individual to use these resources wisely and for the greater good.

Addressing older adults, he encourages them not to feel limited by age, stating that it’s never too late to start something new. Sharing a personal example, he mentions that his own father began practicing yoga at the age of 84 and continued for 17 years. If someone can begin at 84, he insists, then others can surely start even earlier.

He further discusses career opportunities in the field of yoga, stating that many individuals who have learned from his education wing are now successfully running their own institutes or working as freelance yoga instructors. He highlights that yoga not only offers a fulfilling career but also brings immense respect.

He explains that those who dedicate themselves to yoga earn the title of 'Yogi' or 'Yogini,' a position of honor. Additionally, Yogacharya Dhakaram mentions that his institution provides job opportunities for teachers and learners, helping them build a sustainable livelihood. He encourages individuals to connect with any established yoga organization or 'sansthan' to explore career prospects in this ever-growing field.

He further emphasizes the importance of following one's own passion rather than simply fulfilling others' expectations. He advises individuals to pursue what truly makes them happy, rather than choosing a career solely based on parental desires—such as becoming a doctor to satisfy a father’s wish or an engineer for a mother’s expectations.

He encourages people to discover their own essence and sense of belonging, to follow their unique path, but always in the right direction and with integrity. Regardless of the career one chooses, he strongly recommends practicing yoga for at least an hour each day, as it enhances both psychological and physical well-being.