URMI PANDYA

Urmi Pandya is an international yoga teacher based out of Ahmedabad. Although being really young in her yoga career, she has grown to be one of the best in the country. She strongly believes in the holistic development of a human being. She is an expert in Yoga for relaxation, recreation, kids yoga and Yoga for pregnancy & health correction. Urmi is also active as a professional Yoga player taking part in competitions across the world and she holds silver medals at 3 international level competitions

What is your favourite word?
So I read "Bhagawad Gita" every day. I make it a point to read at least 8 chapters each day. There isn't a specific word, it's rather a line from the Gita that I keep repeating in my mind like a mantra. It's - "Karma kiye jaye, phal ki chintha na kar" which basically translates to, keep doing the work you have to do and don't worry about the outcome. Thinking about this line helps me focus on the work at hand. The more you think about the outcome, the less you are focused on the present and the less effort you can put into the present. I believe in working hard and giving my 100% right now. The outcome that I deserve for my effort will follow

What was the moment in your life that made you Blossom into the person you are today?
I think it was when I participated in my first competition in Nepal. It was an international competition where 8 other countries were participating. So basically, there were a lot of people coming from lots of states from each country. I was standing amidst them, all those experts who have been practising yoga for years and few right from their childhood. It was my first competition and I put myself in that spot. My intention wasn't to win or anything. I knew I wouldn't be able to win there at all. My intention was to meet new people who are much more knowledgeable than I am on the subject, spend time with them and learn more to help myself for future competitions. With zero expectations, I gave my 100% effort in both the competitions that I enrolled myself in.

By the time they were announcing the results, I had my bags packed to leave for the airport. I was just waiting so I could be a part of the group picture. When the winner was announced, I heard my name. I couldn't believe it. Looking back now, I know that I won because I had no stress of winning or losing. I was learning and stress-free. I was fully present at the moment and practised my "aasanas" perfectly.

The best moment was that announcement. It changed everything for me. When they said, "Urmi Pandya from India", the happiness of winning a medal for the country and the moment of disbelief made me realise that I am really good at this.

What would you want the young boys & girls to learn from your journey?
That it's not necessary that you do Yoga, rather you need to do anything for your own self for at least 30 minutes every day. It could be meditation, running, going to the gym or, well, yoga too. No matter what profession you are in, take some time for your own health every day. When you're healthy, you will be able to enjoy whatever you do, what you have and what you earn. I think the pandemic is the lesson to all of us more than ever before to keep ourselves healthy. You're healthy, you'll automatically be able to give 100% to whatever you do. You'll then, automatically succeed. Spend 30 minutes a day on your health.