The Yoga industry is worth over $88 billion worldwide and expected to reach $215 billion by 2025, according to a report published by Allied Market Research. The wide scale acceptance of Yoga as a way to bring about physical and mental wellbeing has created significant demand in the market.

When it comes to Middle Eastern countries, they have taken globalization in a very professional and organized way, which has in turn paved the way for various kinds of business ventures. They have also accepted the teachings of Yoga and want the younger generation to get accustomed to it early on.

Pratimoksha Enlighten Yoga Center is a Dubai-based company that believes in bringing about inner peace through Yogic teachings. They believe that Yoga is a lot more than being able to successfully do physical postures (asanas). It is about finding a peaceful way of life. The WE magazine engages in a conversation with Lalitha Vishwanath, Founder, Pratimoksha Enlighten Yoga Center, to find out more about her career and her company's philosophy.

Give Us A Brief Overview Of Pratimoksha Enlighten Yoga Center. What Are Some Important Features About Your Expertise As A Business Leader?

In 2017, a few like-minded Yoga practitioners decided to team up and break the pattern of teaching `Yoga for weight-loss', leading to the formation of Pratimoksha ­ Enlighten Yoga Center in Oud Metha, Dubai. Pratimoksha quite literally means `towards happiness', and the Pratimoksha family believes that an authentic and traditional Indian Yogic practice can pave the way to happiness and the discovery of one's true self.

Our Yoga programs are way beyond just asanas (the physical pose); we believe in holistic wellness through mind-body integration. In fact, we feel the 5,000-year-old Yogic science should be taught to everyone in the right manner. Ours is an authentic Yoga center that holds strong values, ethics and morale and tries to impart these values to our students in all areas of life. I inspire and empower the team members to learn, grow and support others by empowering their skillset. Every organization should have a common goal and the team members should be empowered, motivated and supported in all ways to achieve the common goal through work-life balance. Everyday should be a new beginning and every team member must have the passion to work towards the goal.

Take Us Through Your Early Educational Journey And Prior Industry Experience That You Bring To The Table. What Drew You To Take Up Yoga?

I completed a formal Teachers Training Course (TTC) followed by an Advanced Teachers Training Course (ATTC) from Sivananda Yoga organization in 2008. To study more about the human body, I took up a course in Osteopathy to become a Certified Manual Osteopath. I have more than 20 years of experience in teaching Yoga with profound knowledge in Yoga philosophy, Vedanta and other Yogic disciplines. My passion for learning and understanding the 5,000-year-old science led to the foundation of Pratimoksha Enlighten Yoga Center. In spite of not being from an entrepreneurial background my Yogic principles and disciplined Yoga practices supported me in setting up Pratimoksha in the heart of the UAE.

“Our yoga programs that stress on mind management, stress management and lifestyle management have helped our clients in achieving work-life balance and even boosting productivity and concentration”

What Have Been Some Of The Most Significant Milestones That You Have Achieved Over The Years? In Your Opinion What Has Been The Driving Force Behind Your Professional Success?

Through Yoga therapy and facilitated stretches, team Pratimoksha has successfully helped clients with knee, back and shoulder issues, some of whom were referred for surgery by their doctors. Our Yoga programs that stress on mind management, stress management and lifestyle management have helped our clients in achieving work-life balance and even boosting productivity and concentration.

I believe true leadership is empowering the team to successfully take one's organization to the next level. Empowering the team members with the right skillset and knowledge is the key factor for the success of every organization. Self-learning, introspection and analysing one's failures equip us to take the right decision and work better. As an entrepreneur I would like to define my success in terms of my learning, knowledge and self-growth. And also pave the way for others to learn and grow, empowering my team to grow and glow.

Tell Us About The Various Courses And Services That Pratimoksha Is Known For. What Are Some Of Your Specific Areas Of Expertise As A Yoga Instructor?

In all humility, we believe that `no one teaches Yoga like we do'. When someone comes to us, depending on the issues they are facing, we address the issues first by customizing our Yoga sessions. For those with chronic musculoskeletal issues, we initially recommend Yoga Therapy as they may not be able to keep up with group sessions. The Pratimoksha style of issue-based Yoga programs is offered irrespective of age segments. We also offer kids and teens' Yoga, gentle and regular Yoga classes, and prenatal and post-natal sessions, as well as advanced level classes and online classes.

As A Successful Business Leader, What Advice Would You Give To Young Women And Girls Who Aspire To Follow In Your Footsteps And Become Business Leaders And Entrepreneurs?

- Never stop your learning. Your graduation should be just the first step in your learning journey. - Empower your team members and pave the way for their growth.

- Analyze your failures and learn from your mis-takes.

- Your family is as important as your work front. Have time for your family members.

- Encourage and motivate your team to attain the goal.

Lalitha Viswanath, Founder, Enlighten Yoga Center

Ms Lalitha completed a formal Teachers Training Course (TTC) followed by an Advanced Teachers Training Course (ATTC) from Sivananda Yoga organization in 2008. To study more about the human body, she took up a course in Osteopathy to become a Certified Manual Osteopath.