Vasant Jajoo once sat in front of the computer for hours to beat deadlines. But six years ago, he decided to opt for the road less travelled.
Mr. Jajoo is among the youngsters in Bengaluru, who have given up their office jobs and trained themselves to become yoga instructors. They say the transition was more than just a “career switch”; it was choosing a different way of living.
He, for instance, holds a Master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. He bid goodbye to the telecom software industry after 17 years. “The corporate lifestyle did not suit me. Monetarily it was very rewarding, but I led a mechanical life and there was little physical activity,” he says. He has since trained around 500 students.
Shyam Prasad Nair, a media and television professional, says he “discovered” yoga when he took a sabbatical in 2013 and went to the Himalayas. He came back and worked as a yoga consultant with a yoga apparel company, and now runs a studio along with his wife.
Bindu Madhavi, a trainer in one of the premier yoga institutes in the city, warns that becoming a yoga teacher does not come easy. “Trainers require immense stamina and need to practise for at least four hours a day initially,” she says.
Interestingly, this career switch has not necessarily meant opting for a life of penury. With corporate companies also starting yoga training in their offices as stress management activities and individuals opting for personalised yoga classes, trainers say opportunities are increasing and the money is good.
People, particularly those with specific health ailments, look to yoga to get relief. They are even willing to pay up to Rs. 1,000 per class. However, this comes with several years of experience and expertise.
“Although money is not as big as other professions, it is an industry that is picking up. While it may be a little hard for the trainer initially, it becomes easier with experience,” says Ms. Madhavi.
Mr. Jajoo also admits the increase in awareness on yoga is helping the market grow. “A yoga instructor, who has trained for three to four years, can earn anywhere between Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 60,000 a month,” he adds.
