Introduction
Every year on June 21st, the world comes together to celebrate International Yoga Day with great enthusiasm. Rooted in ancient Vedic traditions, yoga originated in India during prehistoric times and has since spread across the globe. This global observance continues to touch and transform countless lives each year. The theme for this year, ‘One Earth, One Health,’ beautifully reflects yoga’s core philosophy. Yoga is far more than a physical fitness practice — it is a holistic path to inner balance, connection with nature, and harmony with the world around us. Today, yoga stands as a powerful global wellness movement, uniting individuals in the pursuit of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
“The Transformative Power of Yoga: The Inspiring Journey of International Yoga Champion Dr. Ilam Chand Insan
At 93 years old, Dr. Ilam Chand Insan from Uttar Pradesh, India, stands as a remarkable testament to yoga’s life-changing power. Once burdened by severe health challenges that left him bedridden and unable to walk unaided, his recovery seemed uncertain in the later years of life. Yet, through the consistent practice of yoga and the Method of Meditation, he not only overcame his ailments but embraced yoga as a vital part of his daily life. Today, he performs advanced yoga poses with ease—an inspiring reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of ancient wisdom.
At an age when most begin to slow down, both in body and mind, Dr. Ilam Chand Insan has defied all expectations by becoming an International Yoga Champion with over 600 medals to his name. Yes, you read that correctly. At 93, he remains remarkably flexible, strong, and focused—on par with athletes decades younger. Competing in yoga championships against participants in their forties, fifties, and even younger, he continues to win gold medals. His incredible transformation is living proof that it’s never too late to start anew. Yoga isn’t just for the young—it’s for anyone ready to embrace positive change and unlock their full potential
The Motivation Behind Dr. Ilam Chand Insan’s Remarkable Journey
What inspired Dr. Ilam Chand Insan to embark on this transformative path?
Dr. Ilam Chand Insan’s journey of transformation began in 1994 when he met Saint Dr. MSG, whose guidance profoundly influenced his life. In addition to being a Yoga Champion, Dr. Ilam Chand Insan actively engages in various humanitarian efforts as a dedicated volunteer with Dera Sacha Sauda, a socio-spiritual and non-profit organization. Under the guidance of its spiritual leader, Saint Dr. MSG, the organization promotes a unique Method of Meditation. When practiced alongside Yoga and Pranayama, this meditation technique offers remarkable benefits for the body, mind, and soul
Dr. Ilam Chand Insan shares that he was once battling severe health problems that no medication seemed to cure. In search of relief, his family brought him to Dera Sacha Sauda, where he had the opportunity to meet the True Master, Saint Dr. MSG. Observing his condition, Saint Dr. MSG recommended a combination of Yoga and meditation, specifically encouraging him to practice the Method of Meditation along with Pranayama. From that moment on, his life took a transformative turn. He began integrating Pranayama with meditation, learned various Yoga postures, and soon experienced a remarkable improvement in his overall well-being.
Dr. Ilam Chand Insan recalls that after fully recovering his health in 2000, Saint Dr. MSG encouraged him to participate in Yoga competitions and personally guided him with tips to refine his poses. Following success at the state and national levels in India, he entered his first international championship in 2001—and won a gold medal. Since then, he has continued to achieve victory after victory in both national and international Yoga competitions. Between 2000 and now, he has amassed over 600 medals in Yoga—an extraordinary accomplishment that earned him a world record in 2023.
With a joyful smile, Dr. Ilam Chand Insan gratefully credits all his success to Saint Dr. MSG. He says it is the True Master’s teachings, support, and blessings that made everything possible, and he wholeheartedly dedicates every medal and honor to his spiritual guide and coach.
The Transformative Power of Yoga for Body and Mind
If Dr. Ilam Chand Insan—a senior citizen who once couldn’t even rise from bed—can go on to win over 600 medals in Yoga championships, imagine the countless benefits Yoga can offer you. Yoga is truly a holistic wellness solution. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or enjoying retirement, its advantages are universal and accessible to all.
- Enhances Flexibility & Balance – Practicing yoga postures helps stretch and strengthen muscles, leading to better posture and physical stability.
- Relieves Stress & Anxiety – Breathing techniques (Pranayama) and meditation soothe the mind, promoting emotional calm and mental clarity.
- Strengthens Immunity & Increases Energy – A consistent yoga routine energizes the body, supports immune function, and boosts overall vitality.
For Dr. Ilam Chand Insan, these benefits weren’t just concepts—they transformed his life. And they have the potential to do the same for you.
Dr. Ilam Chand Insan’s Accomplishments and Insights
Achievements:
- Winner of over 600 medals in national and international yoga competitions
- Received a National Award in the Sports and Adventure category from India’s Vice President on October 1, 2023
- Awarded the title “Champion of Champions” by Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy after securing gold medals at age 92, competing against athletes nearly half his age at the International Yoga Championship in Pondicherry, India
- Set a World Record in 2023
- Honored by India’s President and various government ministers on multiple occasions
- Celebrated for motivating seniors to maintain an active lifestyle
- Recognized for advocating yoga as an integral part of everyday living
Advice from Dr. Ilam Chand Insan:
- Dr. Ilam Chand Insan emphasizes that age is just a number. Senior citizens have the potential to surpass younger generations in health and agility. It’s never too late to begin—there’s no better time than now.
- Beyond inspiring seniors, he actively teaches Yoga to children and young people whenever he gets the chance, spreading the benefits across generations.
- He advocates for a pure vegetarian diet, having personally experienced its positive effects. Since Yoga involves physical activity—and he also participates in physically demanding sports like running and pole vault—his diet mainly includes nourishing foods such as ghee and milk.
- Through his remarkable and ongoing achievements, Dr. Ilam Chand Insan aims to demonstrate to the world that Indian seniors are neither weak nor frail; they can be both physically and mentally strong. He is living proof of this belief. He often highlights that Yoga, a practice rooted in ancient Indian culture since the Vedic Period, has the power to achieve extraordinary results. His success competing and winning gold medals against athletes decades younger is testament to this.
One Earth, One Health: Yoga’s Global Impact
This year’s theme, “One Earth, One Health,” highlights the deep connection between our personal well-being and the health of the entire planet.
Yoga promotes:
- Sustainable Living – By fostering mindfulness, simplicity, and reverence for nature, Yoga inspires environmentally conscious lifestyles.
- Community & Connection – Whether through group classes, virtual sessions, or satsangs (spiritual gatherings), Yoga brings people together across the world.
- Peace & Harmony – A tranquil mind contributes to a peaceful world. As more individuals practice meditation, the collective energy of calm and harmony grows stronger.
Conclusion
Dr. Ilam Chand Insan’s journey is more than just an inspiring tale—it serves as a guide for anyone striving for better health and a deeper sense of purpose. The blend of Yoga, Pranayama, and the Method of Meditation gifted him not only countless medals but a renewed life filled with youthful strength. This International Yoga Day, take a simple yet powerful step: unroll your mat, embrace stillness, stretch, breathe deeply, and smile. Let’s move beyond merely celebrating Yoga—let’s truly live it. Because there is only One Earth, One Health, and One You
