Profile – Yogalife Global

Dr. Radheshyam Mishra, Ph.D.
(Honoris Causa)

Founder and Director, YogaLife Global | YogaLife USA | YogaLife Ashrams

Dr. Radheshyam Mishra, lovingly known as Guru Ji or Pundit Ji, is a globally renowned Yoga Guru, educator, and philanthropist. His unwavering commitment to spreading the transformative power of Traditional Classical Yoga has inspired millions worldwide.

A Journey of Resilience and Transformation

Born into a traditional Brahmin family in the sacred city of Ujjain, PunditJi’s early life was marked by a profound quest for meaning. At just 14 years old, he made the bold decision to leave home due to differing ideologies with his father, particularly regarding God, spirituality, and life values.

Facing financial hardships, PunditJi worked in various roles—selling goods in trains, working in restaurants, writing for a Hindi daily newspaper, and even pursuing theater and Bollywood film direction. Despite these challenges, his inner calling for spiritual growth remained undeterred.

A life-altering moment came when he was diagnosed with chronic asthma at the age of 23. Doctors predicted limited survival, but fate intervened when he met Brahmachari Krishna Chaitanya, a Hindu monk. Through six weeks of rigorous Hatha Yoga training under the monk’s guidance, PunditJi not only recovered but experienced a profound transformation in
body, mind, and spirit.

When one fine mornig, the monk unexpectedly disappreared, PunditJi began teaching Yoga to others—a journey that soon became his life’s mission.

Rebirth Under Guru-Shishya Parampara

PunditJi’s systematic Yoga education began in 1993 at The Yoga Institute, Mumbai, the world’s first organized Yoga school. Under the nurturing guidance of his Gurus, Dr. Jayadeva and Dr. Hansa Yogendra, he underwent a 360-degree transformation.

Living at the ashram for 2.5 years without being charged fees, PunditJi experienced what he calls a second birth. His mentors reshaped his thoughts, habits, and overall outlook, instilling in him the values of discipline, service, and holistic well-being. This profound experience laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to Yoga.

Global Contributions

In 1996, PunditJi founded Ujjain Yoga Life Society to promote Yoga in his hometown. By 2016, as his work extended to 56 countries, the organization was rebranded as YogaLifeGlobal, reflecting its international presence.

Today, PunditJi has trained over 5,000 Yoga teachers, established more than 500 Yoga schools across 22 countries, and taught more than 500,000 individuals worldwide. His ashrams—Satyadhara YogaLife Ashram in Choral, India, and YogaLife Ashram Brasil in
Terra de Areia near Porto Alegre—are hubs for immersive Yoga training and retreats

Publications and Media

PunditJi has authored eight books, including:

Yogasanas & Swasthya (Hindi)
Yoga Chikitsa (Hindi)
Commentary on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (Sanskrit, English)
Yoga for Perfect Health (Hindi, English & Purtuguese)

His popular video in three languages Hindi, English and Portugues, 24 Minutes Yoga for 24 Hours of Energy, and the audio album the Canting of Patanjali Yoga Sutras make Yoga accessible to global audiences.