Nanammal, affectionately known as the ‘yoga grandma,’ was an extraordinary woman who left an indelible mark on the world of yoga. Her remarkable journey from the idyllic town of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, to becoming India’s oldest yoga teacher and a YouTube sensation is an inspiring tale of dedication, health, and passion for yoga.
Nanammal’s Early Life and Yoga Roots
Nanammal was born in February 1920 in the picturesque town of Coimbatore. Her journey into the world of yoga began at the tender age of eight when she embarked on a lifelong path of physical and spiritual wellness. She learned the fundamentals of yoga from her father, who was a martial artist, setting the foundation for her enduring love for the practice. Her grandparents also practiced yoga regularly, fostering a culture of holistic well-being in her family.
Her daily routine was a testament to her commitment to health and vitality.
Nanammal would rise at 5 a.m., brush her teeth with a neem stick, and engage in her daily yoga practice. Her breakfast consisted of kanji, a nutritious water-based liquid diet, and she steered clear of white sugar, opting for jaggery in her diet. As a strict vegetarian, she enjoyed a variety of vegetables for lunch and concluded her day with a light dinner of fruits and a glass of milk. Remarkably, her entire family adopted this health-conscious diet, emphasizing her role as a true matriarch of wellness.
Teaching Yoga and Making History
Nanammal’s journey as a yoga teacher began after her marriage at the age of 18 when she was faced with a unique challenge – her mother-in-law’s severe back pain. Determined to alleviate her pain, Nanammal took on the role of a teacher and healer. Her mother-in-law became her first student, and over time, she fully recovered. This marked the beginning of Nanammal’s lifelong mission to teach and heal through yoga.
What set Nanammal apart was her dedication to the art of yoga. She taught over 100 students daily at her center, and her passion for yoga knew no bounds. She even defied age by continuing to travel and perform yoga at the age of 99, inspiring countless individuals on her journey.
Nanammal’s dedication to yoga was not only a personal endeavor but also a matter of national recognition. In 2018, she was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri, a testament to her invaluable contribution to promoting yoga and well-being in India. Her son, V. Balakrishnan, fondly recounted that his mother was “more happy that this recognition had come for making all those she teaches yoga remain healthy,” as told to a media house.
Legacy and Awards
Nanammal’s impact extended far beyond the confines of her yoga center. She earned the Nari Shakti Puraskar award on International Women’s Day in 2016, recognizing her influence as a woman who empowered others through yoga. In 2017, the Karnataka government gave her the Yoga Ratna award, solidifying her status as a yoga luminary. She accumulated an impressive 150 awards and six gold medals at the national level, reflecting the widespread acknowledgment of her dedication and expertise.
A Family of Yogis
Nanammal’s dedication to yoga did not stop with her. Her influence transcended generations, and her commitment to yoga was passed down to her family. At present, an astonishing 63 members of her family are yoga teachers and enthusiasts, as told to a media house, a testament to her lasting impact on those closest to her.
Popular Culture and YouTube Fame
In the age of social media, V. Nanammal’s expertise in yoga earned her a dedicated following. Numerous videos of her performing yoga and news reports documenting her 91-year journey in the world of yoga can be found online. On Instagram, the hashtag bearing her name opens up a treasure trove of posts by yoga practitioners inspired by her teachings. Additionally, a Tamil short film titled “Nanammal” (2017), written and directed by T. Ravi Kumar, celebrated her remarkable journey. The film portrays the heartwarming story of her grandson’s realization of her importance as she astounds the audience with her yoga prowess.
Nanammal’s life story is one of unwavering dedication, health, and passion for yoga. Her journey from a small town in Tamil Nadu to becoming India’s oldest yoga teacher and a YouTube sensation is a testament to the transformative power of yoga. Her impact on the world of yoga, her family, and her countless students is immeasurable.
As we remember the ‘yoga grandma,’ we are reminded that age is no barrier to pursuing one’s passions and that the benefits of yoga are truly timeless. V. Nanammal’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of yogis to come, encouraging them to embrace yoga as a path to health and spiritual well-being.