My Journey
Into yoga began with the timeless wisdom, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” True to these words, my guru, Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra Ji (fondly known as Dr. Saab), entered my life, and his first message to me was simple yet profound: Surrender to God. At the time, the concept seemed abstract and unclear to me, but it was the beginning of my transformation. Little did I know, this journey would take me beyond personal growth and into a calling as a teacher.
I started small, one step at a time. What began as a quest for better health soon became a path to teaching. Encouraged by the supportive faculty at The Yoga Institute, I embarked on my teacher training. Despite challenges—like studying in a language I wasn’t fluent in—I relied on my guru’s message of surrender. With determination, help from newfound friends, and guidance from the faculty, I successfully completed my training.
As a compulsive perfectionist, I hesitated to teach until I felt I had mastered every asana. But one of my mentors reminded me that teaching itself was part of my growth. I’ve come to realize that, as much as I guide my students, they teach me every day. Over a decade later, I am still growing as a teacher, driven by my passion for learning and dedication to my practice.
Inspired by Dr. Saab’s teachings, I’ve deepened my studies, exploring the Bhagavad Gita, scriptures, and Vedic wisdom. As a lifelong learner, my morning studies continue to fuel my practice, thanks to the inspiration of yet another guru, Swami Parthasarathy.
For me, yoga is more than just a practice—it’s a form of worship. My mat is my sanctuary, a space where I connect deeply with my breath, body, and inner self. No matter where I am in the world, my yoga mat is my constant—a reminder of the transformative power of surrender, practice, and gratitude.
Experience
The Yoga Institute
Given talks on Asanas, Pranayama and Kriyas covering their benefits and limitations.
Assisted in various health camps like Pregnancy Ante and Post Natal, Orthopaedic, Stress Management, Respiratory, Menopause, Weight Management and Relaxation
Conducted Kids Yoga camp with the pre-decided objective of improving concentration, relaxation and confidence
Certified Sound Healer
Rishikesh, India
900 hours Teachers Training course from The Yoga Institute
Santacruz, Mumbai, India
250 hours Diploma in Yoga Therapy from Yoga Gurukul
Nasik, India
100 hours Certified Pre-Natal and Post -Natal Yoga from Yoga Gurukul
Nasik, India
"Once I joined the class I was very impressed with Salma’s ability to keep track of each student online."
"I was apprehensive to do an online yoga class but with the pandemic it was the best option. Her gentle but firm demeanour makes her a great teacher along with her knowledge of the subject."
Shaheen Rattonsey
"I am awestruck at her knowledge, dedication, clarity in instructions, and above all her soothing and impressive voice which runs you through the Yoga session."
"Appreciate the patience and understanding and above all the ever helpful nature. Feel truly blessed to be associated with a Tutor of this calibre."
Hutokshi
"Salma can create a safe and nurturing environment that helps me deepen my practice."
"My six-year journey with Salma has been nothing short of transformative. Her sessions, each uniquely and intuitively created, are a testament to her vast knowledge and experience in yoga, pranayama, and yoga nidra. Infused with her impeccable guidance and supportive energy, these sessions are a unique experience that I always look forward to.
She is an attentive teacher, and her classes go beyond physical postures; she inspires self-awareness and mindfulness, creating a connection with my inner self. For instance, I have significantly improved my flexibility and reduced my stress levels. I attribute much of this growth to her expert guidance."
Zeenat
"It has been a rewarding experience learning yoga with Salma."
"Her teaching style is very attentive with tweaks for different individuals while pushing one to reach one’s potential. She is patient and calm while being clear and comprehensible. Her classes have made me feel physically invigorated as well as mentally relaxed. All in all an enjoyable and enriching experience."
Ravina Kohli
"She studies and keeps an eye on everyones level of comfort with different postures”
“Normally I am not a person who sticks to any exercise regime but Salma’s way of teaching yoga made me a regular."
Chirag A. Shiva
"She makes me feel I can do any yoga posture effortlessly”
“Anyone can pick up her calm and peaceful energy as soon as we walk into the room. She inspires me and motivates me.”
Esha
"Thank you Salma!"
“Salma’s warm personality along with her teaching skills really shaped my first exposure to yoga practice into a beautiful one".
Mr. Ankit Meharotra
"Thank you Salma, for helping us see within us , something we would have never experienced without you”.
“Yoga class with salma was always eagerly awaited by all of us including my then teenage son. She effortlessly manages to engage us in the beautifully planned sessions and one always felt a sense of calm yet energized for the day. Her method and instructions are clear, meticulous and easy to follow and you don’t want the class to end!"
Ami Makim
