YOGA’S LIVING LEGACY: Tradition, Transformation and the Challenges of Modernity

Authors

  • Sanchali Podder B.Sc. B.Ed Student, Regional Institute of Education, NCERT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, INDIA.
  • Dr. Poulastya Mahananda Assistant Professor, Department of Social Science Education, Nalini Devi Women’s College of Teacher Education, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, INDIA.
  • Ishita Mishra M.Ed. Student, Regional Institute of Education, NCERT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, INDIA. https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0724-3127

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55544/ijrah.6.2.42

Keywords:

yoga, history, commercialisation, comodification, postcolonial yoga

Abstract

The following article delves into the concept of yoga as a living legacy which explores its history from its ancient birthplace of the Indian subcontinent and analyses the dynamic relationship between its rich tradition and contemporary transformation in the 21st century. Despite generational evolution, yoga did not cease to retain its philosophical and spiritual foundations to the advancement of the current world. In the contemporary era, yoga emphasizes the diversification of styles, incorporation of its concept and practices in mainstream socio-economic culture involving healthcare sectors, wellness industries and its various therapeutic applications in an urbanizing society. Running an overview through the historical lens, yoga evolved from precolonial spiritual discipline to colonial reworking and further forwarding to postcolonial globalization. The contemporary era of yoga raises concerns towards current day commodification, dilution teachings owing to commercialization, accessibility barriers, debates over cultural authenticity, ownership, identity and risks of injury from overemphasis of physical positions. While through an anthropological lens, the values of yoga lies in uncovering the way culture thrives through our body and survives through transformation. This paper ends by encouraging communities to come together and support holistic well-being in today’s globalized world.

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Author Biographies

Sanchali Podder, B.Sc. B.Ed Student, Regional Institute of Education, NCERT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, INDIA.

 

Sanchali Podder is currently pursuing a four-year integrated Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education (B.S.c. B.Ed.) at the Regional Institute of Education (RIE), NCERT, Bhubaneswar. Now in her first year, she maintains an exemplary academic record. Beyond the classroom, Sanchali has demonstrated a deep commitment to the future of Indian education by actively volunteering and participating in a three-day NEP (National Education Policy) implementation program. This experience has provided her with a practical understanding of systemic educational shifts and curriculum reform. His research and professional interests are situated at the intersection of Science education, girls education, ecology preservation and climate change. Sanchali is particularly focused on exploring how multimedia platforms can be utilized to enhance higher order engagement and critical engagement and how linguistic frameworks can be simplified to improve language acquisition in the modern era. Driven by a clear professional philosophy, Sanchali aims to transform the traditional classroom experience by making science teaching an engaging and immersive process. 

Dr. Poulastya Mahananda, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Science Education, Nalini Devi Women’s College of Teacher Education, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, INDIA.

 

Number of Publication-07

  • Mahananda, P. (2021).Perception of Primary School Teacher Towards inclusion of Student with Disabilities in General School.International Journal of Management and Social Science Research Review,Vol-8,August-2021:Page-26-29.
  • Mahananda, P. & Kumbhar, P. (2021).Study Habit of Elementary School Tribal Students in Relation to their Academic Achievement. Chetana International Journal of Education,ISSN-2231-3613 Volume-1,July-September 2021.Page 99-104.
  • Mahananda P. & Mohalik, R. (2018). Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act in Western Odisha:Journal of Research in Education,ISSN-2347-5676,Volume-6, 2018,Page-18-31.
  • Mahananda P. & Mohalik, R. (2015). Awareness of Stakeholders about the Provision of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education.,Journal of Education in 21st Centuary,ISSN-2394-7845 Volume-2,2015,page:51-89.
  • Mahananda P. & Mohalik, R. (2012).  Professional Accountability of Teacher as Perceived by Teacher Educators at Secondary level.Education Indian Journal: A Quarterly refered Journal of Dialouge on Education.ISSN-2278-2435,Volume-2, 2012, Page-100-115.
  • Mahananda P.,Naik R. & Mohalik, R. (2013).  Effect of intervention on language skill in odia of Banjara Tribe of Odisha.,Shodha Samiksha National Journal of Research in Education & Sanskarit. ISSN-2249-5049, Volume-3,2013,Page-40-50.
  • Mahananda P. & Katoch, A. (2011)  Attitude of Secondary School Teachers towards inclusion of Disabled Children in regular class room:Ambikeya Journal of Education,ISSN-0975-9735,Volume-2,Page -241-246.

Publication Details in Books : Nil

Publication Details in Chapter in Edited Books : Number of Publication-02

  • Mahananda P. (2012) Continuous and comprehensive Evaluation in Teacher Education, Published by SAAD publications,New delhi,ISBN-978-93-80633-12-1,Page-192-196.
  • Mahananda P.(2018) Elementary Education in Eastern Odisha in the Context of the RTE Act-2009:An Analysis.,Published by Ankur Book Distributors,Maujpur,Delhi-110053,ISBN-978-81-934469-4-2,Page-250-265.

Seminar/Conference Presentation/acted as Resource Person       

  • Presented a paper  on “Elementary Education in Western Odisha in the Context of the RTE Act 2009:An Analysis”,National Consultation Meet,Regional Institute of Education,Bhopal,M.P,Feb 24-26,2017
  • “Status of the implementation of RTE Act,2009 in Odisha”, Regional Institute of Education , Bhubaneswar, 17-18 December 2015.
  • “Innovation in Assesement for Reducing Stress Among Learner” in National seminar organized by Shiksha Vikash Samiti,Odiasha at Saraswati Vidyamandir,Cuttack.
  • “ Critical analysis of the present B.ed Curriculum” in one day National Seminar organized by the Rashoba College of Education on May 3, 2009,Haryana.
  • “Teacher Education in 21st Centuary Perspective”  in National Seminar organized by the Shri Guru Harkrishan College of Education on 24th May 2009, Yamuna Nagar,Haryana.
  • “Educational Journalism and Social Change & New Methodology for Assessment and Accreditation of Educational Institutions by NAAC “ in two-ay National Seminar-Cum-Workshop organized by B.R. College of Education, Kurukshetra on 21-22, Feb. 2010,Haryana.
  • “Transforming Classroom Educational Technology for Teaching and Learning” in one day National Seminar organized by Chitkana College of Education for women on 6th Feb. 2010, Patiala, Punjab.
  • Preparing A Professional and Humane Teacher on two day National Conference organized by Noida College of Physical Education, on 16th, 17th April 2011,G.B.Nagar,Uttar Pradesh.
  • Regional Imbalance in Education in two day National Seminar Sponsored by U.G.C. organized by Dr.P.M Institute of Advanced Study in Education,Sambalpur,on 09-10 July 2011.
  • Traditional Knowledge and Practices for Sustainable Development in one day seminar sponsored by CSIR-Institute of minerals and materials technology, Bhubaneswar on 15th April 2013.

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Published

2026-04-18

How to Cite

Podder, S., Mahananda , P., & Mishra, I. (2026). YOGA’S LIVING LEGACY: Tradition, Transformation and the Challenges of Modernity. Integrated Journal for Research in Arts and Humanities, 6(2), 266–274. https://doi.org/10.55544/ijrah.6.2.42

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): March Issue

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Sanchali Podder, Dr. Poulastya Mahananda, Ishita Mishra

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