Our Founders

Dr. Asana Andiappan played a key role in the evolution of modern yoga, dedicated to making this ancient science accessible to all. A direct disciple of the legendary Bengaluru Sundaram—a pioneer who popularized yoga through his writings—Guruji Andiappan traveled alongside his master throughout India in the 1960s and 70s to raise nationwide awareness.

This deep-rooted lineage, further built upon the teachings of Tamil Siddha Thirumoolar, formed the foundation of his lifelong dedication to refining a specialized system of curative asanas. His mastery earned him the title of "Asana" from Swami Sri Sankaracharya, a hallmark of his distinguished lineage.

As a visionary who bridged traditional wisdom with contemporary medicine, Dr. Andiappan transformed yoga from a spiritual practice into a globally recognized therapeutic discipline, sport, and formal educational system. He was instrumental in integrating yoga into India’s medical and educational landscapes, playing a pivotal role in its recognition as a sport by the Sports Authority of India and chairing academic committees to formulate university syllabi for yogic sciences.

As the founder of the Sundara Yoga and Natural Living Trust and the Asana Andiappan College of Yoga, he established a network of healing centers providing evidence-based, disease-specific therapy to students and patients worldwide.

Dr. Andiappan’s influence extended across borders through over 3,000 organized programs and decades of televised broadcasts. His prolific research on heart health, dementia, and chronic illness—documented in over 30 books—remains a cornerstone of yoga therapy today.

These contributions were met with India’s highest honors, including the Gandhi and Patanjali Awards. To those he taught, from world leaders to school children, he was a "beacon of light" providing a roadmap to peace and vitality.

His legacy continues to flourish on December 7th, celebrated as World Yoga Research Day in honor of a man who truly dedicated his life to the wellbeing of humanity.

Dr. Yogananth Andiappan is born into a family with a yoga heritage, his father, Dr. Asana Andiappan, devoted his life to uncovering the health benefits of yoga and making this ancient practice accessible to all, regardless of their background or social status.

Yogananth's own path in yoga began at a young age, where he garnered numerous State, National, and International Titles in Yoga Championships. In his twenties, he desired to share the artistic side of yoga asanas, leading him to publish the breath-taking coffee table book, "Yoga from the Heart." This exquisite collection of four hundred beautiful asanas served as a testament to the artistic expression that can be found within a devoted practice of yoga. He is the Founder and Director of Anahata Yoga, Hong Kong.

With his extensive academic qualifications, Yogananth possesses a profound understanding of yoga. He earned a Master of Science in Yoga and Naturopathy, as well as a Ph.D. from the Physical Education and Sports University of India. His doctoral research focused on the transformative effect of Yoga Therapy on recovering breast cancer patients, highlighting his knowledge and experience in utilizing yoga as a therapeutic tool.

Motivated by his comprehensive knowledge of the benefits of Yoga Therapy and his unwavering commitment to helping those suffering from cancer and various physical conditions, Yogananth founded the Andiappan Yoga Community (AYC, a registered NGO in Hong Kong) in 2010 Hong Kong. Today, AYC stands as the largest Yoga NGO in Hong Kong, with a dedicated team of over 300 volunteers conducting numerous projects and classes throughout the year. Through AYC, Yogananth has been able to give back to the community in the most meaningful way he knows - by sharing the healing power of yoga.

As the Founder of the International Yoga Academy, Yogananth has extended his knowledge and expertise to countless individuals worldwide, guiding them on the path to becoming qualified yoga instructors. Additionally, he established Asana, a yoga magazine dedicated to sharing valuable insights and knowledge within the field of yoga, furthering the dissemination of yoga wisdom. Dr. Andiappan is the founder of www.yogi.live, an online yoga platform serving thousands of people daily. Through this extensive resource, individuals can easily practice yoga online regularly,

Dr. Andiappan's impact transcends geographical boundaries, as he has travelled the world, conducting workshops and Teacher Training courses in numerous countries. From Hong Kong and Greater China to Singapore, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, Canada, and France, his teachings have touched the lives of many, spreading the transformative power of yoga far and wide.

Yogananth's unwavering dedication to yoga as a way of life, combined with his humble and down-to-earth nature, serves as an inspiration to all who cross path with him. His passion for sharing the benefits of yoga with the world is evident in his efforts to make yoga accessible and his commitment to empowering individuals through this ancient practice.