Rajashree Choudhury
Los Angeles, CA
Rajashree began her life of Yoga from the early age of four years. Since then, she dedicated herself to the practice and propagation of Yoga, which, consequently, motivated her towards a multi‐facet career as a Yoga instructor and therapist, writer, motivational speaker, philanthropist, and as an ardent advocate for children and women. Born and brought up in Kolkata, and moving to Los Angeles at the age of nineteen, Rajashree’s background is a true blend of the East and West.
Rajashree is a five-time winner of the National Indian Yoga Championship from 1979 to 1983. By age 11, she won several titles. This experience shaped her life dream of encouraging youth to practice yoga. Born in Kolkata, living in Los Angeles since age 19, Rajashree’s background is a true blend of the East and West.
Rajashree believes that introducing yoga at an early age helps ameliorate and avoid problems that arise as one journeys through life. With a special focus on the emotional side of yoga, she advocates yoga’s impact on not only physical health, but also the mind, body, and soul.
Rajashree’s inspiration for her meditation practice and dedication to philanthropy began at a very young age. She spent a lot of time with her grandmother, who always demonstrated a passion for reading and learning. Her grandmother was not only respected for her intelligence, but for her generosity. Rajashree has always been in tune with the power of giving back, which began when her grandmother distributed all that she had to those in need.
In 1994, Rajashree co‐founded Bikram Yoga’s Teacher Training program, and she continues to teach heated Hatha Yoga. To promote Yoga asana as a sport, Rajashree founded the United States Yoga Federation. The International Yoga Sports Federation (IYSF) is the international governing body for the sport of Yoga Asana worldwide. The mission is to promote, unify, and boost interest in Yoga Asana globally. Her book Pregnancy Yoga has earned her an international readership. With a special focus on the emotional benefits of Yoga, she advocates Yoga’s impact on not only at the physical level, but also on the mind, body, and soul.
With an unprecedented passion for public service, Rajashree has a degree in yoga therapy and is certified with the International Association of Yoga Therapists. She travels worldwide to conduct seminars and workshops as well as hosting yoga retreats and spreading personal development. Inspired by her personal teachers, Dr. P. S. Das and Dr. Kushala Das, as well other great teachers such as B. K. S. Iyengar and Paramahansa Yogananda, Rajashree is led by her heart and motivated by the transformations that yoga brings.