Reclaiming Yoga: Jasminder Bahia on Balancing Tradition and Modernity
BBC Programme Features Jasminder Bahia, Psychologist, Yoga Teacher, and Educator
Yoga, with its global market valued at over $100 billion annually, has grown into an industry far removed from its ancient roots. While its origins lie in India, influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, modern interpretations of yoga often lean heavily toward fitness trends, including novel approaches like beer yoga. This shift raises pressing questions: has yoga lost its connection to its spiritual roots? And is the rise of social media diluting its authenticity?
These issues are at the heart of a BBC programme, where journalist Geeta Pendse interviews two women on missions to reclaim yoga’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Among them is Jasminder Bahia, a South Asian psychologist, yoga teacher since 2003, and director of Bahia Yoga in the UK.
Jasminder Bahia: A Journey of Reclaiming Yoga
Jasminder’s personal and professional journey is deeply tied to the essence of yoga. Having taught yoga since 2003 and led teacher training programmes since 2011, she brings nearly two decades of experience to her practice. However, her work goes beyond teaching postures—Jasminder is passionate about reclaiming yoga as a South Asian woman.
In the programme, Jasminder shares her reflections on the evolving landscape of yoga and her efforts to reconnect with its spiritual and cultural roots. She discusses the challenges of navigating a modern yoga business while maintaining respect for yoga’s history.
“Yoga is more than just physical postures; it’s a way of life that encompasses philosophy, mindfulness, and spiritual practice. As someone of South Asian heritage, it’s vital to me that we honour yoga’s origins while making it inclusive and accessible for everyone,” she shares.
A Global Perspective
The programme also features Tejal Patel from the United States, who, like Jasminder, is committed to ensuring yoga remains connected to its cultural roots. Together, their stories highlight how practitioners worldwide are working to balance tradition with the demands of modernity.
Why It Matters
With yoga increasingly commodified, voices like Jasminder’s are essential in shifting the conversation back to its foundations. The BBC programme explores the multi-religious history of yoga while celebrating the efforts of South Asian women reclaiming their place within this global practice.
Watch the full programme on the BBC here.
For more information about Jasminder Bahia and her work, visit jasminbahia.com. To learn more about her yoga teaching and teacher training, visit Bahia Yoga.
