Melbourne-based organisation, Vasudeva Kriya Yoga, has been recognised on the global stage after being named among the recipients of India’s Prime Minister’s Yoga Awards.
The awards were conferred by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi, honouring individuals and organisations from seven countries for their outstanding contribution to the promotion and development of yoga.
Vasudeva Kriya Yoga was the only Australia-based organisation recognised, joining recipients from Egypt, South Korea, Croatia, the United States, Brazil and the United Kingdom. The full list of awardees included Amira Ahmed Fahmy Ibrahim (Egypt), Prof Geo Lyong Lee (South Korea), Yogacharya Jadranko Miklec (Croatia), Dr Karen Mustian (USA), Marcus Vinicius Rojo Rodrigues (Brazil), Vasudeva Kriya Yoga (Australia) and The British Wheel of Yoga (UK).
The Prime Minister’s Yoga Awards reflect yoga’s growing global appeal and its role in promoting health, harmony and wellbeing — particularly important in today’s fast-paced world.
Vasudeva Kriya Yoga was recognised for its community-led approach and long-standing work across Melbourne and beyond under the guidance of its founder, Rajendra Yenkannamoole.
Originally from a small village, Yenkannamoole, on the border of Karnataka and Kerala in South India, Rajendra began practising yoga at the age of 10 under the guidance of Sri Yogeeshwar in Bengaluru. He later deepened his yogic training under his guru, Paramahansa Swami Maheshwaranandji. Alongside his spiritual journey, he holds master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering and Business Administration.
Rajendra began teaching yoga in Melbourne in 2004 at the encouragement of Swami Ramaswarupanandaji, guided by the belief that knowledge should be shared for the benefit of society. Since then, he has conducted yoga classes across multiple locations in Melbourne, with all proceeds directed towards humanitarian charity projects around the world.
His work extends to hosting yoga workshops for elderly residents in aged-care homes, running sessions for children with special needs, and regularly conducting classes and seminars in schools and villages across India.
Vasudeva Kriya Yoga classes are designed to be inclusive, welcoming participants regardless of age, gender, physical ability or religion. Hundreds of people who have taken part in the programs have reported physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual benefits, with noticeable improvements in their day-to-day lives.
The recognition places Melbourne’s wellness community firmly on the international map, highlighting the contribution of the Indian diaspora in Australia to preserving and sharing ancient traditions in a modern, multicultural society.
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