Yoga Research Scholar Pragati Seth: The woman whose journey is inspiration for all

Yoga is an integral spiritual practice whose foundation is built on a highly subtle science that focuses on achieving a balance between the body and mind. It is a science and art of living healthily. The Sanskrit word ‘Yoga’ is derived from the root ‘Yuj,’ which means ‘to join,’ ‘to yoke,’ or ‘to unify.’

The art has held a strong significance in Indian history as it has a plethora of benefits including increased strength and flexibility, easing arthritis symptoms, helping sleep better and much more. Out there are a lot of people who are putting in their best to make this art reach the masses so that they could reap the benefits it has to offer. Among those one of the experts is Pragati Seth.

Pragati Seth’s journey of becoming a yoga practitioner started with some people pushing her to start yoga as she already was teaching dance and had good flexibility along with body posture. She took their advice and started by merely practising yoga as a physical exercise. Pragati refined her skills while graduating with Bachelor's in Medical Science (B.sc.) from Bundelkhand University, Jhansi. Being from the medical field, she closely got to work with medical sciences experts and got to study more about yoga. The art excited her so much that she further went and did her master's in Yoga and Naturopathy with hospitality (M.sc. Yoga). Due to her passion and consistency, she got the golden opportunity to be a part of India’s largest research work for Banglore Svyasa (Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhan Sansthan) for a project named ‘Stop Dibatese Movement’. In addition to this, she also assisted MDS at one of the biggest hospitals in Bhopal. At present, she is doing PhD in yoga. 

While talking about her life journey, Pragati Seth stated, “Well, honestly, my life has been full of roadblocks like bad financial state due to my father’s loss, people demotivating me, etcetera. However, I was determined that I had to make it big, I gave my all in, worked multiple jobs, studied hard and I can truly say that it was all so worth it. I had to fight the people nagging us every now and then, had to balance work and studies and whatnot. Some people even said that my dreams are too big and unrealistic, however, I proved them wrong and today I am a role model for my family and the people around me. At last, all I want to say is that if you decide to do something then no one can stop you.”

The future plans for Pragati Seth include spreading awareness about cardiac diseases, cardiac casualties, how they occur, from where they start, how can one heal on their own, what preventive measures can be taken, how can one change their lifestyle and much more. Furthermore, she aims at building her own retreat centre where along with mental health wellness, people can also get physical health wellness. In addition to all this, Pragati Seth wishes to mark a strong name internationally and she has already started that journey by winning the State Yogini Award 2023 where women from eight different countries and 21 Indian states were a part. Now there is no stopping for Pragati.