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Raja Yoga Center Becomes an Oasis of Cool & Calm During the Summer Months
The Raja Yoga Center in Dubai took center stage at the celebration of the International Day of Yoga 2024, held at the Dubai World Trade Center on June 22.
Led by the Consulate General of India and organized by the Friends of India, IDY 2024 in Dubai drew 5,000 yoga enthusiasts and community members to the two-hour program dedicated to celebrating the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga.
The Raja Yoga Center team, led by Sister Jyoti created an atmosphere of inner silence to guide attendees immerse themselves in moments of tranquillity. An insightful commentary, focused on this year’s theme, ‘Yoga for the Self and Society’, helped participants create
thoughts of peace and love and spread the vibrations to the physical body, nature, and to the global community.
The event emphasized yoga's role in promoting physical well-being and mental harmony. Participants of all ages and backgrounds gathered to take part in various yoga asanas and breathing exercises, complemented by the Raja Yoga Center's meditation commentary, which offered a spiritual dimension to the event.
The program included cultural performances, informative talks on yoga philosophy, and demonstrations by yoga practitioners from different traditions.
The atmosphere buzzed with
positivity and a shared commitment to embracing yoga as a pathway to holistic health and harmony.
As the event concluded, participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in such a meaningful celebration of yoga's timeless teachings. The Raja Yoga Center's leadership in guiding meditation sessions left a lasting impression, highlighting Dubai's growing embrace of yoga as a transformative practice for the mind, body, and spirit.
Looking ahead, organizers and participants alike anticipate continued collaboration and community engagement, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of yoga's profound benefits in the vibrant city of Dubai.
INVITING INNER SILENCE: RYC ON STAGE AT DWTC ON INTL DAY OF YOGA 2024
Sister Jyoti conducting meditation for the participants at DWTC
Never a dull moment for Enlightened Kids!
Children aged 6 to 11 have spent both meaningful and fun time during their sessions with Raja Yoga volunteer students. For almost two decades now, the EK has become a venue for both volunteers and children to explore creative ways of imbibing time-honoured virtues and values.
THE HAPPINESS CAMP
A one-day Summer Camp which took place in August, served as a culminating event for the first half of the year. Themed ‘The Foundation of Happiness’, everyone spent a day doing yoga and Zumba dance, ‘treasure’ hunting, having noodle lunch using chopsticks, making origami crafts, and visualization exercises.
The Enlightened Kids (EK) is conducted for children aged 6-11 years by the Raja Yoga Center, Dubai
Virtue Café unplugs for the summer
and taking a ‘breath of fresh air’ while indoors. Participants embraced every moment without screens, diving into self-reflection, engaging icebreakers, and the soothing sounds of Tibetan sound bowls for a complete detachment workout.
The young adults at Raja Yoga Center certainly know how to tap an unlimited energy as they continue to make waves in hosting creative sessions that are both transformative and rejuvenating.
The exuberant team has made summer days a bit easier for everyone during the month of August by hosting a session focused on digital detox with the theme ‘Living Virtuously in the Digital Age’. Through creative activities, participants were led to experience a refreshing take on cooling down
The connection and creativity shared during the guided doodling and self-reflection sessions offered new sources of inspiration.
Arabian Dreams Toastmasters Club visits Raja Yoga Center
As part of a continuing effort to
INSPIRING YOUNG ADULTS
enhance the confidence in communications and leadership skills of its members, a group of young professionals from the Arabian Dreams Toastmasters Club has visited the Raja Yoga Center in July.
The peaceful and calming atmosphere at the RYC set the perfect tone for an evening of enlightening session with author and global leadership expert Prakash Chugani. The group took a deep dive into the topic of developing a growth mindset.
Virtue Cafe is conducted for youth aged 18-40 years by the Raja Yoga Center, Dubai
JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY
Hospitality professional Nikhil Babbar shares his experience
In modern society, where individuals often face increased levels of stress, anxiety and a lack of clarity—common experiences cited in conversations across age spectrums—meditation has proven to be a powerful tool for transforming one’s emotional health. Amid the demands of a fast-paced world, Nikhil Babbar, a dedicated practitioner of Raja Yoga meditation, believes that harmony can be achieved between the pressures of a high-pressure career and one’s inner world.
Originally from the vibrant city of Delhi, India, Nikhil moved to Dubai at just 19 years old, seeking opportunities in a bustling metropolis. His childhood was marked by resilience and hard work, qualities instilled in him during His formative years. “Despite the challenges, I learned the importance of perseverance and dedication,” he adds. These early lessons became the foundation of his professional journey.
Introduction to Raja Yoga
Nikhil's exploration of meditation began in 2009, sparked by a suggestion from his mother to watch renowned meditation coach BK Shivani's popular TV show <Awakening with Brahma Kumaris>. Intrigued by his teachings, he decided to delve into the practice of
I’ve developed better focus, improved stress management through
Raja Yoga Meditation
Raja Yoga, a decision that would profoundly shape his life. “Raja Yoga not only offered me tools for inner peace but also empowered me to approach challenges with clarity and purpose,” he shares.
For Nikhil, the distinct advantage of Raja Yoga meditation lies in its ability to foster a sense of ‘calm achievement’. “Unlike other forms of meditation, it intertwines personal growth with a practical approach to everyday challenges, offering clear steps toward self-betterment.”
The Key Benefits
In a world where we’re often bombarded with information about how to improve our lives or daily self-help tactics, Raja Yoga, for Nikhil, provides practical solutions to everyday hurdles. “It brings inner peace and equips me to navigate life’s complexities with confidence.”
The impact of this practice is evident in Nikhil's life. Through meditation, he has experienced remarkable transformation, not only in his personal life but also in his professional life. “I’ve developed better focus, enhanced decision-making abilities, and improved stress management,” he adds.
On a subtler level, Nikhil feels more aligned with his true self and attuned to his inner wisdom, allowing him to lead a
purpose-driven life.
Professional Success
As the Business Head in the hospitality sector, Nikhil faces a myriad of challenges daily, from managing teams to ensuring exceptional guest experiences. His meditation practice has proven invaluable in this high-pressure environment. “Meditation provides me with the clarity I need to make sound decisions and maintain composure during stressful situations,” he adds.
Nikhil’s commitment to his professional role is matched by his dedication to personal growth. He believes that the skills honed through meditation directly contribute to his success in the hospitality industry. “Raja Yoga has taught me the importance of empathy and understanding, qualities that are essential in providing exceptional hospitality and service,” he adds.
A Transformative Journey
Reflecting on his meditation journey, Nikhil describes it as transformative. “It has helped me navigate life’s challenges with grace and deepened my connection to myself and the world around me,” he adds.
As he continues to thrive in Dubai's dynamic hospitality sector, Nikhil remains an inspiring example of how the practice of meditation can fuel success in one’s professional endeavors. His story is a powerful reminder that success is not solely defined by career achievements but also by the inner peace and clarity one cultivates along the way.
Meditation Course for Beginners is conducted regularly at Raja Yoga Center
PANEER PEPPER PIZZA RECIPE
Prep Time: 3hours | Cook Time: 12-15mins
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
2 cups Whole-wheat flour (Atta)
1 tsp active dry yeast
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup water
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Toppings:
200g paneer, cubed
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 Yellow bell pepper, sliced
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
1 tsp mixed Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
Salt to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh cilantro or basil leaves for garnish
Method:
Prepare the Dough:
BEFORE WE COOK LET’S THINK OF A POSITIVE AFFIRMATION
Let a peaceful atmosphere fill the space around me. As I infuse this food with love and care, may it nourish the body and soul, and bring joy, health, and happiness to everyone who eats it.
•In a small bowl, mix water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
•In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
•Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
•Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Prepare the Topping:
•Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the paneer cubes and sauté them until they turn golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Assemble the Pizza:
•Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
•Punch down the dough and divide it into two portions. Roll out each portion on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
•Transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet.
•Spread a generous amount of pizza sauce over the dough.
•Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
•Evenly distribute the sautéed paneer, and freshly sliced bell peppers on top.
•Add the remaining cheese, sprinkle red chili flakes, and mixed Italian herbs.
•Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
•Once the pizza is out of the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro or basil leaves. Slice and serve hot!
ABOUT RAJA YOGA CENTER
We promote spiritual understanding, leadership with integrity and elevated actions towards a better world. We offer FREE courses to individuals across various age groups.