When a young Nupur expressed her keen desire to pursue higher studies at the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM) Gwalior, she faced a stern opposition from her family. “You’re neither going to do higher studies nor think about working,” her family clearly instructed her while looking for a prospective groom. Dejected yet determined, Nupur took a bold leap of faith by leaving behind her home in a remote Bengal village and sailing for the land of the rising sun, Japan. “Years later, while I was addressing a gathering of around four hundred students at IITTM Gwalior, I was exhilarated. It felt as if my life has attained a complete circle,” shares an emotional Nupur Tewari. Yoga instructor, motivational speaker and philanthropist Nupur Tewari is the founder of Heal Tokyo, a yoga-centric initiative which aspires to bring peace, harmony and serenity for all. In a heartfelt conversation with The Logical Indian, Nupur talks about her journey from being a simple village girl to being a United Nations representative for spreading peace and motivation in Japan, Sri Lanka and Africa. She has recently adopted a school for slum children in Uttar Pradesh and plans to open another in Kolkata soon.
Nupur Tewari is a yoga instructor, motivational speaker and philanthropist An early life sans electricity or freedom
Born and brought up in an obscure hamlet in Murshidabad, West Bengal, Nupur Tewari did not meet electricity until adulthood. Her rural childhood is laced with memories of studying in front of lanterns and walking three km barefoot to reach school. “I grew up in a conservative joint family where I saw my parents do a lot of charity work. Perhaps that was the reason I developed strong moral principles from a very young age,” she shares.
Isolated from the rest of the world, little Nupur always dreamt of exploring the world someday. Her first tryst with the world outside her village left her with a traumatic experience. At her college in the nearby town, she was discriminated and alienated for her unrefined English accent, rustic attire and a shy demeanour. Securing the first rank in the University was her silent protest.
While still in college, she secured a part-time job as a teacher and started saving for a bright career ahead. But, the family pressure for marriage continued to suffocate her.
“My mother got married at 17, and I have seen her despair from close quarters. I did not want my life to follow a similar pattern,” an emotional Nupur reveals. “No one from my family has ever settled outside the village. Moreover, I was a girl, which made things harder. One day, I informed my mother about a new job offer in Kolkata and left home with her blessings and a meagre 500 rupees,” she recounts.
Addressing the students at IITTM Gwalior was a dream come true for Nupur Journey to Japan
Her sheer zeal and hard work soon landed her a lucrative offer at Mitsubishi as a senior executive, and the job location was Shikoku in Japan. Without thinking twice, Nupur grabbed the opportunity.
Yoga has always been an integral part of Nupur’s life, thanks to her traditional family. “I noticed how yoga was twisted into somewhat of a fashion statement in Japan, losing its cultural value,” narrates Nupur.
In 2003, Nupur voluntary started organising free yoga sessions, to help the Japanese people realise the true essence of yoga, and achieve a little bit of peace in their stressful lives. It did not take long for her unique campaign to gain popularity across towns. Gradually, she also started traditional dance classes, cooking workshops and Bengali language lessons. “I was offered to teach International Relations and English at schools. My efforts to introduce my country in a foreign land earned me the title of the ‘unofficial ambassador of India’ by native media,” she shares. She has also worked as a TV anchor and model and is the first Indian woman to be starring in a Japanese movie soon.
The ‘unofficial ambassador of India’ The turning point
In April 2015, the severe Kumamoto earthquake devastated a large area in Kyushu, where she was living. “I was shocked, wondering how can I help the people who have offered a stranger like me so much love,” recalls Nupur.
Healing Japan And The World Through Yoga, She Is Creating A Better Future For Poor Kids In India
Yoga instructor, motivational speaker and philanthropist Nupur Tewari is the founder of Heal Tokyo, a free-of-cost yoga-centric initiative which aspires to bring peace, harmony and serenity for all.Source: Efforts For Good
The Logical Indian ಅವರಿಂದ ಈ ದಿನದಂದು ಪೋಸ್ಟ್ ಮಾಡಲಾಗಿದೆ ಮಂಗಳವಾರ, ಅಕ್ಟೋಬರ್ 23, 2018
Aside from monetary contributions, she felt she should initiate something with a long-lasting effect. “I started charity yoga in Kumamoto, which helped to heal the grief-stricken people who lost their everything in the earthquake. Yoga, meditation, self-healing exercises motivated t…
