From Rajasthan to the World: Ishan Shivanand Advances Global Mental Wellness Through Ancient Yogic Wisdom
JAIPUR, INDIA | July 1, 2026: As mental health challenges continue to rise across the globe, internationally acclaimed spiritual leader, philanthropist, mental health expert and Founder of Yoga of Immortals (YOI), Ishan Shivanand, is emerging as a global advocate for preventive mental wellness by integrating India's ancient yogic traditions with modern scientific research.
A significant chapter of Ishan Shivanand's journey began in Rajasthan, where the foundations of ShivYog and several humanitarian initiatives were established. What started as a regional spiritual movement has evolved into an international wellness mission, positively influencing millions of individuals through yoga, meditation, compassion and holistic wellbeing.
For more than two decades, Ishan Shivanand has remained closely associated with Rajasthan, leading meditation programs, youth empowerment initiatives, mental health awareness campaigns, wellness workshops and humanitarian activities throughout the state. His sustained efforts have benefited students, families, professionals and communities, making Rajasthan a cornerstone of his lifelong mission.
Recognised as a proud son of Rajasthan, he has carried the state's rich spiritual heritage to audiences worldwide. His dedication to social welfare and holistic wellbeing has earned him widespread appreciation, with many affectionately referring to him as "Rajasthan Putra," "Son of the Soil," "Gaurav of Rajasthan," and "Rajasthan Ratna."
Born into a distinguished lineage of yogis, Ishan Shivanand spent his formative years in Himalayan monasteries under the guidance of his father and spiritual master, Dr. Avdhoot Shivanand. As the successor to a twenty-one-generation yogic tradition, he dedicated more than twenty years to mastering yoga, meditation, breathwork, ancient martial arts, herbal medicine and Indian Knowledge Systems.
Driven by the vision of making India's timeless wisdom accessible to the modern world, he founded Yoga of Immortals (YOI)—an evidence-based, non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical wellness system rooted in traditional yogic sciences. The YOI methodology combines breathwork, meditation, preventive yogic practices and cognitive-emotional techniques designed to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, trauma and burnout while strengthening resilience and emotional wellbeing.
Today, Yoga of Immortals has impacted millions of participants across multiple countries. Clinical studies have reported meaningful improvements in anxiety, depression and insomnia among practitioners. The program has also demonstrated promising outcomes in reducing physician burnout, addressing academic stress, enhancing workplace wellbeing, supporting athletic resilience and assisting trauma recovery.
Ishan Shivanand's work has gained recognition from globally respected institutions. His wellness programs have benefited healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, students, military veterans, athletes and corporate leaders through collaborations involving Google Research, Amazon, Mayo Clinic and MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Among his notable recognitions, he was invited by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to participate in the White House Roundtable with Faith Leaders on the Overdose Epidemic, contributing to discussions on community-based approaches to one of today's most pressing public health issues.
His contributions have also been honoured with the Global Civility Icon Award 2023, presented by H.R.H. Dr. Clyde Rivers, Representative to the United Nations from the Interfaith Peacebuilding Initiative, recognising his commitment to global peace, preventive healthcare and holistic wellness.
Further reinforcing the scientific foundation of his work, Ishan Shivanand earned a Global Doctor of Business Administration from the Swiss School of Business and Management, Geneva, after successfully defending research examining the effectiveness of the app-based Yoga of Immortals meditation intervention on global mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
His work has additionally been acknowledged by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, the Ministry of AYUSH, the Canadian Ambassador, and the United States Congress, which honoured him with an American Flag flown over the U.S. Capitol for his contributions to stress reduction and mental wellness. The President of the Borough of Brooklyn, New York, also proclaimed "Ishan Shivanand Day" in recognition of his contributions to preventive and promotive healthcare.
The global reach of Yoga of Immortals continues to expand through collaborations with institutions including the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Mauritius, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mauritius, and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, supporting preventive healthcare, resilience and community wellbeing initiatives.
In addition to his international outreach, Ishan Shivanand serves in several academic and leadership roles, including Director of the School of Integrative Health and Wellness, Mauritius; Director of Mental Health Initiatives at the Health Council of WHEELS Global Foundation (an initiative of IIT Alumni), Virginia; Head of the Department of Yoga and Professor of the Yoga Based Resilience Training program at the University of SiliconAndhra, California; Adjunct Faculty in Integrative Yoga Therapy at Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Bengaluru; and Advisor on Student Wellness at Rungta Universities, Chhattisgarh.
Through his continued dedication to compassion, scientific research and holistic wellbeing, Ishan Shivanand remains committed to making India's ancient yogic wisdom practical, evidence-informed and accessible for modern society, inspiring healthier individuals, stronger communities and a more compassionate world.
About Ishan Shivanand
Ishan Shivanand is an internationally acclaimed spiritual leader, philanthropist, ShivYog Acharya, public speaker, performance enhancement coach and Founder of Yoga of Immortals (YOI). His work integrates ancient Indian yogic sciences with modern research to develop evidence-based meditation and wellness protocols supporting mental health, resilience and preventive healthcare. Through collaborations with governments, healthcare institutions, universities and corporate organisations worldwide, he continues to advance holistic approaches to human wellbeing.
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