V. Nanammal Biography: The Remarkable Journey of India’s Yoga Grandmother

V. Nanammal remains one of India’s most celebrated yoga teachers, remembered for her lifelong dedication to spreading the ancient science of yoga. Popularly known as the “Yoga Grandmother of India,” she inspired millions through her extraordinary flexibility, discipline, and commitment to healthy living. Even in her late nineties, she continued demonstrating complex yoga postures with remarkable ease, proving that age is no barrier to physical fitness or mental well-being.

Her inspiring life earned her several prestigious honours, including the Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2016 and the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2018. More importantly, she left behind a lasting legacy by training generations of yoga practitioners and teachers who continue to spread her teachings across the world.

Early Life and Family Background

V. Nanammal was born on 24 February 1920 in Zameen Kaliayapuram, near Coimbatore in present-day Tamil Nadu. She belonged to an agricultural family where traditional Indian medicine and yoga were deeply respected.

Her father and grandfather were practitioners of Siddha medicine, one of India’s oldest systems of traditional healing. Yoga was not merely a form of exercise in their household but a way of life. At the age of eight, Nanammal began learning yoga from her father, who also possessed knowledge of martial arts.

Unlike modern fitness trends, yoga in her family focused on maintaining harmony between body, mind, and breath. She eventually mastered more than 50 yoga asanas, laying the foundation for a lifetime devoted to wellness.

Marriage and Continued Practice

After marrying a Siddha practitioner and farmer, Nanammal moved to Negamam and later settled in Ganapathy near Coimbatore. Marriage did not interrupt her yoga practice; instead, it strengthened her interest in natural health and holistic living.

She became an advocate of naturopathy and believed that a healthy diet, disciplined lifestyle, and regular yoga practice could prevent many common illnesses. Throughout her life, she followed simple dietary habits, preferring natural foods over processed items.

Despite raising five children and managing family responsibilities, she never abandoned her daily yoga routine.

Founding the Ozone Yoga Centre

One of Nanammal’s greatest contributions came in 1972, when she established the Ozone Yoga Centre in Coimbatore.

The institution became a hub for traditional yoga education. Unlike commercial yoga schools that often emphasized physical fitness alone, Nanammal’s teaching focused on:

• Pranayama (breathing techniques)
• Traditional yoga postures
• Flexibility and balance
• Natural healing
• Daily discipline

Her classes attracted people of all ages, from young children to senior citizens.

Over the decades, the centre developed into one of South India’s respected yoga institutions.

Training More Than One Million Students

Perhaps the most extraordinary achievement of V. Nanammal was the sheer number of people she influenced.

During more than four decades of teaching, she trained over one million students. Even in her nineties, she conducted classes every day, teaching nearly 100 students daily.

Her contribution extended beyond direct instruction. Around 600 of her students, including dozens of members of her own family, became certified yoga instructors who continued teaching in India and abroad.

This ensured that her traditional style of yoga would survive for future generations.

Yoga at the Age of 98

What fascinated people around the world was Nanammal’s incredible flexibility despite her advanced age.

Videos showing her effortlessly performing difficult yoga poses while wearing her trademark pink sari became widely popular on television and social media.

She believed yoga should never be aggressive or painful. According to her philosophy, excessive sweating during yoga meant the practitioner was forcing the body rather than working in harmony with it.

Her daily schedule reflected remarkable discipline:

• Early morning wake-up
• Regular breathing exercises
• Yoga practice
• Teaching students
• Simple vegetarian meals
• Natural lifestyle

Her energetic routine inspired countless elderly people to adopt yoga.

Recognition and National Honours

V. Nanammal’s lifelong service eventually received national recognition.

Among her major honours were:

• National Nari Shakti Puraskar (2016) for women’s empowerment.
• Yoga Ratna Award (2017) in recognition of her contribution to yoga.
• Padma Shri (2018), India’s fourth-highest civilian honour.
• Rotary Club Lifetime Achievement Award.

When she received the Padma Shri at nearly 98 years of age, she became one of the oldest recipients of the prestigious civilian honour.

The award highlighted not only her personal achievements but also the importance of preserving India’s traditional knowledge systems.

Attempt to Set a World Record

Nanammal also dreamed of promoting yoga on an even larger scale.

She aimed to enter the Guinness World Records by organizing yoga sessions involving more than 20,000 participants.

Her primary objective was not fame but awareness. She especially encouraged women and schoolgirls to practise yoga regularly, believing it could improve health, flexibility, and confidence throughout life.

She frequently visited schools and colleges to demonstrate yoga and motivate younger generations.

Personal Philosophy

Unlike many modern fitness experts, Nanammal viewed yoga as a complete lifestyle.

She emphasized:

• Consistency over intensity
• Natural foods
• Positive thinking
• Controlled breathing
• Respect for the body
• Daily practice without interruption

She believed that yoga should become a lifelong habit rather than a temporary fitness program.

Her teachings reflected ancient Indian traditions where physical health, mental peace, and spiritual balance were considered interconnected.

Final Years and Passing

Even in her late nineties, Nanammal remained active.

She was preparing to appear on the television reality show India’s Got Talent and continued attracting attention through online videos showcasing her extraordinary flexibility.

Unfortunately, she suffered a fall from her bed in 2019, after which her health deteriorated.

V. Nanammal passed away on 26 October 2019 in Coimbatore at the age of 99.

Her death marked the end of an extraordinary century-long journey dedicated to promoting yoga, wellness, and healthy living.

Legacy

Today, V. Nanammal is remembered as much more than a yoga instructor.

She demonstrated that discipline, simplicity, and dedication can keep both the body and mind healthy throughout life. Her students continue teaching across India and abroad, ensuring that her traditional methods remain alive.

At a time when yoga has become a global phenomenon, Nanammal represents its authentic roots—where yoga is not merely a physical workout but a lifelong path toward balance and well-being.

Her life continues to inspire people of every age, especially senior citizens, proving that it is never too late to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

Conclusion

V. Nanammal transformed the lives of countless individuals through her unwavering commitment to yoga. From learning the discipline as a young girl in rural Tamil Nadu to becoming India’s oldest yoga teacher and a Padma Shri awardee, her journey exemplifies perseverance, humility, and service.

Her legacy extends far beyond awards and recognition. It lives on through the millions she inspired, the hundreds of yoga teachers she trained, and the timeless message she shared—that regular practice, simplicity, and inner discipline are the true foundations of a healthy and meaningful life.