A Melbourne-based yoga organisation has been recognised on the global stage with one of India’s most esteemed honours in the field of wellness. Vasudeva Kriya Yoga (VKY), under the leadership of yoga teacher Rajendra Yenkannamoole, has been conferred the Prime Minister’s Yoga Award for its sustained contribution to the promotion and development of yoga.
The award – presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an international gathering – acknowledges VKY’s decades-long commitment to spreading traditional yogic practice and its positive impact on community wellbeing in Australia and beyond. The recognition highlights the influence of yoga as a global practice that supports physical, mental and emotional health.
The Prime Minister’s Yoga Awards, instituted by the Government of India, celebrate individuals and organisations whose work has significantly advanced the practice and understanding of yoga on national and international levels. These awards are presented in multiple categories, including both national and international recipients, and carry a trophy, certificate and cash prize as tokens of appreciation.
VKY stood out from more than 369 nominees worldwide, earning the honour in the International Institutional category. The organisation’s grassroots approach and inclusive philosophy were key to its selection, reflecting its work in welcoming people from diverse backgrounds to experience yoga in a meaningful and accessible way.
Founded and guided by Rajendraji, VKY has operated in Australia for over 20 years, offering classes, workshops and programmes that emphasise not only physical practice but also emotional resilience and mental clarity. The organisation focuses on integrating yogic principles into daily life, helping participants manage stress, build strength and foster a sense of balance.
The award ceremony took place in the context of India’s broader efforts to position yoga as a cornerstone of global health and wellbeing. The Prime Minister’s Yoga Awards were announced alongside the International Day of Yoga, an initiative observed annually on 21 June to promote yoga’s benefits worldwide.
In accepting the honour, Rajendraji described the recognition as a celebration of health for humanity. He dedicated the award to India’s ancient yogic lineage and emphasised the importance of making wellbeing a priority in everyday life. His work with VKY includes not only traditional yoga classes but also community engagement, charity activities and programmes tailored to support mental health.
For the Melbourne yoga community, the award is both a milestone and a call to continue spreading the transformative benefits of yoga. Students and teachers alike view the accolade as a testament to years of dedication and service – a rare international acknowledgment that underscores the growing influence of Australian-based wellness initiatives on the world stage.
