FOUNDER - Nalanie Harilela Chellaram
Nalanie was born in 1954 into a distinguished , leading family in Hong Kong, the Harilelas. Nurtured by very spiritual Hindu parents and educated at a Catholic Convent school, she grew up in the presence of a close family friend, who. unbeknown at the time, was to have a deep and lasting influence in her life. This frequent visitor and friend was Sri Swami Satchidananda, her Beloved Gurudev.
She attended university in the United States where she read, Philosophy, Psychology and Fine Arts. In 1975 she moved to Gibraltar with her husband Shanky, where, for many years, they ran a very successful fashion business. Nalanie continued her study of Philosophy and Psychology while running a very popular dance school and raising their two children Shani and Shaman.
In 1986 Nalanie formally became a disciple of His Holiness Sri Swami Satchidananda and continued her study of the science of yoga under His Holiness' guidance. She has been accredited by the Council of Teachers of the Satchidananda Ashram in Virginia, USA. to teach Asanas, Pranayama and Meditation. She is also an accredited Teacher Trainer for Integral Yoga and a therapist under the British School of Yoga.
Nalanie is Chairwoman of the Integral Yoga Centre in Sotogrande Alto, Spain & Gibraltar and she gives Satsangs both there and Internationally. She is also the founder of "Service in Satchidananda", a non-profit international collective of charities established in honour of Sri Swami Satchidananda and based on his core teaching of selfless service.
She is the first of a new generation of spiritual teachers. Her particular upbringing and education has given her a special insight into both Hinduism and Christianity, inspired by her Beloved Guru. Her example as a wife, mother, businesswoman and now grandmother, who has devoted her life to God and His service, has been a beacon to her students. She shows that it is not necessary to withdraw from life in order to find the "Guru within"
In March 2008, Nalanie received an Honor in Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second New Year Honour's List. She was recognised for her "Services to Humanity". His Excellency the Governor of Gibraltar, Sir Robert Fulton, presented her with a certificate and medal.
In October 2008, Nalanie was also awarded a Humanitarian Award from Yogaville, Virgina, USA
Nalanie was recently widowed and has been an example to all in the way she bore her grief at Shanky's sudden passing. Her inner strength was amazing.
Nalanie is the proud grandmother of 5 beautiful grandchildren, Tara, Natasha, Talia, Indira and Shahan
