When you are passionate about a cause, you keep finding ways to improve your participation in it. Such was my involvement in the teachings of Guruji and the influence of Yoga on my life that I kept on thinking of ways to give back to the cause which had taught me so much. It all began when I designed a t-shirt for Guruji many years ago. I distinctly remember even today the look of pride and joy in his eyes when I gifted him the t-shirt with a blue blooming lotus with his face in the centre.

He gave me insightful feedback regarding the design and taught me a lot about detailing. He inspired me to keep making t-shirts. After this first successful attempt at designing a t-shirt, I realized I finally had a way of giving back to the Yoga Community by utilizing my strength of having a discerning eye for logos and colours.

Today, I sell a range of organic cotton Yoga clothing under my label Wild Green Roses in European cities. The intention behind this exercise is to offer Iyengar yoga devotees retreats around the world with souvenirs that they can take back with them as a reminder of their spiritual endeavours at those workshops and retreats. It is indeed fulfilling to see people buy and wear my designs and appreciate them.

After my first attempt with T-shirt designing, I slowly expanded my creations and started building upon my initial experience. I have also started designing jute bags, journals, and diaries. Among these, the creation which is closest to my heart is the ‘Diary of a Yogi’ journal that features illustrations done by me during my late teens. It was Guruji’s teachings that inspired me to come up with this journal and I am so happy that it has received a fantastic response in cities like London and Paris.

All the proceedings of my label go to the various Yoga schools and communities. It’s gratifying to see the kids of Bellur receive yoga training from the profits I have donated. It makes me feel as if Guruji is watching over me even today and deep down, he too would be proud of the way in which I am using my work to help those in need. As he always believed, it is not what you do but how you do it that matters. With my range of Yoga merchandise, I am glad to have found a way of giving back to the cause that is so close to my heart while doing what I love.