Community Involvement
At Yogasalai, we believe yoga extends beyond the mat, through service (sevai), we share the transformative power of yoga with our community, making ancient wisdom accessible to all.
Our Community Partnerships
Through meaningful collaborations with local organizations, we extend yoga’s healing benefits to diverse communities. Each partnership reflects our commitment to making traditional yoga accessible, culturally relevant, and inclusive for all.
Organization of Canadian Tamils with Disabilities (OCTD)
Yogasalai supports OCTD with weekly yoga classes and cooking workshops, while teachers and youth volunteers assist in skill-building programs. One teacher also serves on the OCTD Board, offering guidance in yoga, health, and wellness.
Aathi Silambam Martial Arts Academy
In partnership with Aathi Silambam, Yogasalai provides yoga support tailored to children, youth, and seniors learning Silambam. The collaboration blends yoga and martial arts, with shared research and training to deepen both practices.
Centre for Tamil Heritage and Culture (CTHC)
Yogasalai contributes to the annual Tamil Heritage Festival with yoga workshops, event planning, and volunteer support as the celebration grows into a major cultural gathering in Markham.
Thai Veedu Tamil Monthly Newspaper
Yogasalai shares articles in Tamil on yoga postures, breathing, and lifestyle, reaching seniors, newcomers, and the wider community.
Our Retreat & Farm Initiative
Yogasalai offers a unique opportunity for nature cleansing and reconnecting with the earth through our Karma Yoga Retreat and Farm in Quinte West, Ontario. This sanctuary provides hands-on experience in sustainable living, organic farming, and mindful connection with nature.
What We Offer:
- Karma yoga opportunities through farm work and land stewardship
- Nature-based retreats away from urban distractions
- Sustainable living workshops and eco-conscious practices
- Seasonal farming activities that connect practice with the rhythms of nature
Additional Community Connections
Classical Dance Schools
Through partnerships with dance schools, Yogasalai guides dancers to explore how yoga and Bharatanatyam are interconnected systems. Yoga helps dancers cultivate balance, strength, and grace while supporting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Community Organizations
Offering weekly wholesome yoga classes that nurture body, mind, energy, and spirit.
Annamalai University Canada
Since 2019, teaching theory and practice of yoga to Diploma, PG Diploma, and Master’s students under the University’s distance education program.
Civic Partnerships
Collaborating with MPs, MPPs, and cities on heritage events, tree-planting, and clean-up initiatives, while creating meaningful youth volunteer opportunities.
Our Volunteer Philosophy
All our community involvement is rooted in the yogic principle of sevai (selfless service). Our teachers volunteer their time and expertise because we believe:
- Yoga should be accessible to everyone
- Community service is an integral part of spiritual growth
- Building connections strengthens our collective well-being
- Sharing traditional knowledge preserves it for future generations
Get Involved
Interested in volunteering with us? We welcome community members who wish to contribute their skills and time to our outreach initiatives.
Looking for yoga support for your organization? We’re always open to discussing how we can serve your community’s wellness needs.
Contact us to learn more about our community programs or to explore partnership opportunities.