Selection Stories
Aprajita Singh is a truly dedicated individual, and I first heard about her from a friend who told me about her incredible yoga achievement—a record in the Mermaid Pose. Intrigued, I decided to approach her for a conversation, and she graciously agreed. During our talk, I discovered that she holds 4-5 remarkable records, ranging from recalling the entire periodic table of chemistry to authoring 11 research papers in the field, as well as mastering other challenging yoga poses.
What’s even more impressive? She’s just 20 years old! Yes, her journey is nothing short of inspiring, and it’s no surprise that so many people look up to her—and rightly so. Beyond her achievements, she’s incredibly humble, a quality that became even more apparent as we spoke.
It was an enriching conversation, and today, I’m excited to share it with you. If you find something to learn from her story, consider it the beautiful by-product of this exchange. So, let’s dive in!
Q1) What inspired you to pursue yoga and set records in this field?
Aprajita: I’m a passionate individual who loves exploring new things. Back in college, I chose Physical Education as an optional subject, which sparked my interest in yoga. From that point on, I decided to pursue it seriously. As I mentioned, I enjoy doing things differently and pushing boundaries.
Earlier, I had set a record for recalling the periodic table in just 37 seconds. When I started exploring yoga records, I discovered that the Mermaid Pose record was at half an hour. Determined to break it, I committed myself wholeheartedly. Initially, it was challenging—there were moments of dizziness—but I kept trying and eventually extended the record to 1 hour, 26 minutes, and 8 seconds.
Following this, I aimed for the Wheel Pose yoga record and successfully set a 2-hour milestone. Alongside my yoga pursuits, I’ve always been deeply interested in chemistry, which has led me to conduct significant research and contribute to that field as well. So far, this has been my journey.
Q2. What is yoga according to you?
Aprajita: I firmly believe that yoga is the key to achieving a perfect balance between mental and physical well-being. For me, yoga is the ultimate way to maintain physical and mental fitness.
Q3. How much water do you make a conscious effort to drink every day?
Aprajita: On an average 5 liter.
Q4. How many hours do you usually sleep?
Aprajita: Usually aim for around 6 hours of sleep each night.
Q5. Why is yoga important in today’s world?
Aprajita: Yoga not only makes you physically strong, but in today’s time, where people easily fall into depression and get distracted quickly, I think yoga is extremely essential.
Q6. What does a typical day in your life look like?
Aprajita: As someone who thrives on novelty, my typical day is a constant pursuit of new knowledge. With a passion for chemistry, I dedicate a significant amount of time to researching and reading about the latest developments in the field. Notably, I’ve had the opportunity to publish 11 research papers, a feat that I’m proud to have achieved. In addition to my research endeavors, I’m also preparing for the UPSC exams, which means that my daily routine is a balance of studying, research, and reading.
Q7. What is your worst habit?
Aprajita: I consider the habit of drinking tea to be a bad habit.
Q8. What is your biggest realization so far?
Aprajita: Throughout my life, I’ve experienced my fair share of highs and lows. However, I’ve noticed a pattern – every time I face adversity, I emerge stronger and more determined. During my 10th standard, when illness forced me to miss school, I channeled my energy into creating a world record by memorizing the periodic table. This trend continued, with me achieving two more yoga-related world records during subsequent challenging periods. Even when I faced a year-long setback, I persevered and set another world record, earning recognition in the Atal Samman list. This journey has taught me that with each setback, I grow stronger and more resilient.
Aprajita: I think people have some knowledge about yoga, but mostly they don’t consider it as a career option, which is due to a lack of awareness. Nowadays, many universities offer yoga as a subject, and it can also be pursued as a career.
Q11. For a young individual interested in building a career in yoga, what are the key steps to take after completing high school (12th standard) to successfully pursue this profession?
Aprajita: With numerous institutions, such as BHU, offering yoga programs, and the government launching initiatives to promote yoga, career opportunities in this field are abundant. Yoga is being introduced as a subject in many schools and colleges, and government job openings are also on the rise. Additionally, social media influencers are leveraging yoga to earn a substantial income. So, if you’re interested in pursuing a career in yoga, rest assured that opportunities are available – all you need to do is conduct some research.
Q12. If I have a budget of ₹1,000, what are some essential yoga equipment that I can buy to enhance my yoga practice?
Aprajita: Actually, there’s no equipment that’s absolutely necessary to buy. You can even use a bedsheet instead of a yoga mat. The most important thing is to practice yoga itself; no special equipment is required.
Q13. What are some pre- or post-yoga practices that can help enhance the benefits of yoga?
Aprajita: For optimal benefits, practice yoga in the morning on an empty stomach. Simply drink a couple of glasses of water after waking up to help flush out toxins, and you’re ready to go!
Q14. What kind of diet or eating habits do you recommend for a healthy lifestyle?
Aprajita: I eat simple food, no junk food and no refined flour (maida), less oil and spicy food that’s all.
Q15. To what extent is it accurate to associate yoga more with spiritual growth than physical and mental well-being?
Aprajita: Mental health issues and depression are increasingly prevalent, affecting countless individuals worldwide. I, too, have had my share of struggles. One particular experience that stands out was during my 10th standard. I began experiencing sudden, prolonged episodes of unconsciousness. Despite undergoing numerous medical check-ups, my test results came back normal. It was then that I turned to meditation and alternate nostril breathing (alom-vilom) as a means of coping. The impact was profound – my thoughts became more positive, negative thoughts decreased, and I felt a significant surge in energy. This experience has led me to believe that, even if people associate positive thoughts with spirituality, it can still have a profoundly beneficial effect.
Q16. One piece of advice that you would like to give your younger self?
Aprajita: To accomplish anything in life, it’s essential to be mentally and physically fit. Given the alarming rise in pollution today, my advice to young people would be to practice yoga and eat healthy food. This will ensure that your mind and body function optimally, and you’ll experience a positive energy.
Q17. Have you observed any significant transformations in yourself since you began your yoga journey, and how do you feel now compared to when you started?
Aprajita: I’ve experienced numerous positive changes, particularly in my energy levels. Through yoga, I’ve been able to cultivate a more positive and peaceful state of being.
Q18. What is life according to you?
Aprajita: Life, to me, is a battlefield of dreams where challenges forge strength, failures ignite wisdom, and every step is a chance to create an extraordinary legacy that inspires generations.
———–Thank You———
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