In a heartfelt tribute to their parents, a family of siblings led by a US-based yoga professional has established a new community yoga centre in the Soro town of Odisha's Balasore district. The facility, named the Basanta Bishnupriya Memorial Hall, aims to promote health and wellness while honouring the legacy of their late parents, Basanta Kumar Mohanty and Bishnupriya Mohanty.
A Legacy of Community Service Continues
The idea for the centre was born from a desire to continue the philanthropic work of their father. Neeta Mohanty, the yoga instructor based in Naperville, Illinois, explained that her father was deeply involved in activities for the betterment of Soro. The siblings wanted to carry forward his legacy in a manner that directly benefits local residents. After noting the community's need for a dedicated exercise space and the positive response to open-air yoga sessions, the plan for a permanent yoga centre took shape.
The centre has been constructed on the family's ancestral land. Enrolment is currently open for all age groups, with formal classes scheduled to commence on January 1, 2026. In an encouraging offer for the community, the first month of classes will be completely free for all entrants. Subsequently, a nominal fee of Rs 300 per month will be applicable.
Structure, Management, and Future Plans
The weekly schedule is designed to cater to different groups conveniently. Classes for men will be held in the morning, and for women in the evening, three days a week. Sundays will feature combined sessions for everyone. To manage the day-to-day operations, two local teachers have been entrusted with running the centre and collecting fees. They also have the flexibility to use the facility's rooms for other activities like dance and music classes.
Neeta Mohanty will provide guidance to the instructors through online sessions at mutually agreed times. She mentioned that since the local instructors are already knowledgeable, her online classes will be specifically for their refinement. So far, around ten people have registered, with villagers, instructors, and volunteers actively spreading awareness about the new centre.
Community Focus and Expansion Hopes
Bishnupriya Mohanty, a 24-year-old local instructor, highlighted the advantage of group learning, stating that nobody prefers to learn alone. The siblings have expressed their trust in the local youth to manage the centre effectively and even earn a livelihood from it. Their primary expectations are for the space to be used for the community's good and maintained with cleanliness.
Looking ahead, if the centre operates successfully, the family has plans for expansion, as more land is available on the premises. They are also considering organising an annual get-together at the venue to foster community spirit. This initiative stands as a bridge between an NRI's desire to give back to her roots and a local community's aspiration for health infrastructure.
