BKS Iyengar
Teacher
Widely regarded as one of the world's most distinguished teachers of yoga, this creator of Iyengar Yoga wrote several books outlining his philosophy and practice. He was a 2014 recipient of the prestigious Padma Vibhushan.
During his childhood years, he suffered from malnutrition and was, at different times, diagnosed with tuberculosis, malaria, and typhoid fever. On the invitation of his sister's husband, the yogi Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, he began practicing yoga as a means of improving his health.
A philanthropist as well as a yogi, he donated millions of rupees to the Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens in Mysore, India.
With his wife Ramamani, he raised one son and five daughters. Two of his children, Prashant and Geeta, became world-their yoga teachers.
The renowned violinist Yehudi Menuhin was among Iyengar's yoga disciples.