The Story of Shivani Priyam — A Writer, Yogi, and Healer on a Mission to Transform Lives
In a world often driven by speed and stress, Shivani Priyam stands as a reminder that true success begins within. Her story flows seamlessly from the bustling newsrooms of national media houses to the serene calm of a yoga studio—an extraordinary journey that intertwines journalism, service, and the science of wellbeing.
Shivani’s journey began not in a boardroom, but in the heart of social service. While pursuing her graduation, she found purpose in volunteering for organizations like Youth for Seva (YFS), ADORE, Bhumi, and the UNFCCC.
“Those early years shaped me,” she recalls. “We were working on initiatives for education, health, sanitation, and environmental awareness—reaching communities that needed both action and empathy.”
That spirit of grassroots upliftment became her compass, guiding every choice that followed.
In 2020, armed with a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism, Shivani stepped into the high-paced world of media. Her bylines soon appeared across leading platforms—The Weather Channel, The Times of India, Jagran New Media, Tark Sangat, and Network 18.
Her reporting wasn’t just about headlines; it was about humanity. Covering civic challenges, environment, and public health, Shivani developed a keen sense of how deeply lifestyle and wellbeing influence the quality of life. One assignment remains etched in her memory—the devastating floods in rural North Karnataka during her final college semester.
“I remember walking through villages torn apart by water,” she says. “People had lost homes and hope. But when they looked at me, a reporter with a notebook, they saw someone who might tell their story to the world. That moment changed me—I realized journalism isn’t just about information, it’s about impact.”
After years in the field and a pandemic that reshaped global consciousness, Shivani turned inward. The world’s collective anxiety, health crises, and sedentary lifestyles made her question: What truly sustains us?
Her quest for answers led her to yoga—a practice she describes as “the art of coming home to yourself.” She completed her 200-hour Teacher Training Program at the Sri Sri School of Yoga under the Art of Living Foundation, and soon after, launched her own wellness venture: Gatherings with Gurudev.
At her studio, Shivani teaches traditional Patanjali-based Ashtanga Yoga, focusing on asanas, pranayama, meditation, and Yoga Nidra. Her sessions are designed for all age groups, but especially for those battling stress, anxiety, lifestyle diseases, and emotional fatigue.
“Participants often tell me how their sleep improves, their focus sharpens, and their confidence grows,” she smiles. “That’s when I know I’m doing meaningful work.”
What began as small group sessions soon evolved into a thriving wellness community. Today, Gatherings with Gurudev offers online, personal, and group sessions, combining ancient techniques with modern needs.
Now, Shivani’s focus is on integration—bringing Ayurveda into the fold. “We’re working towards a holistic ecosystem,” she explains. “Where body, mind, and spirit heal together.”
Her future plans include free yoga therapy programs for underprivileged individuals and trauma survivors. For her, wellness is a right, not a privilege.
Beyond her wellness initiatives, Shivani channels her creativity through writing. Her debut book, The Silent Lauder – Whirring Amusing Tales, explores social themes with a poetic and playful tone. The anthology has earned accolades including the 21st Century Emily Dickinson Award, the India Icon Award 2025, and the International Excellence Award 2025.
“I see writing and yoga as two expressions of the same truth,” she reflects. “Both seek to bring clarity, compassion, and consciousness into our lives.”
Her contributions don’t end there. Shivani continues to volunteer for social projects, collaborate with NGOs, and mentor others in the journey toward holistic health. She has been recognized for her selfless service, her initiative to offer free yoga education, and her commitment to empowering communities through wellness and awareness.
Shivani’s dream is to expand Gatherings with Gurudev to multiple states, reaching more communities with yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic learning.
“I want to help people reconnect with themselves,” she says. “A healthy population is a happy population—and happiness is the ultimate wealth.”
For her, fashion is not about what you wear, but how you feel inside. “True style,” she insists, “is when your body, mind, and spirit are in harmony. Health is the new couture.”