Dear students, teachers and staff of Nithya Priyan School of Yoga,

I was supposed to use this opportunity to introduce the enhanced measures the School is implementing in order to safeguard the community and to work with the government in the control of the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

I feel the need instead to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for all the kindness and support between the members of our Community of Yogis.

Difficult Times bring out the best or worst in a person. Your response as a community to the Covid-19 pandemic was and continues to inspire and touch me deeply.

Thank you, then, to the teachers who, without question, were quick to adopt the slew of new measures and safeguards in their classes, who remain tolerant and patient even as these measures constantly evolve along with the changing circumstances. Teachers are also actively stepping up to replace any gaps in the school schedule - we are maintaining the continuity of our classes only thanks to their continued support. Not to mention their doubling up to assist the front desk in temperature screening, cleaning and sanitizing.

Thank you also the teachers who have volunteered their time to help me put out our online videos for the benefit of Yogis who are unable to come practice with us.

Thank you to our tireless staff and management who are working to make the premises safe and hygienic for all, and who are constantly innovating and brainstorming to make the logistics of what needs to happen run smoothly.

Thanks to all of you yogis who are working quietly to ensure that you are not coming to class with even the slightest flu-like symptoms. I am aware that many of you have chosen to do so at your expense without claiming any extensions to your packages and memberships so as not to add to our financial burden.

Thank you to the kind souls who, when we were caught short of Body Thermometers and sanitizers, stepped forward to share their personal supply.

Thank you to the students who have been actively helping us clean and sanitize our mats and props between classes even though you were never asked or required to do so.

Thank you for your patience,  putting up with the Waitlists and the Temperature Checking and our constant Hand Washing Drills without complaint. Thank you for coughing into your arm or towel without needing to be told.

A virus is inanimate. It does not have any means of infecting, spreading or moving from person to person without the unknowing cooperation of it's hosts - It is largely a lack of awareness and consideration on our part that results in it's spread. Knowing this, I feel safe. Not because of all the distancing measures, all the sanitization, advisories and  the restrictions we have in place - since all it takes is for one act of negligence even in the midst of the most stringent controls for them to fail.

I feel safe because I am fortunate enough to be a part of a community that remains close knit with a real and genuine understanding of “Kula” - a family that takes responsibility for each other. I trust this family with my life.

You are a rare and beautiful light in this time of Darkness.

May you continue to shine with Joy in the Body and Peace in the Heart.

Always Love,
Nithya Priyan

PS Please find the link to our updated measures in our bio under “ Code of Conduct Addendum  for Dorscon Orange (updated 20/3/20)”