Shri Reverend Nikam Guruji

Nikam Guruji (Pundalik Ramchandra Nikam) was born on August 15th, 1917 in a village in India. Right from his early childhood, he was very fond of gymnastic activities and a variety of Indian sports, many of which he excelled in. After completing his education, he enlisted in the Maharashtra Police Force and had a very successful career as an Inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department (C.I.D.). As an Inspector, he was known for his honesty, sincerity and courage. During his tenure in the Police Force, he had the opportunity to work in several villages and cities of Maharashtra. Every place Nikam Guruji went to, he opened a gymnasium and educated the youth on the benefits and practice of physical activities.

When Nikam Guruji was just 27 years old, a young boy with golden hair and dressed in saffron coloured clothing came to see him and inducted him into Yoga. He performed the physical exercises that Guruji did on a regular basis and taught Guruji yogic exercises and postures. After staying with Guruji for a week, the boy disappeared. This event was a major turning point in Guruji's life; Yoga became a significant focus in his life. He read the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (the great sage and Pioneer of Yoga) and started practicing Yoga very seriously and earnestly. He taught the practice of Yoga to groups of youngsters wherever he went. He developed a profound knowledge of Ayurveda, nature cure, herbal remedies and Hathayoga. Thousands of people, poor and rich, would visit him in search of a cure for their ailments. Guruji would listen to them, understand their problems and distribute herbal medicines, which liberated them from their ailments.

Guruji established Shri Ambika Yoga Kutir in 1965. He made the study and practice of Yoga very simple in order that any person could learn Yoga easily and benefit from its practice. Shri Ambika Yoga Kutir has grown very rapidly and now has more than 100 centres in India and abroad.

Guruji passed away on July 18th, 1999. Shri Ambika Yoga Kutir has continued Guruji’s mission of spreading the message of Yoga to all of mankind. In Toronto, we have Guruji’s blessings to continue with his mission.