Name: Atul Verma
Occupation: Yoga Instructor
Country of origin: India
Years in China: 13 years
How did your journey in China begin?
My journey started in 2008 in Xiamen. It all started with when my previous employer came to India that year and saw what I was capable of. I had been offered an opportunity to come to China in 2005 but I turned it down so I figured that this second opportunity was a sign that I could not say no to. When I first came here, I was surprised that there were a lot of yoga places in Fujian and as I first worked in Xiamen, my company decided to send me to Quanzhou to live from 2008-2010. Those were the best 2 years of my life and it definitely left a lasting impression on me about China. After those 2 years, I pondered opening my own company and in 2011 I officially became a yoga entrepreneur.
What do you like most about Xiamen?
Due to my work I travel a lot, but Xiamen is the place which impresses me the most. The city is not that big but it is so clean and pristine which is a complete contrast to my hometown in New Delhi. Xiamen fits me spiritually because I can find some peace and solitude here amongst the hustle and bustle. I’ve traveled to a lot of cities in China, but for some reason the energy doesn’t suit me and my lifestyle, however the energy in Xiamen is completely different.
What do you like about China?
Culture is important to Indians and I feel like this is also shared by Chinese people. I was a history student and the ancient Chinese culture fascinated me a lot. Reading about it was one thing but experiencing it was completely different. When I came here, I realized that history is a very important part of Chinese’s people’s daily lives, they are well aware of their country’s history. Regarding Chinese culture, its food, festivals and all-around culture fascinated me the most and it is the reason why I love it. I feel as if China is my second home, that’s why 13 years later I am still here.
What is your unique China story?
Back in India, I was a yoga student for many years, and eventually I finished my studies and my teacher told me I was ready to train others. It was my dream to have my own yoga company and yoga studios but I never thought I’d open it in China as I always had the desire or urge to open it in India, Canada or the USA. However, my dream was fulfilled in China! Upon coming here, I realized that Chinese people are very spiritual, either Buddhist or Taoist, most of my Chinese students and friends are familiarized with the practice of meditation to some extent, and physical exercise is also a very important part of their daily lives. These are some of the reasons why yoga is popular in China and why my studio has become successful here.
Since I opened my own company here in 2011, I’ve met so many people, literally thousands of friends from different walks of life, cultures and occupations, united by one passion: the practice of yoga. I enjoy talking and experiencing life with them and that for me is one of the most unique things. The wealth of knowledge I’ve gained is tremendous. All the people I’ve met are unique and have so much to teach, yes, even though they are my students I still learn a lot from them!
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