Karina Pandya

  We have with us an inspiring leader—an experienced co-founder of Angel Express Foundation, an organisation dedicated to transforming lives through education. With a strong background in business development, negotiation, and team building, they have successfully combined professional expertise with a deep commitment to social impact.   Karina Pandya gets candid with Beenaa Advani Q1: What motivated you to take on the role of co-founder? It didn’t begin as something big—it began with a simple intention to make a small difference. When we started with just 18 children, none of us imagined it would grow into what it is today. But somewhere along the journey, I realised this wasn’t just an initiative—it was a responsibility. Q2: Can you walk us through your journey over the past 15 years? It has been a journey of growth—not just for the children, but for all of us involved. From one centre to many, every step has been filled with learning, gratitude, and deep connection. Q3: Was...

The Bhagavat Gita says, “Yoga is the journey of the self to the self and through the self. It indeed has many layers and finally completes its journey at a higher plane.   From Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Power Yoga, to even Bikram Yoga, there are many different types of yoga to cater to different postures and breathing techniques. There can be no single best type of yoga. Each style suits different needs, fitness levels and personalities. While some styles are dynamic and physically intense, others are slow, meditative and restorative.    Yoga is an ancient practice that combines physical movement, breathing techniques, and mindfulness. Having originated thousands of years ago, it has evolved into a global wellness practice. It is about creating a connection between your body and mind.   Yoga is beneficial as it helps to improve flexibility and posture, build strength and endurance and increase energy levels. It also helps to reduce stress and anxie...

When I first went to Jindal Naturecure Institute, it felt like a battle half won—but in reality, the battle had not even begun. Getting admission was not easy. I had been struggling with epilepsy and recurring seizures, and my first application the previous year was rejected. This year, after being seizure-free for one full year, I reapplied—and was finally granted admission. But my challenges went far beyond epilepsy. Years of poor habits, an unhealthy diet, and a sedentary lifestyle had slowed my metabolism. Alongside epilepsy, I was also dealing with hypothyroidism, high cholesterol, and prediabetic markers. Most importantly, I carried a distracted mind—a mind that wanted results without committing to the discipline required to achieve them. Turning 40 felt like a wake-up call. I knew I needed a complete reset—physically, mentally, and emotionally. A Simple but Structured Daily Life Life at Jindal followed a simple yet meaningful routine: Wake up at 5 AM Engage in yoga and kriya...

There are some decisions you make instantly—and then there are the ones that take years to unfold: My journey to Jindal belonged to the latter. “Nature is the best healer.” — Dr. SR Jindal (Founder, Jindal NatureCure Institute) I had signed up for naturopathy at Jindal years ago, but due to my epilepsy being unpredictable at the time, I wasn’t admitted. Their protocols were strict—and understandably so. Life moved on, and I explored other wellness spaces like Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre and Pema Wellness Centre. And then, out of nowhere this year, I received an email. I had been approved. I didn’t think twice. I immediately booked my cottage at Jindal from 20th March to 4th April—15 days dedicated entirely to slowing down. The Idea of “Doing Nothing” Let’s be honest—15 days without caffeine, processed food, late nights, or constant phone usage sounds… intense. No coffee. No tea. No distractions. Just you, your body, and a routine that doesn’t negotiate. At first, it feels like someth...

There’s something quite powerful and enriching about stepping into Jindal Nature Cure Institute. It’s when the noise of the city fades and is replaced by the rustling leaves of nature, bird sounds and the earthly scent of fresh soil.   What’s truly special about this specific area is not the treatments but the farm itself.   When Healing Begins in the Soil   Known to be a completely organic farm, Jindal’s entire food stock is grown in the organic farm that it houses. It is spread across the lush greenery, and it is here that the vegetables and fruits are sourced and picked.   They are harvested fresh under the sun. Imagine starting your day walking under the sun that you walk upon. You walk upon the land growing papayas, leafy greens, and cucumbers, which haven’t even seen a refrigerator or even chemicals.   It follows the simple philosophy – what grows naturally heals naturally.   These foods have a noticeable difference from others – they taste ...

When I was in my twenties, standing in the middle of early adulthood, life seemed to revolve around one thing — climbing the corporate ladder. Everything was measured through the lens of growth, and growth meant performance. How well I did in my job, how much responsibility I could handle, how quickly I could move forward. I believed that in a few years I would arrive at some imagined destination. If I worked harder, handled more tasks, accepted greater responsibility, surely everything would fall into place. But the ladder kept rising. Each time I climbed a rung, another appeared above it. Job titles improved. Salaries increased. Promotions came along the way. Yet somewhere within that constant upward movement, a question quietly formed in my mind: Is this what growth really is — just performing? Everything seemed to demand proof. Every step forward had to be earned. Of course, consistency and practice sharpened my skills. Over time, performance improved almost automatically. But I st...