Cuttack There was a time when she couldn’t sleep without taking sleeping pills. Chronic pain in her knees and spine made it difficult even to climb stairs. Doctors had warned that surgery was inevitable due to a gap between the L3 and L4 vertebrae in her spine. Once consumed by pain and depression, Golap Das (48), a housewife from Nimasahi, Cuttack, has now transformed into a fitness coach and yoga instructor, participating in national and international yoga competitions. She is now an inspiration to many.
A Life Once Struck by Pain
Golap, wife of engineer Ramakrishna Das, is the mother of two sons—one a doctor in Chicago, and the other a computer science student. For more than 25 years after marriage, her sole identity was that of a homemaker, completely immersed in managing the household and her family, neglecting her own health and wellbeing. As age caught up, various physical problems emerged. Her weight rose to 83 kg, and she developed severe knee and spinal pain, insomnia, and obesity-related ailments. To cope, she turned to painkillers and sleeping pills.
A Turning Point with Yoga
Amid growing anxiety and deteriorating health, her younger son took her to a gym. That’s where her yoga journey began. At first, the exercises were very difficult. But Golap stayed committed. With regular yoga, physical exercise, and a balanced diet, her health slowly began to improve. Over the course of five years, she lost 20 kg, gained the flexibility to perform complex yoga postures, and her pain started to fade.
From Healing to Competing
In 2022, Golap participated in an international yoga competition in Hamita, Karnataka, after winning first prize in the 40–50 kg weight category at a national-level event in Puri. She secured the 8th position internationally, and now regularly participates in district-level competitions, earning accolades and recognition.
“I Don’t Need Medicines Anymore”
Recalling her journey, Golap says, “Seven years ago, I was told by doctors not to climb stairs. Now, I climb up and down repeatedly without any issues. I’ve completely stopped taking medicines for knee pain, sciatica, and insomnia. I practice yoga daily for an hour and stay fully fit. Not only have I healed myself, but I’m also teaching yoga to others now.”
Today, Golap shares the fragrance of yoga not just in her own life, but in the lives of many around her. From a housewife battling pain and depression to a fit and confident yoga coach—her story stands as a powerful testament to how yoga can transform both body and mind.