"Do
your work. If everyone follows their calling and dedicates themselves to it,
the world will be a better place.”
This insightful interview explores
what began as Kayoko Mitsumatsu’s exploration of yoga philosophy and social
entrepreneurship, which has grown into a global movement. As the founder of Yoga
Gives Back, Kayoko transformed a simple idea—redirecting the cost of one
yoga class—into a powerful nonprofit initiative that funds microloans,
education, and empowerment programs for underserved women and children in
India.
Each year, after visiting all of
the Yoga Gives Back organization’s programs throughout India, Kayoko makes a
meaningful visit to Mother Teresa’s Home in Kolkata. From a young age, she
hoped to volunteer at the Home for the Dying. On one occasion, she spoke with a
sister who had worked closely with Mother Teresa. When she expressed her desire
to serve there, the sister responded, reflecting Mother Teresa’s own wisdom:
“Don’t come here! You’ve already found your mission.“ Kayoko strives to stay
focused on the mission itself rather than the outcomes.
With time, Kayoko came to see YGB’s
work as truly divine. Yoga Gives Back continues to attract extraordinary
individuals who arrive when needed most, helping move YGB mission forward. Our
global family of supporters, Ambassadors, partners,
and donors make our mission possible—embodying this year’s Global Gathering for India's mantra, Unity in
Action. Every step we take together helps transform gratitude into action
every day.
A Circle of Impact—Thanks to You
Since 2007, Yoga Gives Back has
supported underserved women and children in India—the birthplace of yoga—by
providing:
- Microloans
for 550 mothers through our Sister Aid program
- Primary
education for 600+ young girls to prevent
child marriage and labor
- Five-year
college scholarships (SHE Program) for over 400 disadvantaged
youths
- Digital literacy
training and internet access for rural women
and girls
- Safe
housing and education for children with no families to
care for them
GET INVOLVED!
- One-Time
Donation
- Monthly
Donation (Gratitude Circle)
- Host an
Event
- Hold an
Online Fundraiser
- Volunteer
- Check out YGB Impact
and Ways to Support
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