At S K Somaiya Vinay Mandir Junior College, a remarkable achievement has emerged from a journey defined by discipline, consistency, and mentorship. Raj Mithilesh Tiwari, a Grade 11 student, has secured a world record in yoga by holding Padahastasana for 3 minutes and 19 seconds, earning recognition from the International Yoga Book of Records.
What makes this achievement even more significant is the guidance behind it. Raj trained under Dr Prakash Soni, a yoga faculty member and world record holder himself, who had previously set a record for holding Baddha Padmasana for 16 minutes and 28 seconds.
Raj’s journey with yoga began four years ago, initially through self-practice before moving into structured training under Dr Soni’s mentorship. Over time, what began as interest evolved into a disciplined pursuit, driven by both physical and mental growth.
Drawn to challenges, Raj chose Padahastasana for his record attempt because of its demanding nature. His preparation was intense and focused — a month of daily, disciplined practice aimed at building endurance, flexibility, and control. The real test, however, lay in stillness.
“The most difficult part was maintaining the same posture without any movement,” Raj shares. “There were moments when my body felt out of control, but I stayed focused on my goal.” He credits his mental strength and inner belief for helping him push through discomfort, often turning inward to maintain calm and concentration.
For Dr Soni, this achievement represents more than just a milestone. “As a teacher, nothing is more rewarding than seeing your student achieve excellence,” he says. “It is a proud moment and a reflection of consistent effort, discipline, and the right guidance.”
Recognising Raj’s potential early on, Dr Soni structured his training in phases — beginning with flexibility and strength, and gradually progressing towards alignment, breath control, and endurance. His own experience as a record holder shaped this approach, emphasising gradual progression, mental conditioning, and injury prevention.
“Achieving this requires not just physical ability, but mental stability and focus,” he explains. “The ability to remain calm and aware under strain is what defines such accomplishments.”
Raj’s achievement is not just a personal milestone but a reflection of the institution’s commitment to holistic development. It highlights how students are encouraged to pursue excellence beyond academics, supported by dedicated mentorship and an environment that nurtures talent.
For Raj, the record represents more than just a number. “It reflects my hard work, late nights, and sacrifices,” he says. Looking ahead, he aspires to become an engineer while continuing his journey in yoga, with the aim of pursuing it professionally.
His story stands as a reminder that excellence is built through consistency, resilience, and belief — values that continue to shape the student community at S K Somaiya Vinay Mandir Junior College.
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