Lucknow: Tanuj Narain is a man who wears many hats with equal ease. An engineer and B.Tech graduate from the prestigious IIT Kanpur, he has seamlessly blended his expertise in technology, business acumen, and spiritual teachings to make a significant impact. From running successful ventures in IT education and consumer durables to serving as an Art of Living teacher, he embodies the delicate balance between material progress and spiritual growth.
An Entrepreneurial Journey Rooted in Innovation
Narain’s professional trajectory is marked by his extensive experience in marketing, distribution channel networks, IT troubleshooting, retail management, HR training, and software development. His business portfolio includes IT retail store operations, consumer durables and telecom customer care, making him a well-versed strategist in the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and commerce.
His association with brands like HP, Apple, NIIT and Kent RO highlights his versatility in managing and growing businesses. As the distributor and service provider for Kent RO in Lucknow, he has brought quality water purification solutions to thousands of homes and organizations. However, despite his success in the corporate world, Narain’s passion for holistic living led him down a different path.
A Spiritual Calling: The Art of Living
In the year 2000, he took a transformative step by enrolling in an Art of Living course. By 2002, he had committed himself fully as a teacher, dedicating his life to helping individuals achieve inner peace and well-being through spirituality. Over the years, he has been instrumental in organizing and leading Art of Living programs at institutions like IIM, KNIT, Tata Motors, PowerGrid, and TCS, among others.
As Trainer of Volunteer Trainers and the State Coordinator for AOL teachers in Uttar Pradesh, Narain plays a vital role in expanding the reach of AOL programs across the state. His focus lies in improving concentration and clarity among students and professionals, conducting specialized courses that bridge the gap between scientific reasoning and spiritual wisdom.
“Happiness is everyone’s goal,” he explains. “Yet, external factors like career struggles and personal relationships often block it. The Art of Living provides the tools to experience unconditional happiness and inner freedom.”
Science Meets Spirituality: The Power of Sudarshan Kriya
A strong advocate of Sudarshan Kriya, Narain emphasizes the scientific approach to breathing techniques that regulate emotions and mental states. He often refers to studies from institutions like Harvard University, which validate the effectiveness of breath-based practices in achieving mental clarity and emotional stability.
“Every emotion has a specific breathing pattern,” he explains. “By altering our breath, we can bring monumental changes in our emotions and overall consciousness.”
By replicating the breathing pattern associated with higher states of consciousness we can attain ‘Parmanand,’ a state of bliss where the mind achieves stability and joy, irrespective of external conditions. He firmly believes that once the innner world is peaceful, the outer world begins to transform as well.
Shaping Young Minds: Teens & Parenting Workshops
Beyond fostering individual well-being, Narain actively works to strengthen relationships between parents and teenagers. His workshops focus on boosting confidence, enhancing concentration, bringing clarity and improving communication skills among youngsters.
For parents, his parenting sessions provide insights into understanding their children and teens better, giving tips like encouraging physical activity before study hours to enhance focus. He also conducts an ‘Intuition Program’ that trains individuals to sharpen their sixth sense to read blindfolded and even locate lost objects.
Building a Business Ecosystem in Lucknow
As a businessman with deep insights into the local economy, Narain identifies several untapped opportunities in Lucknow. He believes the city has the potential to become a major IT hub and a flourishing ground for indigenous franchises, especially in the food, clothes, ayurveda, wellness and tourism sectors. However, he stresses the need for a robust startup culture, increased risk-taking ability, and proper incubation programs to nurture entrepreneurial spirit.
Tanuj Narain : Yoga and Global Recognition
According to Narain, International Yoga Day has been instrumental in bringing India’s ancient discipline to the forefront. He credits Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for elevating India’s status in the global yoga movement. “Yoga is not just about asanas; it is about skill in action, connecting with universal consciousness, and becoming a KarmYogi,” he states. By integrating meditation, dhyan, and self-reflection, he believes individuals can attain true fulfillment.
Leveraging Technology for Spiritual Expansion
Narain’s technology background plays a crucial role in expanding the reach of The Art of Living. He highlights the success of the Art of Living Sattva App, which has quickly become one of the world’s most popular meditation platforms. Offering guided courses and follow-up programs, it allows individuals to experience Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s teachings seamlessly online.
With around 125 teachers in Lucknow and between 40,000–50,000 worldwide, The Art of Living continues to transform millions of lives. Narain is also actively engaged with AICTE, advocating for the importance of soft skills, mental health awareness, and stress management in modern education and the workforce.
Tanuj Narain :A Message of Positivity and Purpose
Narain’s guiding philosophy is simple yet profound: “Be Happy, as life is short.“ He believes that when individuals are happy, society thrives. He encourages people to experience The Art of Living’s Happiness Program, which he regularly conducts at his center.
Summing up The Art of Living’s mission, he highlights seven key areas of transformation:
- Achieving a disease-free body through yogasanas.
- Regulating breath to be quiver-free through Pranayama.
- Attaining a stress-free mind via meditation.
- Cultivating an intellect free from biases through spiritual knowledge and satsang.
- Releasing memory from trauma and emotional distress through Sudarshan Kriya.
- Overcoming ego and fostering social inclusivity through seva (service) activities.
- Becoming a sorrow-free soul, experiencing joy and peace in life through universal Love.
Tanuj Narain is a testament to the power of integrating knowledge, business acumen, and spirituality. His work continues to inspire individuals to lead balanced, fulfilled lives, making a tangible impact on both the material and spiritual realms.
