Dehradun, 20 June 2025 | Rajesh Pandey
Yogacharya Rekha Raturi: A Journey from Paralysis to Pilgrimage on a Bicycle
“Mom, did you see? My toe is moving. Mom, I can move my toe! Can’t you see? It’s moving!”
“I knew my toe wasn’t really moving, but I wanted to reassure my family that one day I would recover. This was a time of struggle, and I had complete faith in the power of yoga.”
While recalling this incident from 2019 in the Dehradun studio of Radio Kedaar, Yogacharya Rekha Raturi from GMS Road, Dehradun, becomes emotional. She shares how her lower body and legs had stopped functioning. “I had graduated in yoga and was conducting yoga classes at that time.”
The Miracle of Yoga and Willpower
“One day, I could actually move a toe. Strength was returning to my body.”
“I used to lie in bed all day. I started practicing Nadi Shodhana Pranayama for two hours daily—alternate nostril breathing. It began to show positive effects, along with medications.”
Post-Dengue Trauma and Family Support
Rekha recounts how she fell seriously ill after dengue. Her family took her to many hospitals. Eventually, she was admitted to a hospital in Dehradun and endured six months of agony. Her parents and brothers took turns caring for her without fail.
The Power of Positivity in the Fight
“In times of struggle, positivity is your greatest strength,” she says. “Visitors would often comment, ‘What will become of Rekha now?’ Their words hurt. But some would say, ‘Don’t worry, she will recover.’ I would wonder if I’d have to live this way forever. But then another thought would arise: ‘No, I will run my yoga classes again. I’ll ride long distances on my bicycle. I have to live—move forward.’ I would tell myself, ‘Rekha, be brave. You’re strong. This too shall pass.’”
Hospital Struggles
“I learned to be happy in that condition. But I used to feel very bad when my family had to carry me to the car to visit the hospital. Every 10-15 days, I had to undergo medical tests.”
Motivational Videos: A Source of Strength
Rekha tells Radio Kedaar, “I avoided my phone for the first month or two. Then I started watching motivational videos sent by my students. I saw a girl cycling to Gunji, and I became more positive. One day, I was able to move all my toes and even sit up with help.”
“With time, I moved from a wheelchair to a walker, and then just a walking stick.”
Living Every Moment to the Fullest
“I live with the thought that tomorrow might not come. So I live happily, without stress or worry. I’ve become fearless since that incident.”
Back to Cycling with Her Father’s Support
“When I started walking a little, I’d take my cycle out every evening for a round. My father always supported me and would simply say, ‘Ride carefully.’”
“Sometimes I’d fall. Since one leg wasn’t working well, I couldn’t get up on my own. People thought someone drunk had fallen. Once, I called for help, and someone said, ‘I thought it was a drunk person.’ He helped me get up, and I returned home.”
The Epic Dehradun to Kedarnath Cycle Yatra (2022)
“I love my old bicycle, bought for just ₹12,000. About three years ago, in October 2022, I rode it from Dehradun to Kedarnath with my cousin Arvind. My parents had discouraged me, but I said, ‘If I can’t make it, I’ll return. Don’t tell anyone I’m doing this.’”
Unplanned Yet Unforgettable
“We hadn’t planned where to stop, eat, or sleep. We just set out. I felt tired as early as Rispana. Now it makes me laugh—Rispana to Kedarnath! But Arvind encouraged me, and we reached the airport area. I collapsed on a roadside parapet before even reaching the airport.”
[Image caption: Rekha Raturi with her cycle at Kedarnath Dham]
Overcoming Obstacles to Reach the Temple
“Arvind came looking for me. Despite the responsibility, he was more courageous than I was. We reached Rishikesh, then Byasi. We called acquaintances to arrange places to stay—sometimes forest guesthouses, sometimes roadside dhabas. We lived on ORS and Maggi. Finally, we reached Gaurikund, and Arvind even carried the bicycle to Kedarnath. Everyone who saw us with the cycle was amazed.”
Rainy Return Journey
“On the way back, we faced heavy rain but made it to Srinagar by evening. The entire journey took five and a half days and cost only ₹6,500. It was an unforgettable experience.”
Journey to Pashupatinath: A New Challenge and Accident
“We decided to do a cycle yatra every year. Next, we planned to visit Pashupatinath in Nepal. A local youth agreed to help after much persuasion. We didn’t know the exact route—just that we’d stay at his place in Nepal.”
[Image caption: Rekha Raturi with her cycle at Pashupatinath temple, Kathmandu]
Near-Death in Nepal
“This was an adventurous 1,200 km journey. At the Sharda River bridge near the Nepal border, my bicycle skidded off the edge. I could have fallen into the river! My ear tore, and my arm turned blue, but my head was safe—I was alive. We reached the young man’s house, where I received first aid. After a day’s rest, we resumed the journey, reaching Kathmandu in 12 days. We returned by bus to Banbasa and cycled home.”
Yoga as a Way of Life
“Yoga fills you with positivity. It makes you patient, helps you make better decisions, and is not just physical—it heals the mind and soul too.”
A Mission of Service and Inspiration
Rekha wakes at 4:30 AM, cycles to her center in Chandrabani to teach yoga, then conducts online classes, including for international students. She offers free yoga sessions to those suffering from paralysis and mental health issues.
Shaving Her Head to Support a Student
“One of my students had to shave her head due to illness and was deeply affected by societal comments. I told her to stay positive, but she said, ‘Easy to say—hard to feel.’”
“To truly understand her pain, I shaved my head too. It’s not easy for a woman in our society. I posted a picture online. Many thought I was ill. People visited my home and asked my mom if something was wrong with me. But I had to feel her pain to help her.”
