Born on May 1, 1956, in Malom Tuliyaima, Imphal West, Khoisnam Mema Devi is the daughter of late Khoisnam Achou Singh and Khoisnam Parbati Devi. She married Laitonjam Haridas Singh, and together they raised two sons and a daughter in Pishumthong Ningom Leirak, Imphal West.
Mema served diligently in the Department of Sericulture, Government of Manipur, from 1981 to 2016. Throughout her tenure, which spanned 35 years, she was posted in various districts of Manipur, contributing to the field of silk rearing and reeling.
Mema was passionate about empowering educated unemployed women in Manipur. She conducted diverse training programs, focusing on silk-related skills, aiming to uplift their livelihoods and create self-employment opportunities. She also organized awareness and motivational campaigns in sericulture and weaving activities, particularly targeting the weaker sections of society.
In February 2015, Mema embarked on a personal wellness journey, participating in regular yoga classes under the guidance of Patanjali Yogpeeth Haridwar at Hidangmayum Mandap, Pishumthong Ningom Leirak, Imphal. Inspired by her positive experiences, she conducted the first Daily Free Yoga Class at Radha Mandap, Kwakeithel Moirangpurel, Imphal, in May 2015. The three-month program attracted around 50 participants and garnered positive feedback regarding the effective control and management of lifestyle diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, and women-centric health issues.
Mema, furthered her expertise by participating in the “100 hours Assistant Yoga Teachers’ Training Camp.” The camp, organized by Bharat Swabhiman (Trust) and Patanjali Yog Samiti, Manipur State, in collaboration with Patanjali Yogpeeth Haridwar, Uttarakhand, took place from September 21 to October 6, 2015, at Mayol Complex, Iroisemba, Imphal West. During this training, Mema gained extensive knowledge about Yoga Asana, Pranayamas, and various Kriyas & Mudras.
Recognizing her expertise, Mema was selected as a Resource Person for the “100 Hours Assistant Yoga Teachers’ Training Camp,” held from October 28 to November 10 at Flash Mandap Complex, Wahengbam Leikai, Imphal. Organized by Bharat Swabhiman (Trust) & Patanjali Yog Samiti, Imphal West, the camp featured Mema delivering lectures and conducting practical yoga classes. In recognition of her contributions, she was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation from Bharat Swabhiman (Trust) & Patanjali Yog Samiti, Imphal West.
From October 2015 to March 2016, she conducted five different Daily Free Yoga Classes, both in the morning and evening, at Mayang Imphal.
In the year 2016, during the five-day Yoga & Meditation Shivir led by the revered Swamiji Maharaj Baba Ramdev in Imphal, Mema deepened her understanding of Yoga Asanas and Pranayamas. She also attended the five-day Advanced Yoga Shivir at Patanjali Yogpeeth, Haridwar, from May 16 to 20, 2016. She was appointed as the District Prabhari for Patanjali Yog Samiti in Imphal West District, taking on the responsibility of spreading the benefits of Yoga Asanas and Pranayamas. Various Yoga Awareness-cum-Motivational campaigns in Imphal West District and other Districts were organised till today by Mema, serving as the District Prabhari.
In March 2017, Mema attended the Mahila Yoga Prashiksan Shivir at Patanjali Yogpeeth, Haridwar, focusing on women-centric yoga practices. Mema was eager to explore Yoga therapy like Kriyas, Mudras, and Yogic diets tailored for women’s health, and addressing health issues specific to women. She was detailed by Bharat Swabhiman and Patanjali Yoga Samiti, Manipur State, for specialised training in “Yoga for Women” at Yogapeeth Haridwar, Uttarakhand.
Deputed by Bharat Swabhiman (Trust), Imphal West, she actively participated in various Seminars and Workshops on Yoga and Naturopathy organized by the Director of AYUSH, Govt. of Manipur, from 2016 to 2019. These experiences enriched her understanding of Yoga, Naturopathy, and overall health-related information.
As a Yoga Teacher, Mema has been conducting Free Daily Yoga classes in Community Halls, Mandaps, Playgrounds, and other locations in Imphal West District, Manipur, since 2015. Her focus on empowering women is evident in the more than 45 yoga training centers she has opened in the Valley Districts of Manipur, particularly Imphal West District. To date, over 3000 participants, predominantly women, have benefited from Mema’s teachings, encompassing Yoga Asanas, Pranayamas, Mudras, and Kriyas.
Mema’s also dedicates her time to conduct Free Daily Yoga Classes in 10 schools, ranging from primary to higher secondary levels. More than 700 students have benefited from her sessions, gaining knowledge of Yoga Asanas and Pranayamas. The positive feedback and moral support from participants have been instrumental in inspiring Mema to further her service to humanity. As a result of her training, some pariticpants who suffered from Neck & na, Chairman of Patanjli Ayurved, under the auspices of Bharat Swabhiman (Trust), Imphal West.
Addressing the needs of those affected by natural calamities, Mema actively engages in the distribution of relief materials, including daily essentials, medicines, and clothing, during events such as floods and landslides. Amid the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, she orchestrates health awareness programs and health check-ups in various relief camps in Imphal West and Imphal East Districts, providing essential food items and medicines to those in need.
In the prevailing conflict in Manipur which erupted on May 3, 2023, Mema actively participates in the free distribution of essential relief materials and medicines to different relief camps in Imphal West District, facilitated by Bharat Swabhiman (Trust), Imphal West.
In recognition of her remarkable contributions, Mema was honored with the “Best Yoga Teacher Award, 2019” by Bharat Swabhiman (Trust), Imphal West District, on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2019.
Adding another feather to her cap, Mema received the esteemed “Bharat Gourav Ayush Award, 2023” from the Sanjivani Welfare Society, Allahabad (UP). This accolade was presented during the Global Ayush Samit, held from December 1 to 3, 2023, at Panchamrhi, Madhya Pradesh. The award recognizes Mema’s outstanding contributions to the promotion of Ayurveda, Yoga, and holistic health.
Mema emphasizes the transformative power of yoga, stating, “Yoga practice helps humans lead a better and balanced life with higher values, and yoga alone can bring Peace and Harmony in our society.”
