Our Story and Mission
Our story and missionYoga education, done right.
The story behind VIDYA
VIDYA was born from a simple but urgent need: to make high-quality yoga education in India more accessible, transparent, and respectful of students, yoga schools, and tradition. Founded by Marie-Hélène Lapina, a longtime practitioner and marketing strategist from France, and Hrishikesh Kale, a product builder rooted in India's tech and cultural landscape, VIDYA brings together deep yoga practice and modern user experience.
“What would it look like if students didn't just book a course, but felt truly supported, from decision to graduation?”
VIDYA is the answer: a curated platform where people can find trusted schools, navigate the logistics, and start their yoga journey on solid ground. Whether you are new to yoga or returning for your 300-hour certification, VIDYA is here to help you find your path with clarity and care.
MEET OUR TEAM
The team behind VIDYA
Built by practitioners, not platforms.
At VIDYA, we're not just developers or marketers. We're practitioners and students ourselves.
Marie-Hélène Lapina
CO-FOUNDER
With over 15 years of experience working in marketing and studying yoga, Marie-Hélène understands both the spiritual and practical aspects of yoga education. Her mission is to make every student feel guided, informed, and empowered.
Hrishikesh Kale
CO-FOUNDER
A tech entrepreneur based in India, Hrishikesh builds platforms that feel intuitive and accessible. His focus: create a seamless product that reflects India's depth and diversity in yoga education.
Our remote team
They lead a small, mission-driven team working remotely across continents, united by one goal: to make yoga education better for everyone.
Our Values
The values behind VIDYA
Our vision
To make authentic, high-quality yoga education accessible (not algorithmically ranked, not mass-marketed) but curated, meaningful, and transformative.
Our Process
How do we curate our schools and training courses?
We don't list everyone. Only the right yoga schools.
VIDYA works closely with yoga educators, alumni, and yoga experts to vet every school before it's featured on the platform.
Our selection criteria includes
Accredited programs
Accreditation from a recognized body (e.g., Yoga Alliance).
Qualified instructors
Qualified instructors with proven classroom experience.
Extensive curriculums
Extensive curriculums and structured support material.
Transparent pricing
Transparent pricing and student-friendly logistics.
Verified reviews
Verified reviews from real students.
We believe that when the process is honest and the quality is high, students can make choices with clarity and trust.
Sustainability and ethical commitment
We apply yogic values off the mat, too.
VIDYA was created to reflect not just yoga's teachings, but its ethics. That's why we choose to partner with schools and teachers who share our standards:
Eco-friendly initiatives
Programs that prioritize sustainable living and responsible tourism.
Fair pricing and accessibility
Transparent pricing models that ensure teachers and staff are paid fairly.
Global and local impact
Opportunities for underrepresented communities and smaller schools to be noticed.
