The British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) and SOAS Centre of Yoga Studies are co-hosting a summit on November 1st, 2025. Entitled ‘Yoga in the Age of Overload’, the event will explore how yoga and ayurveda can provide solutions to the pressures of modern life.
The summit will take place both online and at the SOAS Gallery Lecture Theatre, located at SOAS University of London. It will bring together scholars and yoga practitioners to discuss the latest research and perspectives on these ancient disciplines.
Professor Ulrich Pagel, Chair of SOAS Centre of Yoga Studies, stated that the summit will delve into whether yoga and ayurveda can help bring balance in a world overwhelmed by data and hyperconnectivity, yet facing an epidemic of loneliness. He added that the event will provide a platform for meaningful discussions between academic research and the practical application of ancient wisdom traditions in addressing contemporary challenges.
The keynote speaker for the summit will be Julia Hobsbawm OBE, an award-winning entrepreneur and author. She will speak about how toxic work environments can lead to stress in the body. Her talk will mark the 10th anniversary of her influential book, “Fully Connected: Social Health in an Age of Overload.”
The summit will feature carefully curated panels of leading experts, including Dr Theo Wildcroft from the Open University, Amarjeet S Bhamra, a lecturer in Indian Traditional Sciences, and Emeritus Professor Dominik Wujastyk, an expert in classical Indian society and polity. The event will conclude with a presentation by Dr Finnian Gerety, who will share clinical research from his MANTRAMS project, highlighting the potential for mantra practice to support mental health and build emotional resilience.
In addition to the panel discussions and presentations, the summit will also include practice sessions led by experienced BWY tutors Rajesh David and Judy Hirsh Sampath. These sessions will guide participants through sound yoga and therapeutic yoga practices specifically designed to counteract the effects of digital overwhelm and restore inner balance.
Diana O’Reilly, Chair of BWY, expressed excitement about the collaboration with SOAS and highlighted the convergence between modern research and the ancient wisdom of yoga. She mentioned that all the speakers will bring evidence-based insights demonstrating how these ancient practices can offer tangible benefits for individuals struggling with stress and overwhelm in today’s society.
Tickets for the summit are priced at £75 for in-person attendance and £45 for online participation. Interested individuals can register and secure their spot by visiting the event website. New visitors will need to register for a Free User account on the website.
About BWY
The British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) is a registered charity committed to sharing the transformative power and rich heritage of yoga through education and events. With a mission to enrich lives through yoga and promote accessibility and inclusivity, BWY has served over 5000 members since its establishment in 1965. The organization is recognized as the National Governing Body for Yoga by Sport England and Sport Wales and is supported by a network of volunteers and a small central team.
About SOAS
SOAS University of London is known as the world’s university. It uses its expertise in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East to critically examine global issues. The institution challenges perspectives, encourages debates, and empowers students to question the status quo and find solutions to global problems. SOAS offers programs taught by internationally respected academics with interdisciplinary expertise and engaged in fieldwork and research that influences governments, industries, and communities worldwide. The SOAS Centre of Yoga Studies (CYS) is a globally recognized hub for Yoga Studies and is home to the specialized MA in Yoga Studies program.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.