In a remarkable celebration of cultural exchange and lifelong dedication, Ms. Charlotte Chopin, a 102-year-old yoga instructor from France, has been conferred the prestigious Padma Shri by the Government of India for her outstanding contributions to Yoga.
Beginning her yoga journey at the age of 50, Ms. Chopin transformed a personal passion into a public mission. Over the past five decades, she has taught thousands of students across France, promoting the physical and spiritual benefits of yoga through her classes, public sessions, and media appearances.
Her teachings emphasize balance, breath control, and inner peace—principles that reflect the core of traditional Indian yogic philosophy. She has been celebrated in France not only for her vitality and discipline but also for her ability to inspire individuals across all age groups to lead healthier lives through yoga.
In 2024, Ms. Chopin traveled to India to personally receive the Padma Shri from President Droupadi Murmu, becoming one of the oldest foreign nationals ever to receive the honor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised her during his visit to Paris, calling her “a living bridge between India and France through yoga.”
Speaking on the award, Ms. Chopin said, “Yoga has given me peace, purpose, and strength. I am honored and deeply moved to receive this recognition from the country where yoga was born.”
As the world continues to embrace yoga as a universal practice, Ms. Charlotte Chopin’s life stands as a shining example of how age is no barrier to learning, teaching, and transformation.
