The Institute of Yogic Culture was founded in 1949 and gained full government recognition in 1960 by Dr. B. Padmanabha Pillai (1908 - 1990) who was also a practitioner of Siddha medicine, a master in the traditional form of martial art (Kalaripayattu), a masters degree holder in Sanskrit and Literature and a desciple of Swami Sivananda Paramahamsa, founder of the Siddha Samaj of Kerala.

The Study of Yoga
The study of yoga consists of three different aspects of training, that is, the Physical, Mental and the Spiritual, The Training and control of the physical body and the mind through certain exercises intended to pave the way for Spiritual accomplishment, which is the ultimate objective of any student of Yoga.

Practices
The Physical exercises start with the cleansing the internal organs and these form the Kriya Yoga practices. The Asanas come next and these exercises aim at control of different parts of the body. After perfection of the above physical aspects of the training, the emphasis shifts to the mental field. Pranayama is studied and mental concentration is developed, leading to Meditation. Meditation on one's own self and on one's own divine power, and their realisation, has been the underlying aspect of Spiritualism all through the ages.

Objective
True to the meaning of the word yoga, this would lead to the union of Spirit and Matter. The training in Yoga has a great ideal as its Objective, which can only be accomplished through regular persistent efforts on the part of the student throughout his life. Other physical and Mental benefits accompanying the various practices are considered as secondary, in the light of the Spiritual Proficiency attained. During meditation, the mind is kept in full awareness and in supreme consciousness, in which state it transcends all physical and mental barriers to reach Samadhi or ultimate bliss and Spiritual enlightenment. In due course you will contribute in your way, to save life, in all its forms, on this planet.