At an age when people are preparing themselves for retirement, Charlotte Chopin defied age norms by mastering the ancient practice of Yoga. Recently the 101-year-old Chopin, who hails from France, was honored with India's prestigious Padma Shri award, the fourth highest civilian honor. 

For over four decades, Chopin has illuminated the realm of yoga, captivating hearts and minds  with her deep wisdom and steadfast enthusiasm. In 1982, she embarked on a mission to introduce yoga to her homeland France. Little did she know that her humble beginnings would ignite a transformative wave, firmly establishing yoga in the country's fitness culture.

President Droupadi Murmu, in a heartfelt tribute, praised Chopin's dedication, stating, "Smt. Chopin has been teaching yoga for more than four decades and is still active as a yoga teacher at the age of 101." Her resilience and steadfast spirit stand as proof of yoga's enduring strength, surpassing age and geographic constraints.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chopin during his visit to France to attend the Bastille Day Parade. Modi, known for his advocacy of yoga on the global stage, was deeply moved by Chopin's profound faith in the practice and her pioneering efforts in popularizing yoga in France.

Their encounter was beyond diplomacy; it was a meeting of kindred souls, bonded by a shared faith in yoga's transformative capacity. Chopin beautifully expressed how yoga leads to happiness and overall well-being, resonating profoundly with Modi's aspiration for a healthier, more harmonious global community.

During their conversation, they pondered over the growing enthusiasm for yoga, driven by events like the International Day of Yoga. This movement has inspired communities worldwide to embrace yoga as a catalyst for unity and inner tranquility. Chopin's unwavering advocacy has been pivotal in this global endeavor, uniting cultures and surpassing borders as she spreads the message of yoga.

In honoring Charlotte Chopin with the Padma Shri award, India not only pays tribute to her remarkable legacy but also reaffirms its commitment to promoting yoga as a universal force for good. As we look to the future, let us draw inspiration from Chopin's indomitable spirit and continue to spread the light of yoga to every corner of the globe.

Her story serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us that age is but a number, and the true essence of yoga lies in its ability to awaken the spirit and nourish the soul.