Meet Our Founder
Master Dpak (Deepak Upadhyay)
Founder of Sukara Yoga & Wellness
“Yoga is not merely a practice; it is a way of remembering who we truly are. Every breath, every posture, every moment of stillness brings us closer to the wisdom that has always existed within us.”
— Master Dpak
For some, he is a yoga teacher. For many, he is a mentor. To his students, he is simply known as Master Dpak—a traditional Indian yoga teacher whose life is dedicated to preserving and sharing the authentic wisdom of yoga, Ayurveda, Sanskrit, and holistic living.
As the Founder of Sukara Yoga & Wellness in Phuket, Thailand, Master Dpak welcomes global practitioners to experience authentic Indian yoga taught with compassion, discipline, and respect for its ancient roots. His mission is straightforward: to preserve the authenticity of traditional Indian yoga while making its timeless wisdom accessible to modern life.
Foundations and Heritage
A Childhood Rooted in Ancient India
The Bharadwaj Lineage & Sanskrit Scholarship
Master Dpak comes from a traditional Brahmin family belonging to the Bharadwaj Gotra, a Vedic lineage tracing back to Maharishi Bharadwaj, one of the revered Saptarishis (Seven Great Seers). This heritage instilled in him a lifelong responsibility toward humility, discipline, and service to humanity.
Knowledge was the bedrock of his upbringing; his grandfather was a respected Sanskrit scholar from Varanasi (Kashi), a historic epicenter of Indian philosophy. Unlike those who encounter yoga purely as physical exercise, Master Dpak was introduced to it as a complete science of life—encompassing ethics, breath, meditation, and self-awareness.
Bridging East and West: Academic Excellence
Master Dpak believes that true learning never ends. Alongside his traditional upbringing, he pursued an extensive, interdisciplinary academic journey:
- Doctoral Studies in Yoga
- Master’s Degree in Chinese Studies
- Master’s Degree in East Asian Studies
- Academic Background in International Politics
This rare educational blend allows him to understand both Eastern spiritual wisdom and the complexities of the modern world, proving that ancient knowledge can beautifully complement contemporary science and global culture.
The Transformation and Training
A Career Beyond Yoga & The Return to Purpose
Before dedicating himself fully to yoga, Master Dpak built a successful corporate career in educational technology and international affairs, collaborating with professionals globally. Despite his achievements, a deeper question persisted: “What is the greatest contribution I can make to humanity?”
The answer called him back to his roots. Stepping away from a conventional corporate career, he chose a path of service, realizing the world did not simply need more fitness instructors—it needed authentic teachers to preserve the true essence of yoga.
[ Corporate Success ] ➔ [ Sincere Seekership ] ➔ [ The Himalayan Calling ]
The Calling of Rishikesh & Temple Life
His quest for experiential wisdom led him to Rishikesh, the “Yoga Capital of the World,” nestled along the sacred River Ganga in the Himalayan foothills. Here, yoga was not an hourly practice; it was an entire way of living.
Master Dpak immersed himself in the Himalayan Tradition, practicing under the guidance of Guru Prem Narayan Das Ji Maharaj (of the Maha Tyagi tradition). He spent a transformative period living and serving at the Bara Hanuman Mandir near Triveni Ghat. His daily life revolved around:
- Pre-dawn meditation and Pranayama (Breath Science)
- The study of classical Hatha Yoga scriptures and anatomy
- Temple service (Seva), devotional silence, and scriptural study
Through this rigorous training, he realized that the most respected yogis are admired not for their physical flexibility, but for their character, humility, and adherence to yogic ethics.
Sukara Yoga & Wellness
The Birth of a Sanctuary in Phuket
Bringing together his traditional training and modern corporate experience, Master Dpak founded Sukara Yoga & Wellness in Patong, Phuket. The name Sukara reflects a philosophy of living with greater balance, wellbeing, and inner harmony.
Designed as a holistic wellness destination where ancient traditions meet modern lifestyles, Sukara operates under a strict guiding principle: Authenticity before popularity.
Teaching Philosophy: Yoga is for Everyone
Master Dpak teaches that yoga extends far beyond the mat. It influences how we breathe, think, eat, and respond to life’s challenges. His classes emphasize:
- Correct anatomical alignment and safety
- Breath awareness and mindful movement
- Individualized guidance tailored to unique body types
- Integration of traditional philosophy for sustainable progress
Our Vision
To establish Sukara Yoga & Wellness as one of Southeast Asia’s leading destinations for authentic Indian yoga, Ayurveda, and holistic wellness—where ancient traditions are preserved with integrity, shared with compassion, and made accessible to people from all cultures.
Our Mission
To inspire healthier lives by sharing authentic Indian yoga and holistic wellness through traditional teaching, personalized care, and a commitment to lifelong learning, while honoring the wisdom of the Himalayan tradition and the rich heritage of India’s ancient sciences.
“Every lesson I have received carries with it a responsibility—not to keep this knowledge for myself, but to share it with sincerity, humility, and respect. Yoga is not about becoming someone else. It is about discovering the strength, peace, and wisdom that already exist within you. I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey toward health, balance, and self-discovery.”
Your journey begins with a single breath. Welcome to Sukara Yoga & Wellness.