My Story

I’m Sunita Poddar – an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and lifelong advocate for community, care, and holistic wellbeing. My journey began in 1977 when I arrived in the UK as a young bride, unable to speak English and with no formal education beyond the basics. From those humble beginnings, I’ve built a life dedicated to service, resilience, and empowering others to thrive – especially those often left behind.

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My career started behind the counter of my brother-in-law’s grocery shop and grew into entrepreneurship with my first petrol station. Soon after, I found my true calling in the care sector. Today, I run Oakminster Healthcare, a group of care homes in Glasgow that supports nearly 400 residents and employs over 300 staff – most of them women, many of them skilled migrants. Building this business hasn’t been easy, but every challenge – from financial hurdles to near bankruptcy – has strengthened my commitment to creating spaces of dignity, compassion, and excellence in care.

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My passion for holistic health also led me to yoga. In 2006, I founded Patanjali Yog Peeth UK Trust (PYPT), which now supports a national network of 3,500 yoga teachers offering free weekly classes, online and in-person, to people of all ages and backgrounds. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we pivoted to offer 72 online classes each week, keeping our elderly and isolated members active and connected.

Today, I continue to champion yoga in schools, workplaces, and care homes, and I’ve authored and distributed over 34,000 free or low-cost yoga and Ayurveda books for children, families, and teachers.

In 2015, inspired by the first International Day of Yoga, I began organising large-scale public yoga events across the UK. These free, multicultural celebrations regularly attract hundreds – sometimes thousands – and are broadcast worldwide, promoting wellness and unity through movement and mindfulness.

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I also serve as a health and social care advisor to the Scottish Labour Party. I work with policymakers to tackle challenges in our care system – from hospital pressures and bed blocking to improving transitions between hospital and home care. In my own homes, I’ve seen first-hand how compassionate, coordinated care can transform lives – including helping long-term hospital patients finally return home.

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Beyond healthcare, I’m deeply committed to women’s empowerment. From supporting women escaping domestic abuse to creating menopause wellness toolkits for my staff, I strive to break down barriers and build pathways for women to lead, grow, and heal.

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Cultural stewardship is another part of my journey. In 2009, I purchased Little Cumbrae Island, which I placed in a charitable trust to preserve it as a space for education, ecology, and spiritual reflection. I continue to support local tourism and ecological restoration on the island, ensuring its natural beauty and heritage are protected for generations.

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As a former Honorary Consul General of Nepal in Scotland, I’ve helped establish vital community spaces – including places of worship and cultural centres for the Nepalese community in Scotland. My work at the Himalayan Centre for Arts and Culture in Edinburgh helped save a historic Victorian building while creating a vibrant, inclusive space for arts, worship, and community.

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My journey is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: when we care for each other – mind, body, and spirit – we build stronger, kinder communities. I’m proud of the legacy I’m building, but even more excited about what’s to come.

Let’s Work Together

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