From Navy Commodore to Laughter Yoga Advocate
Ashok Sawhney, originally from New Delhi, India, joined the Indian Navy in 1973, embarking on a remarkable career that spanned 36 years, culminating in his retirement as a Commodore in 2008. Ashok's fondness for laughter began when he watched an episode of the popular TV show Satyameva Jayate in October 2014, hosted by renowned Bollywood actor Aamir Khan. The episode focused on stress in daily life and techniques to overcome it. Dr. Madan Kataria was invited as a guest to discuss Laughter Therapy, and in just a few minutes, he eloquently conveyed how laughter could be a simple path to happiness and good health. Inspired by this, Ashok made the decision to establish a Laughter Club in his Community Centre in Noida.
A New Beginning: Inspiration from Satyameva Jayate
With the assistance of Dr. Santosh Sahi, another dedicated Laughter Yoga practitioner in New Delhi, Ashok successfully launched the club the following month. Initially, it started with 10-15 residents gathering on weekends, but soon it became a daily laughter club. In April 2015, Dr. Kataria himself visited the club, drawing an attendance of around 130 people. This visit boosted the club's popularity, and its membership grew to over a hundred, with around 50 regular participants each day.
The Growth of the Noida Laughter Club
As members began experiencing the health benefits of laughter, word spread, attracting participants from across Noida and even some from New Delhi. An additional benefit emerged through the strong social connections formed among the members, creating a close-knit laughter family.
Dr. Kataria also encouraged the club to reach out and conduct portable Laughter Clinics. Following his advice, Ashok and his team began organizing Laughter Yoga sessions in various settings, including underprivileged schools, mainstream public schools, senior citizens' homes, hospitals, cancer care centers, support groups, corporate offices, and work floors. Furthermore, they assisted in establishing laughter clubs in numerous residential societies within Noida.
Laughter Yoga in Schools and Hospitals
Ashok's journey from a TV show viewer to an advocate and leader of laughter clubs exemplifies the transformative power of laughter. His efforts to spread laughter and its benefits have not only positively impacted individuals but also fostered a sense of community and social support.
With the onset of the Covid pandemic and the subsequent lockdown, Ashok made the decision to transition his laughter sessions online, starting from April 1, 2020. These daily online Laughter Yoga sessions gained popularity, attracting participants not only from across India but also from overseas.
Online Laughter Sessions During COVID-19
Within a few months of embarking on his Laughter Yoga journey, Ashok experienced a profound personal transformation. He found himself filled with joy and happiness, adopting a positive and optimistic attitude towards life. Instead of judgment and criticism, he developed a newfound acceptance of people and situations as they are. This shift in mindset not only enhanced his overall well-being but also made him healthier, fitter, and more energetically vibrant.
Laughter as a Path to Personal and Spiritual Growth
As Ashok's laughter club continued to grow, with members reaping significant benefits, a sense of fulfillment and purpose blossomed within him. The impact he witnessed in the lives of others fueled his passion for spreading laughter and brought a deep sense of satisfaction.
Furthermore, Ashok discovered that laughter had a spiritual dimension, serving as a conduit to connect with his soul and inner self effortlessly. This spiritual connection added an extra layer of richness to his laughter practice, enhancing his overall spiritual well-being.
Ashok's journey with Laughter Yoga not only brought personal growth and well-being but also empowered him to positively impact the lives of others. His experiences serve as a testament to the profound effects laughter can have on one's physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions, as well as the transformative power it holds for personal and social connections.

Experts from KEYEM THOMEZ  Book 55 Laughter Yogis: Inspiring Stories of JOY and Transformation 
Amazon link to buy the book  - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9K97LR4