UPFNA California
Cultivating Harmony, Fostering Understanding, Creating a Peaceful Future!
The Universal Peace Foundation California (UPF Cal) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering peace, understanding, and cooperation among individuals, communities, and nations. We believe that lasting peace begins with individual transformation and extends to our interactions with the world around us.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every individual is nurturing harmonious relationships, and fostering a global culture of harmony and peace.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower individuals on their journey to inner peace through yogic practices and meditation, thereby amplifying the collective effort to create a more peaceful world. We aim to empower 1% of the world’s population by 2030.
Our Guiding Philosophy
The Universal Peace Foundation California carries the lineage of our revered Spiritual Master, GuruMahan, Founder of the Universal Peace Foundation, India. According to GuruMahan, self-empowerment can be achieved through the Trinity Concept, which relies on individuals aligning their body, mind, and intellect to uncover their true selves and thereby attain the everlasting state of joy known as Santhosam.
Yoga, Mindfulness & Meditation Programs for Adults & Kids
For Adults, we offer a range of classes and programs designed to provide you the tools needed to establish and grow your meditation practice, at your own pace. Our meditation program steps through multiple levels, starting with just a one-minute of mindfulness to instantly calm your mind and balance your mood. As you progress to the next level learn the simple 3-min Vitality boosting practice that deepens the connection between mind and body. Once the foundations are established, advance to the Energy Centers / Chakra activations and alignment Inner Awakening series which is a niche and transformative program that will help release physical pain and tension, release stored trauma, elevating your levels of inner peace and well-being.
Our Kids Yoga program aims to empower children to embrace the principles of mindful living that will serve them for a lifetime.
Our History
Arthisre and Parthiban embarked on their mission to establish the Universal Peace Foundation California after settling in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2011. They were deeply inspired by their Spiritual Master, GuruMahan, whose teachings had profoundly transformed their lives and the lives of thousands. For Arthisre, the Inner Awakening program wasn’t just a spiritual practice; it was a lifeline. As a teenager, she experienced the devastating loss of her beloved father, leaving her with deep-seated trauma and grief. The Inner Awakening program provided her with the tools to release this pain, find inner peace, and ultimately, reshape her life’s trajectory. This transformative experience ignited a burning desire within her to share this profound wisdom with others. She envisioned a community where ancient, authentic spiritual practices were accessible to everyone, regardless of their background. She firmly believes that every individual, no matter their race, color, or religion, deserves the opportunity to unlock their full potential and find inner peace.
Timeline:
- 2011-2013: Initiated hundreds of individuals into this transformative practice in the Sunnyvale and Santa Clara areas.
- 2013-2015: Expanded to Pleasanton in the East Bay, launching diverse programs that enriched individuals of all ages, from children to seniors.
- 2016-2025: Supported thousands of seekers on their transformative inner journey in the San Jose and Santa Clara areas.
- The Foundation periodically hosts their Spiritual Master, GuruMahan, a respected spiritual teacher from the East, in California, providing the local community with the opportunity to experience profound inner joy.
Join us in continuing this journey of transformation.
Our Volunteers
Arthisre Siddheswaran
Wisdom teacher/ Founder
Arthisre began her yoga journey when she first met Gurumahan at the age of 19. The discovery of yoga has been a life-changing gift. She completed a degree in engineering alongside Clinical Yoga & Nature Cure, Prenatal and Childcare Development, and a Master’s in Yoga.
Arthisre started teaching when she realized the positive effects her practice had on her body, mind, and soul. In 2011, she was recognized as a Wisdom Teacher by Gurumahan, and since then, she has initiated hundreds of people into the Kundalini path. Her passion for yoga and her service to the community continue.
Parthiban Radhakrishnan
Wisdom teacher/ President
Parthiban was first introduced to Kundalini Meditation during his college days. His passion for yoga and his search for higher yogic knowledge led him to connect with his Guru in 2009.
He attended numerous workshops with Gurumahan and senior wisdom teachers from the Universal Peace Foundation to deepen his understanding of yogic philosophy and practice. He graduated as a Kundalini Yoga Wisdom teacher and has been serving the community by teaching ever since.
Dr.Priya Nandi
Secretary
Dr. Priya Nandi is a volunteer board member serving in the capacity of Secretary and she is also a volunteer coordinator for middle and high school students. She is a staunch believer of changing the world through individual peace. She has been associated with UPF since 2015 and attributes her life’s well being to daily meditation practice learnt from GuruMahan and UPF.
Professionally, she is a pharmaceutical research scientist and a licensed registered immunization pharmacist in the state of NJ. She earned her doctoral degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from St. John’s University, Jamica, NY. She is a 25 year veteran in the pharmaceutical industry.
She likes to volunteer her free time and contribute her part to building a peaceful World.
Yamini Iyer
Treasurer
I hold a master’s degree in accounting and finance, with experience in the fields of finance, auditing, and I am a qualified Company Secretary (India). Currently pursuing my CPA in the United States, I bring a detail-oriented and strategic approach to financial management. As a cheerful, enthusiastic, and driven person, I am committed to ensuring financial stability, optimizing resources, and supporting the organization’s mission. My goal is to enable impactful initiatives and contribute to lasting positive change in the community.
Chandu Krishnagiri
Yoga Instructor/ Director
Chandu’s quest for spiritual wisdom started quite early in his life when he explored reading spiritual books from various gurus. His quest was satisfied when he was introduced to Kundalini meditation and practices. The journey into meditation over three decades helped him develop a deep understanding of the journey and the dedication. His deep desire to share the insights and techniques to expedite the progress for individuals who are beginning the journey seems very rewarding. Chandu takes it as a blessing to meet with any aspiring soul in this endeavor and help them realize their potential.
Sendilraj Perumalswamy
Kids Yoga Instructor
Intern Yoga Teacher who is passionate about sharing the transformative power of yoga and meditation with young minds. He is a dedicated individual with a scientific mind and a spiritual heart. With a gentle and nurturing approach, he is committed to creating a fun and engaging yoga experience for children. He is eager to inspire the next generation of yogis and help them develop a lifelong love of yoga, meditation, and wellness.
Juergen Hofler
Yoga Instructor
Juergen has been studying meditation and yoga since his teenage years, and since 2013, he has been focused on Kundalini Yoga as a transformative practice. He has attended advanced meditation courses in India and the US, and has completed a 200-hour Yoga certification. Juergen is passionate about sharing the benefits of Kundalini Yoga with as many people as possible to help them improve their lives.
In addition to his spiritual pursuits, Juergen is also a scientist and engineer by training, holding a PhD in Material Science. He has worked in both academia and industry throughout his professional life.