Dr Rekha Chaudhari is India’s trailblazing wellness industry celebrity and international wellness leader. She seamlessly connects industry and government with her expertise and influence. Having fostered collaboration and driven positive change in the sector, her inspiring leadership has revolutionised the wellness field, making her a prominent figure globally.
By Andrea CostaBir
Grit and passion have brought you where you are today. But looking back, what inspired you to set off on this journey? What is it that keeps you going?
Growing up and spending most of my life in the countryside of India, in a tribal area, I was exposed to natural remedies and traditional health and wellness practices that have strongly influenced my outlook on health and wellness in the modern world. These practices, steeped in ancient wisdom, offered holistic approaches to health and wellness that I have successfully integrated into my modern luxury wellness approach.
What keeps me going is the profound impact of the unique initiatives that I’ve started, which have brought social attention on a global platform because these are critical issues in society. Initiatives like the ‘World Digital Detox Day’, which addresses digital addiction and promotes balanced digital consumption, and postpartum natural recovery and mental health awareness through ‘Mother’s Touch Research’ led me to establish ‘MAADI’ and the ‘Rwellness’ brand. I have also collaborated with special natural skincare brands like Remy Laure and BLAB, which are now used in luxury 5-star hotel spas and beauty salons in India, gaining popularity for their unique product ranges. The success of the ‘ZEP Foundation’, which empowers rural women and tribal youth through wellness skills and sustainable livelihood projects, is close to my heart too.
Your journey is inspiring… especially during the pandemic when you received the COVID Warrior Award for your remarkable contributions. Can you cue us into this and your ‘Mother’s Touch’ research on postpartum care?
My journey has been unconventional, beginning my professional career after the age of 40 and transitioning from a village background to achieving global impact. This path wasn’t easy, but my willingness and self-confidence guided me to where I am today. Immersing myself in natural environments, I gained deep insights into alternative therapies, with a particular focus on postpartum care.
One of my unique areas of expertise is postpartum care through natural therapies, which gained worldwide recognition through ‘Mother’s Touch’. This research-based work, recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), showcases valuable Indian health rituals on a global platform. It also preserves essential knowledge for future generations, safeguarding practices that were on the brink of disappearing from society.
Regarding the COVID Warrior Award, I took two major steps. First, I led the reopening phase of the industry during the pandemic. The weight of expectations and distress calls from struggling women entrepreneurs fighting for the survival of their businesses was heart-wrenching. Witnessing esteemed colleagues closing their businesses and seeing years of hard work vanish before my eyes was a sobering experience. This inspired me to write ‘Women of Wellness’, a deeply personal and passionate tribute to the unsung heroines of the wellness industry.
Second, in response to these challenges, a few industry leaders and I united to save our industry. We faced the government head-on, representing a unified voice that led to the establishment of the Beauty and Wellness Association of India (BWAI). This association, involving top industry leaders, promotes collaboration, resource-sharing, and advocacy for our industry’s interests on government platforms.
What are the core strengths of your business, and how did you become a recognized name in offering natural skincare and wellness remedies? Also, what’s the secret to your glowing skin?!
The core strengths of my business lie in our unwavering commitment to advocating for natural skincare and wellness.
In addition to skincare, I’ve established the Rwellness brand, focusing on luxury aromatherapy and Ayurveda. We also have MAADI, a niche line for postpartum care for mothers and newborns, rooted in research from ‘Mother’s Touch’, which is a perfect gift for modern mothers. The widespread adoption of my products speaks of the credibility, authenticity, and purity of our range.
My guiding principle in business is to only offer products that I personally believe in and use. I have personally connected with more than a thousand tribal farmers to source natural and authentic ingredients. As for my glowing skin, I attribute it to my commitment to using our own brands, Remy Laure and BLAB, for skincare, and Rwellness for overall wellness. These products are not just part of my business; they are integral to my daily routine and well-being, helping me stay fit and radiant at 57.
How did you come up with the idea for World Digital Detox Day, and what inspired you to create it nine years ago?
The creation of World Digital Detox Day was inspired by observing the rising issue of digital addiction and its detrimental effects on mental health. The constant pressure to stay online, coupled with the challenges of balancing digital connectivity with real-world interactions, became increasingly concerning. My global interactions with wellness leaders revealed that while technology offers significant convenience, it also contributes to stress, anxiety, and a growing disconnect from nature and meaningful human connections. World Digital Detox Day was established to tackle these pressing issues.
The primary aim is to promote mental well-being, encourage individuals to reconnect with their surroundings, and raise awareness about the benefits of regular digital breaks, or “digital fasting.” I am especially thankful to Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi for emphasizing the importance of digital fasting and to Susie Ellis, Chair & CEO of the Global Wellness Institute, and Jean-Guy de Gabriac, Founder of World Wellness Weekend, for their invaluable support in launching this initiative.
Thanks to our dedicated ambassadors, World Digital Detox Day has expanded to 65 countries, becoming the world’s largest digital detox movement. Celebrated annually on December 10th, it reaches over 7.5 million offline followers. This year, on December 10th, we will be celebrating with the theme “Smartphone-Free Childhood and Smartphone-Free Life.” Please join us in protecting society from digital dependence.
How would you describe yourself… considering your impressive titles such as Global Wellness Ambassador, Wellness Crusader, Inspiring Philanthropist, Leader in Women Empowerment & Rural Skill Development, Wellness Tourism Pioneer, Motivational Speaker, Beauty and Wellness Queen, Business Leader in Premium Beauty and Spa Products, Researcher, and Wellness Author?
My unique work, research and initiatives have earned me these titles and positioned me as a global leader. I would describe myself as a visionary leader dedicated to global wellness, mental health and empowerment, while pioneering advancements in the wellness industry.
My work involves providing scientific evidence to elevate and preserve India’s holistic wellness practices, which have become a blessing for the modern world through my research. My worldwide connections enable me to bring cutting-edge technology to the Indian market.
