The mood is upbeat and there has also been a spurt in the number of registrations and enrolments in yoga classes across the city. “People are experiencing the connection between mind and body through learning breathing practices and yoga postures,” says Unnikrishnan of the Sivananda Yoga Centre at K.K.Nagar, where more people now drop by to enquire or join crash/beginner’s or long term courses.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s idea to get June 21 declared as the International Yoga Day by the United Nations may have received national and global attention and connected people from all over the world with much fanfare on this single day.
But it is also a fact that people are now much more aware and realising that yoga shows the way to happiness, and, out of their personal interest and for general well being taking to yoga.
The difference is showing in this year’s Yoga Day celebrations here in Madurai. Last year, a mega event saw the participation of thousands of NCC cadets, teachers, students and practitioners of yoga who volunteered to promote the ancient exercise for wellness and peace. This time round, the programmes have been decentralised and the multiple organisers are both citing and gearing to cope with huge numbers.
“The benefit of yoga is reaching everybody,” says Col.Ujjal Singh, the Commanding Officer of NCC, who is expecting not less than 15,000 students from the Kendriya Vidyalayas and other schools and every college with NCC units to give yoga demonstrations in their respective institutions on Tuesday.
Yoga is like a health product today, he says, and should be started young. “An increase in participation means more people are taking the practice home,” he adds.
“We live in a stressful society today and adults and young are under a lot of pressure, says Unnikrishnan, adding, “yoga helps to put people in touch with their thoughts, emotions and energy levels.” His organisation is conducting a 90 minute demonstration for the public at the Walker’s Club in Lake Area from 6 a.m. to 7.30 a.m. on June 21.
“Anybody can join us either to practice, learn or simply watch,” he says. Last year 200 early morning walkers turned up and this year we are expecting much more, he notes. In the evening there will be a formal function at the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Meenakshi Ashram near Saramthangi Village on New Natham Road, to be addressed by the District Collector Mr.K.Veera Raghava Rao.
The Collector himself is a yoga enthusiast. From the age of eight he started doing yoga and proffers the importance and benefits of yoga to all. On Tuesday he plans to join hundreds of youths at the SDAT stadium, Race Course, as part of the yoga day celebrations. “Yoga is one way to keep yourself fit and the biggest merit of yoga is that you can do it at any age,” he says. “It is very heartening to see that yoga is encouraging people to make a lifestyle shift,” he adds.
Focussing on the wholesome development of children through yoga, the Madurai chapters of Confederation of Indian Industries and Young Indians are partnering with the Art of Living teachers. At Mahatma School in K.K.Nagar, they hope to collectively impact 2,000 teachers, students, parents, entrepreneurs and their own members in the one hour 15 minute session that will start at 7.45 a.m..
Says Rachna Binani, Chair-Yi Madurai chapter, “A simple practice session of few minutes can kindle and develop interest in yoga as it is not just about exercising but embodies the unity of mind and body.” Her team along with the AOL teachers will also move to Sithalakshmi School at Thirunagar and brief 1000-plus students about yoga and its benefits. The volunteers will demonstrate yoga and teach the students various asanas during one hour session from 9.45 a.m. “Gaining a sense of fulfilment is the greatest attribute of a truly successful individual and we are ushering in this possibility among school children through our programme,” she adds.
Gandhi Museum, where yoga courses are held round-the-year, and several other smaller and private yoga teaching centres and yoga trainers in the city have also pledged their support to the day. In general people are now inclined to enhance the quality of their lives. And yoga, for sure, is a hot subject for discussion today. Included in it is even adapted yoga for those with spinal injuries, bigger bodies, inflexibility and immobility issues. As Unnikrishnan adds, “yoga transforms mind and body towards positivity and has an ability to handle complex problems.”
Quote: Yoga is showing up everywhere now not just because it is a programme of some department. It is our age-old tradition and people are inspired to start practicing it for their well being. – K.Veera Raghava Rao, Madurai Collector
