There is a frailness to his frame that belies M.R. Chandrasekaran stentorian voice. As he begins to instruct his students — three children and three women — on the terrace of his house at Nadamuni Street in T. Nagar, one hears the booming voice of authority.
The 81-year-old has been teaching yoga for nearly three decades. Before launching his second career as yoga teacher, he underwent many courses, which include a master of science programme from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University and a degree course from the Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University.
He then did his PhD on the subject at Karpagam Academy of Higher Education in Coimbatore. He follows in the footsteps of S. Sarveswara Rau, a yoga kalaimamani.
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Chandrasekaran is attached to the Bharatiya Yog Sansthan, headquartered in Delhi.
His association with Chennai, particularly T. Nagar, began when he was a student at Sri Ramakrishna Mission School at Venkatnarayana Road near Panagal Park.
“I was in hostel then and the Swamis there taught us yoga,” he says, but when he wanted to become a yoga instructor, he decided he had to start afresh and went through the afore-mentioned string of courses.
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On the mantle in his living room sit two photographs — one of his family with former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran and another with actor Rajinikanth.
“We were in Rishikesh and he was walking with us. We wanted a photo and he obliged,” says Chandrasekar on who the photo session with Rajinikanth happened. He began teaching at Jeeva Park and students flocked to him.
During one of his visits, then Corporation mayor Ma. Subramanian agreed to his suggestion that a platform for yoga classes be established at Jeeva Park.
“Now, they have shut down the park for renovation under the smart cities programme.” His voice betrays his disappointment that he’s not able to visit the green space.
He conducts classes at the Independence Day park in Nungambakkam, Haddows Road Park, the Park in Sector 27 of K.K. Nagar through the week. But Jeeva Park is close to his heart.
At the time of this article going to press, he was holding sessions along with Rau at Panagal Park, as part of International Day of Yoga celebrations.
He is concerned about ensuring electricity supply, which has been cut at the park as shops have been stealing power.
"If there is no power we have to make arrangements for a generator. I hope it doesn't rain on that day. We are expecting around 100-150 people," he says.
Chandrasekaran’s children live in the United States and Singapore and when he visits them, he teaches yoga there.
Among his unforgettable disciples is a Japanese woman who refused hotel accommodation and stayed with the Chandrasekarans. “I told her we are vegetarians and will serve her the same. She did not understand much English and I did not know Japanese. So, my wife bought an English-Japanese dictionary and within 15 days she had learnt quite a bit of yoga,” recalls Chandrasekaran.
And what is the fee for the classes?
“I ask the student to bring one more student,” he replies.