Yoga contributes to physical and mental
well-being: P. Kalavathi
Yoga plays an important role in maintaining physical and mental well-being, said Madikeri City Municipal Council President P. Kalavathi.
She was speaking at the 12th International Yoga Day celebrations organised at Kaveri Hall in the city on Sunday under the theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, in association with the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat and the AYUSH Department.
Kalavathi said that regular practice of yoga improves health and longevity and helps individuals lead active and healthy lives. He observed that Yoga Day should not remain confined to a single day and stressed that yoga should become an integral part of daily life.
She also said that in the present times, instead of relying solely on gyms to improve physical fitness and strength, regular yoga practice at home can help control ailments such as hypertension and diabetes and contribute to overall well-being. “Yoga is one of the best ways to keep both the body and mind healthy as one grows older,” she said and appealed to the public to adopt yoga as a way of life.
District AYUSH Officer Dr. Shailaja said that regular practice of yoga and exercise enables people to remain active every day and emphasised that both are essential for maintaining good health.
She noted that officials and staff of various government departments, along with representatives of non-governmental organisations, had joined hands with the district administration in making the 12th International Yoga Day celebrations a success.
Taluk Health Officer Dr. Sanath Kumar said that the younger generation should be made aware of the importance of yoga and healthy living and stressed that yoga should be practised regularly.
Yoga instructors demonstrated various postures and practices including Surya Namaskar, Vrikshasana, Padahastasana, Urdhvasana, Tadasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana, Bhujangasana, Pavanamuktasana, Bhadrasana, Trikonasana, Ustrasana, Vajrasana, Shalabhasana, Shashankasana, Mandukasana, Vakrasana, Makarasana, Setubandhasana, UttanaPadasana, Ardha Halasana, Shavasana, Kapalabhati, Sheetali Pranayama, Bhramari Pranayama, Dhyana and Nadi Shodhana Pranayama.
Additional District Magistrate Sahana S. Hadimani, Sub-Divisional Officer Nitin Chakki, yoga trainers Mahesh Kumar and Kaushik Ayush, Dr. Rajaram of Neema Institute, Assistant Administrative Officer K.T. Kawerappa, Taluk Physical Education Inspector Rara Balachandra of the School Education Department, Lingappa of the Patanjali Yoga Education Committee, Kavan of Morning Star Yoga Institute, Scout and Guide teacher Damayanti, Medical Officer Dr. P.G. Arun and several others were present.
Dr. Pallavi welcomed the gathering, while Dr. Saraswati proposed the vote of thanks.
The programme was organised with the cooperation of various government and non-government organisations, including the District Health and Family Welfare Department, Kodagu Medical Education Department, District Police, Youth Empowerment and Sports Department, School Education and Literacy Department, Social Welfare Department, Pre-University Education Department, NSS and NCC units, Nehru Yuva Kendra, Kodagu Yuva Kokku, Indian Red Cross Society, Yoga Bharati, Pranava Yoga Kendra, Patanjali Yoga Education, Art of Living, Scouts and Guides and the NEEMA organisation.
