IIT Kharagpur celebrated the 5th International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2019 by holding yoga sessions at the Technology Students’ Gymkhana (TSG). Mr Sudhir Kumar, Physical Training Instructor (G-1) and Health Educator from TSG, demonstrated different asanas and pranayama during the event.
There were also other events to mark the day – a quiz competition for Campus school children on June 19, yoga demonstration for Campus kids, senior residents, Faculty, staff and students at the Yoga Room of TSG on June 20.
Mr Kumar said on the occasion, “It is just because of the lack of knowledge and awareness that young people these days indulge in habits which have a very negative effect on their bodies and minds. We can always teach our students to cultivate healthy habits. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, we need to follow a sattwik diet plan – less oil and spices in food. We also suggest ‘alpahara’ – to eat just as much the body needs and to not overfeed. Students these days are health-conscious and they do try to follow this diet plan, but when we teach them through proper formal training, they understand its connection to yoga better.”
Among the asanas demonstrated were Brikshasana – the tree posture that helps in maintaining balance –Trikonasana, Salabhasana, Sarvangasana, Ushtrasana, Patangasana and Pavanmuktasana. Close to two hundred people, including campus residents, students and Faculty, assembled for the yoga session. The session, which started outdoors had to be shifted indoors on account of the rains.
The session at the TSG was attended by the Director, Prof. Partha Pratim Chakrabarti. Prof. Chakrabarti said on the occasion, “This is a wonderful initiative and will go a long way to benefit our students. IIT Kharagpur encourages the practice of yoga throughout the year. Yoga is an indispensable component in the NSO (Health and Fitness) program of IIT Kharagpur which is part of the Institute’s mandatory extra academic activity.”
For professionals who get little time to practice yoga, Mr Kumar said, “I would suggest ‘Surya Namaskar’ for those who are unable to devote much time for yogasanas. Surya Namaskar is a set of 12 postures that lead to a total body workout. So, if 3 to 4 sets of Surya Namaskars can be done on a daily basis, it is more than enough for body fitness. Likewise, if we meditate for half an hour daily, it will help immensely.”
Photo credit: Athletics IIT KGP