Extreme Yoga Poses by Medicos at Father Muller Institution’s 5th International Yoga Day
Mangaluru : Fifth International Yoga Day was observed across the world on June 21. On this day, which is dedicated to the inner and outer well-being of human body, people across the world practice yoga in groups. The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga, a physical, mental and spiritual practice. The word yoga originates from Yuja, a Sanskrit word which means, “To Join or To Unite”, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. The theme for this year’s annual event, celebrated at the United Nations with yoga gurus, followed by a panel discussion, is ‘Climate Action’.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had proposed the date 21st June as it was the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere (shortest in the southern hemisphere), having special significance in many parts of the world and when the Adi Yogi (Shiva) is said to have begun imparting the knowledge of yoga to the rest of mankind on this day, when there is natural support for those pursuing spiritual practices. As per directives of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, GOI, the Father Muller Charitable Institutions Educational Units, the Father Muller Medical College(FMMC), Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College (FMHMC), Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences (FMCAHS), Father Muller College of Nursing(FMCON), Father Muller School of Nursing (FMSON) and the Father Muller College of Speech and Hearing (FMCSH) with its National Service Scheme (NSS) Volunteers conducted the event in a grand manner.
You want to strike a pose—a yoga pose, that is! These strength and flexibility-focused postures flew into full sequences that even Vinyasa newbies loved to do the Yoga exercises, at the Fifth International Yoga Day 2019 celebrated at Father Muller Charitable Institutions on 21 June at the Father Muller Indoor Stadium at 3.30 pm. Talk about Women Empowerment, the number of women participants at today’s World Yoga Day at Father Muller’s was around 600 plus, and only 17 men among the flock? Wow- seems like women rule at a Yoga event? The programme began with a prayer song invoking God’s blessings, followed by welcome address by Sr. Jacintha D’souza, Principal, Father Muller College of Nursing, who elaborated on the importance of the day. She said, Yoga in everyday life is one of the healthiest practice people can make and also quoting the Bhagavad Gita “ Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self”.
The programme was inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by Chief guest Naveen R D’souza- Ex-Corporator of Mangaluru City Corporation, along with other dignitaries on the dais, namely- Fr Richard Coelho-Director, FMCI; Fr Rudolph Ravi D’sa- Administrator, FMMCH; Fr Ajith Menezes- Administrator, FMMC; and Dr Havyashree, the Yoga instructor for the event. The chief guest Naveen R. D’Souza, in his inaugural address spoke on the adherence of the yoga in everyday life and not only during days such as this. Yoga in everyday life can heal a person of untold diseases and lifestyle related diseases. He said that the medical fraternity should help in progress of this science and help in holistic healing of their patients. “Yoga should be a part of your life on daily basis, and not just on World Yoga Day”he added.
Fr. Richard A Coelho in his presidential address reminded the gathering of the importance of yogic science in spirituality. Yoga not only helps in general health but also in the liberation of the mind thereby enhancing the vibrancy of the soul. He also reminisced of the earlier Yoga day and the MoU signed with the Vyasa University in Bengaluru on Yogic Science research. He concluded that one should have a dream, focus and decide an aim and to achieve the desired, for which meditation and yogic science helps.”Practicing yoga might seem like just stretching, but it can do much more for your body from the way you feel, look and move. So I suggest everyone of you to make Yoga a part of your daily activity to keep you fit and trim” added Fr Coelho.
The workshop on Yoga was conducted in the fully air-conditioned Father Muller Indoor Stadium with more than 600 plus participants. Demonstrations and performance of a series of Yog-Asanas were performed by renowned Yoga Instructor, Dr. Havyashree, department of Yoga and Naturopathy, FMHMCH. The Common Yoga Protocol was demonstrated and practiced as per the AYUSH guidelines under the supervision of the yoga instructor. She has conducted innumerable Yoga camps for women and children and has focused her research in steam inhalation with acupuncture in treating sinusitis.
From Naukasana to Tadasana, Vrikshasana, Trikonasana, and many other Asanas, the participants got all their muscles in their body engaged during the exercises. Working their limbs, shoulders stretched, twisting their torso, they all juggled between maintaining postures and attempting to breathe the right way. This ancient form of fitness with roots in India did focus on developing balance, strength and flexibility. And truly Yoga is all about pushing past your body’s limits over time- and that’s what all these “Mullerites” did. And, Bravo-they all did it safe, without breaking any limbs or bones?
Among the Mullerites, were a bevy of medical students from University of Lausanne and Ecolelasource, Switzerland, who had come on a student exchange programme as part of UG Bachelor Thesis at Father Muller Medical College, Mangaluru. The team comprising of Sage Zesiger, Maelle Zurcheri, Claire Stoppa, Tanguy Borgeand Dit Avocort, Elena Orita, and Julie Moeckle, enjoyed every bit of the Yoga Assanas, and since it was their FIRST experience, they were a bit worried that they may land up with back and leg pain tonight. “Yoga was fun, we loved it, and we want to do it again if we get a chance in future. The health benefits are great, so why not make Yoga a daily routine of our lives” said the Swiss gang.
Even though the Swiss team has been missing their favourite Cheese fondue, Raclette, Älplermagronen, Rösti, Birchermüesli, Swiss chocolate and Swiss cheese, but for the past few days they have been enjoying the goodness of Mangaluru cuisine of Chicken/Prawns ghee roast, Biriyani, Neer dosa, Chicken Sukka, Payasam and other Kudla delicacies, and they simply love them- and want to try more of Mangalorean food in the next few days of their stay here. I suggested they try some Dukhra Mass and Pork Sorpothel, the Mangalorean Catholic signature food- and they agreed to do so. Yours Truly did enjoy the company of the “Eidgenossens”? Bon apetit!
Dr. Sanjay Fernandes, Asst. Prof., Dept. of Anatomy, FMMC, was the master of ceremony and delivered the vote of thanks. Fr. Sylvester Lobo, Administrator and Dr Kiran Shetty- Medical Superintendent respectively of Father Muller Hospital – Thumbay, Dr Jayaprakash Alva Dean, Father Muller Medical College, Dr. Sanjeev Rai, Director of Scientific Research, Sr Janet D’souza- Chief Nursing Officer, staff of the sister intuitions were present for the event.
Strike a Yoga Pose by The Swiss Medicos
In conclusion, sources reveal that The art of practicing yoga helps in controlling an individual’s mind, body and soul. It brings together physical and mental disciplines to achieve a peaceful body and mind; it helps manage stress and anxiety and keeps you relaxing. It also helps in increasing flexibility, muscle strength and body tone. It improves respiration, energy and vitality. Practicing yoga might seem like just stretching, but it can do much more for your body from the way you feel, look and move. Yoga asanas build strength, flexibility and confidence. Regular practice of yoga can help lose weight, relieve stress, improve immunity and maintain a healthier lifestyle. Make Yoga your one more extra-curricular activity. Yoga Accepts-Yoga Gives!
