Yoga For Harmony and Peace! Sea of Students of Fr Muller Charitable Institutions Engage in ‘Asanas’ on Intl Yoga Day
Yoga For Harmony and Peace! Sea of Students of Fr Muller Charitable Institutions {FMCI}namely father Muller Medical College; Father Muller Homeopathic Medical College; Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences; Father Muller College of Nursing; Father Muller School of Nursing; and Father Muller College of Speech and Hearing Engage in ‘Asanas’ on International Yoga Day on 21 June at Father Muller Indoor Stadium.
Mangaluru: Fourth 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 Yoga Day 2018 is “Yoga for Peace.”
The first International Day of Yoga was observed all over the world on June 21, 2015. 35,985 people, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a large number of dignitaries from 84 nations, performed 21 yoga asanas (postures) for 35 minutes at Rajpath in New Delhi. The event at Rajpath established two Guinness world records – one for the largest yoga class, featuring 35,985 people, and second for the largest number of participating nationalities (84 nations). While addressing the United Nations General Assembly 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said, “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature.” He had proposed June 21 to be observed as International Yoga Day throughout the world. Recognizing its universal appeal, on December 11, 2014, the United Nations declared June 21 as International Day of Yoga in 2014.
And so, locally here in Mangaluru, Father Muller Institutions namely- Father Muller Medical College; Father Muller Homeopathic Medical College; Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences; Father Muller College of Nursing; Father Muller School of Nursing; and Father Muller College of Speech and Hearing organized “International Yoga Day” where a sea of students of all these institutions engaged in ‘Asanas’ in the new Father Muller Indoor Stadium. Minister for urban development and housing U T Khader inaugurated International Yoga Day celebration, along with other dignitaries on the dais- Fr Richard Coelho- Director-FMCI; Fr Vincent Saldanha- Administrator, FMHMC and H; Fr Rudolph D’sa- Administrator, FMMCH; Fr Ajith Menezes- Administrator, FMMC; Fr Roshan Crasta-Administrator, FMH-Thumbay; Dr J P Alva- Dean, FMMC; Dr Shivaprasad K-Principal, FMHMC; Sr Jacintha D’souza- Principal, FMCON; Ms Jasmine Saritha Vas-Principal, FMSON; and Akilesh P M- Principal, FMCS and H.
Following a prayer, the welcome address was delivered by Dr J P Alva, which was followed by introduction and words of felicitation on Minister U T Khader by Dr Shivaprasad. U T Khader was felicitated on the occasion with a shawl, flower bouquet and a memento. Addressing the gathering, U T Khader said, “On the outset let me compliment Fr Muller Institutions for this state-of-the-art Indoor stadium, which will surely benefit the students of this institution. International Yoga Day is a unique day when it comes to the health factor of human beings. Performing yoga is the best medicine to relieve oneself from stress and tension. It can also inspire you in many ways. Yoga teaches you to breathe well and keep yourself fit. Yoga Improves Health. Improves your flexibility. Builds muscle strength. Perfects your posture. Prevents cartilage and joint breakdown. Protects your spine. Betters your bone health. Increases your blood flow. Drains your lymphs and boosts immunity. Therefore I urge the Management, staff and students should not only perform yoga, but should bring awareness and educate people about the benefits of Yoga, thereby make it as one of your responsibility and duty. While wishing you all a happy Yoga Day, may you also have a healthy lifestye”
In his presidential address, Fr Richard Coelho said, “I am overwhelmed to see a large gathering of students enthusiastically waiting to perform yoga all under one roof. Presently Yoga training programmes, camps, retreats, seminars, workshops are organized at group and mass level, where people gather in groups and perform various asanas and pranayamas, for healthy lifestyle and physique. They are also made aware about the importance of the practice and how it helps in curing and healing. 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. So I suggest everyone of you to make Yoga a part of your daily activity to keep you fit and trim”.
Sr Jacintha D’Souza rendered the vote of thanks, while Dr Deepa Rebello, associate professor, Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College compered the programme. Following the formal function, Sunitha D’Souza, yoga instructor, Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College conducted the Yoga session for the students and staff gathered in the Indoor Stadium. 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?
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!
