Yoga, A Wholesome Therapy For Body And Mind - Indian Ambassador

By Cecilia Jeyanthi Victor KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Bernama) -- The benefits of yoga are endless for the human mind and body as it is not just healthy but also a relaxing form of therapy which helps maintain a healthy mind. During the 2nd International Yoga Celebration held here Sunday, Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia, T.S Tirumurti when met by Bernama said India recognises that more Malaysians are into Yoga as many realise the positive impact yoga offers as a whole. "We started the 1st International Yoga Celebration as an initiative by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring yoga, one of India’s oldest forms of exercise, to a global level, including Malaysia. "There is a lot of enthusiasm for yoga here, and during our first yoga celebration last year, there was a huge turnout, likewise this year, we had to turn down many as we had a full house," he said. He said yoga was indeed a good form of therapy for the physical body and mind where it could improve one’s wellbeing, including mental health as Yoga is known to help deal with depression. He added that some of the benefits one gets from practicing yoga was a stress free life, especially those who are under constant stress and dealing with anxiety. When asked on whether yoga should be encouraged at the workplace, Tirumurti said that it was already part of some countries where even civil servants and police officers are taking up Yoga at work. "Yes, I do think it should be introduced at work. A 10-minute capsule of yoga in the workplace should do good, many people are living a stressful life, they are sleeping less, having anxiety and much more but Yoga can help change one’s lifestyle for the better," he added. Meanwhile, former world number three Indian Tennis player and first Asian to win a Wimbledon boy’s singles title in 1954, Ramanathan Krishnan during his speech at the event said tennis and yoga do share similar combinations with each other. "As a tennis player, I can relate to the advantages of Yoga for the health, such as comfortable breathing techniques and at the same time help boost levels of concentration through meditation. "Yoga is simple, smooth, slow and helps one to gain extra endurance and flexibility through its practices," said the 79-year-old to 500 meditators. International Yoga Day is marked on June 21 and supported by the government of India, External Affairs Ministry, its Ayush Ministry and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Malaysian Health Minister S Subramaniam graced the event which was attended by some 500 practitioners here. --BERNAMA