The Art of Living Foundation organizes Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar) challenge on World Health Day
Over 1.29 million people across India welcomed good health by being a part of Yogathon, an initiative by The Art of Living. This unique nation-wide initiative which took place across 26 states and 4 Union Territories saw yoga enthusiasts come together to take up the 108 Surya Namaskar challenge on The World Health Day.
“When a society is free from crime and violence and has respect for diversity, it is healthy. Similarly a body which is flexible and can adapt to different conditions is healthy. The signs of good health are an intellect which is free from inhibition and arrogance, a heart which is full of compassion is healthy, a confusion-free mind, a trauma-free memory and a sorrow-free soul”, said Art of Living founder, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Bangalore too witnessed people from all walks of life gather at over 95 different venues across the city to experience and promote the benefits of Surya Namaskar. M. S. Ramiah College, Oxford College, Symbiosis institute of Media and Communication, St. Mary’s School and Nisarga School were few among the many in the city that participated. Inspired to promote health through yoga, the Bangalore Airport Command also took up the challenge.
“Earlier I had a heavy body and an easily irritable mind. After doing Surya Namaskar my body feels light with clarity of mind. Yoga has brought discipline in my action with less stress and more focus”, shares a participant, Sujit Kumar. Shri B. N. Vijay Kumar, MLA and Shri B. Somashekhar, Jayanagar Corporator were seen at Shalini Grounds, where people showcased Surya Namaskars elegantly.
Throwing light on the benefits of Surya Namaskars, Sri Suresh Babu, Faculty, The Art of Living, shared, “If you are pressed for time and are looking for a single mantra to stay fit, yoga provides the answer in the form of a 12-pose yoga asanas in 15 minutes. It provides a good cardio-vascular workout, keeps the body in shape and the mind calm.”
To foster a sense of well-being through yoga, the country had its citizens take up the challenge at over 2200 location across 429 districts. Mumbai saw Bollywood actor Dia Mirza and former captain of Indian hockey team Dhanraj Pillay participate to inspire young guns to work towards a healthy living.
Keeping pace with the challenge were also 3800 inmates in Tihar Jail and across 48 prisons across India. The event had participation from 44 corporate houses like L&T and over 970 schools and 250 colleges.
The event which was held both in the morning and evening, saw participants of the Yogathon challenge receive a ‘Spirit of Yoga Certificate’ and the winners who successfully completed 108 rounds were awarded the Gold Certificate.