Yoga climbs popularity charts

Pune: Almost a year after city-based software engineer Sumit Murudkar was diagnosed with a slipped disc, he manages to lead a less painful life after yoga helped him pull through the difficult phase of his life.
While the asanas helped him limp back to normal, the meditation and breathing exercises gave him the mental strength to fight the pain.
Like Murudkar, there are scores of such yoga devotees around the city who now practice it as part of their lifestyle - not only for specific ailments and disorders, but also for overall well-being.
The International Day of Yoga, announced by the United Nations last year, to be observed annually on June 21 for raising awareness about its benefits is already showing results as established yoga institutes are registering a surge in the number of new joinees.
At Kaivalyadhama, the number of aspirants for full-time courses has more than doubled, officials of the Lonavla-headquartered institute say. Corporates too are making a beeline for the institute for workshops and permanent fixtures of regular yoga classes in their offices. The major chunk of their yoga disciples are under the age of 45 years. Many 20-year-olds too are approaching the institute for a better lifestyle and curbing ailments.
Talking about the increase in popularity, chief executive officer of Kaivalyadhama Subodh Tiwari said, "Yoga is a lifestyle change that has an effect on one's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. We are happy that more people are embracing it at a young age, rather than resorting to it after being diagnosed with a problem. We have seen some remarkable stories of yoga helping those battling serious health issues, by essentially improving the quality of their lives".
Among the beneficiaries is Gaurav Mashruwala, a financial consultant who has been free of mouth cancer for the last four years. Mashruwala has been practising yoga diligently for the last two-and-half-years along with his radiation and surgeries. "Besides the asanas, the pranayama and meditation have helped me overcome my condition and undergo the full treatment without anxiety. In fact, I lead a normal life today," he said
While yoga is known to have cured several disorders, secretary of the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute Pandurang Rao says there is a limit to how much it can help.
Describing its benefits, Rao said, "People are more health conscious now but their lifestyles and jobs are still strenuous. Many work night shifts or eat and sleep at odd hours, which is the reason why we are swamped by applications. We also have classes for children, elderly and those with medical conditions."
The Symbiosis International University (SIU) has also introduced a work place yoga wherein employees and students are encouraged to practice asanas in office. Rajiv Yeravdekar, dean of the faculty of Health and Biomedical Sciences said, "A pop-up will appear on the computer screens of employees every two hours telling them to do some basic asanas. We are also asking students to download a special app which will take them through a complete 45-minute yoga routine."
While yoga is a great form of physical expression, it needs to be done under the guidance of an experienced person. Warning against potential risks, city-based spine surgeon Kiran Shete said, "Self-taught yoga or that done under the guidance of professionals can be detrimental, especially for those who are seeking asanas for a health problem. It is advisable that you take an opinion of a certified yoga professional."