Yoga Will Become A Part Of Life In Future: Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar
Yoga is a holistic approach of ancient India that keeps the wellbeing of your mind, body, and soul. Today, it has been a better adoption for health and fitness around the world. The government's initiatives and the purpose of different organisations have promoted the value and benefits of yoga all over.
In an interview with BW Businessworld, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Founder, Akshar Yoga Research Centre spoke about the role yoga is playing in people's lives, and how his organisation is successfully making records of spreading the message of yoga. He also talked about the plans of his business that will lead India towards alternate treatment. Edited excerpts;
Yoga is being adopted worldwide nowadays. What is your take on the young generations' acceptance of yoga?
These days the young generation is a way interested in Yoga because there have been promotions of the asanas and strong awareness. So, they are easily involved in it whether at school and college level or corporate level.
What made you start Akshar Yoga Research Centre and what important role your organisation is playing in the field of yoga?
There are multiple reasons to start this organisation. The first base to establish the research centre was to bring out how doing an asana or pranayam or meditation can impact the dynamics of the body and cure an illness. Second, this organisation is in an international complex that looks into the sports category, be it the Olympics or Common Wealth Games. The athletes get trained here, so when they involve yoga in their lifestyle they add value to Indian sports.
Recently your organisation achieved the 3rd Guinness World Record (GWR) for yoga, how these records will help flourish the yoga industry?
On 11 February, we made three Guinness World Records. Our purpose is not just to limit the celebration of yoga to 21st June as International Yoga Day, but also to celebrate it every day on a global platform. So GWR was a good opportunity, and we chose three asanas, Halasana, Ushtrasana and Vashishtasana to successfully make this record.
Any specific reason behind choosing those three asanas for the GWR?
Every asana is dynamic anyways, but these three asanas were in practice. There was training for a long time in the state and abroad online where 250+ police officers from Karnataka participated in yoga as well. So, these three asanas were part of this training. Apart from that, our focus was on the back spine, and these three asanas impact our back spine making it strong which helps keep the body young and healthy.
So how many GWRs are you aiming for the coming years?
We will see how things evolve and impact. Our purpose is to spread the message of yoga, so if we get more opportunities in the future, we will try to make more records for sure.
Are you planning to expand your branches across the country?
Currently, we are focusing more on increasing the number of teachers rather than branches. Right now we have 4000 teachers globally, and we aim to grow the numbers to 10,000 by the end of 2024.
How many people are participating globally in yoga at your organisation? Do you think the numbers have increased post-covid?
Post-covid the numbers have been to a different level. We find that the awareness about yoga has hiked among people, and participation has increased with their interest.
Any plans regarding your business in future?
We are working on the new ashrams and education institutes that will be built in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. Ayurvedashalas will be established in the north and Coorg, Karnataka in the south for alternate therapy or treatment.
How do you see the government's initiatives to promote yoga?
The government seems to be in a positive mood for promoting yoga. If there are good projects, they will get executed and better outcomes are expected. In Karnataka during the world record, the higher education minister has given an immediate proposal for skill development. I think we can see a good society in India if the government and institutions collaborate and work together.
What yoga could contribute to one's mental health problems?
Yoga is a practical science. Results are assured 100 per cent when we start doing it. The phase we are at now is, people are aware of the benefits of yoga, but are not practising it. If we see statistically, the number of believing in yoga is more but the number of practising it is less. So when it is start being practised, it will show results in mental health.
Due to changing lifestyles and busy schedules, people these days do not get time to practise yoga. Please tell about any one asana that a person could practice in less time.
If you are not getting time, you can practice Surya Namaskara. It is an asana that can be done anywhere easily. This results in overall health and the body, also it strengthens the immune system and many more benefits.
As the wellness industry in India is growing, do you think in the future yoga will make a significant space in the country's education system?
Absolutely! The result of yoga is very dynamic and positive. We will not need to teach or aware people about yoga. You can see a natural outcome in the future that, yoga will be a part of people's lives.
