YOGA has nothing to do with race, it is all about receiving physical and mental benefits.
These were the sentiments of Sangeeta Devi Kumar of Kuku, Nausori, a yoga instructor for more than 10 years.
At present, she teaches the ancient Indian discipline at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre at the Indian High Commission, Suva.
“I started practising yoga at Fiji Sewashram Sangh in Bau St, Suva,” the 45-year-old said.
“In 2015, I applied to study in India and got the opportunity to do the yoga instructor course in Bangalore. I am a qualified international yoga instructor now and can teach it anywhere in the country.”
Ms Kumar said among the benefits of yoga was the fact it induced a feeling of calmness.
“It also keeps you mentally, physically and spiritually fit. I was inspired by Swami Sanyuktanand ji at Sewashram Sangh. When I saw my children doing yoga at Sewashram, I thought it is hard to do.
“But Swami Sanyuktanand ji encouraged me to do it. When I started it, then I realised the benefits of it.”
Ms Kumar says yoga is the real deal in terms of ensuring a full and purposeful life.
“Yoga makes you a good mother, a good wife and a good friend; it is the full package deal. Since most of us are worried about NCDs, I think yoga is the solution for it. Any non-communicable disease you are suffering from, I won’t say that yoga will cure it but surely it will help you tackle it and reduce the risk of getting it.
“When you start doing yoga, automatically your body becomes such that you are able to do things which were difficult for you.” Ms Kumar encouraged parents to allow their children to do yoga.
“In children, yoga modifies and develops their brain.
“Nowadays, children are mostly focusing on phones, computers, TV, watching stuff on social media etc. This affects their brain and eyesight.
“By doing yoga, these children will be physically and mentally fit. So I will advise parents to allow their children to attend yoga classes and take part in yoga exercises.”
Ms Kumar said elderly people should not to be afraid of doing yoga.
“Yoga is for people of all ages. I have students who are 65 and 70 years old. They are able to do some of the poses which younger people are not able to do.
“Elderly people who do yoga look younger. It keeps you naturally strong.
