The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Nagabhushana Redds, on Sunday recommended Yoga to Nigerians, saying “it is one of the powerful medium that we can use to have good health, live in peace and be happier”.
Redds gave the advice on the 2018 International Day of Yoga in Abuja.
NAN reports that the UN General Assembly in 2014 declared June 21 as International Day for Yoga.
Yoga is a spiritual and ascetic discipline, a part of which, including breath control, simple meditation and the adoption of specific bodily postures, is widely practised for health and relaxation.
NAN reports that no fewer than 200 Nigerians, participated in the Yoga exercises to celebrate the day at the premises of the Indian High Commission in Abuja.
“You may be physical fit but have mental challenges; thus there is need to find solution within ourselves adding that yoga is that medium.
“If an individual is at peace with him or herself, he or she could live and talk peacefully and disseminate peace and thereby the community will be peaceful.
“Everyone needs good health stressing that yoga is one of the powerful medium that we can use to have good health, live in peace and be happier,” he said.
Speaking to NAN, Mrs Taiye Bolarin, a public servant who was participating in the 45 minutes session for the first time said it was the best way to attain internal peace and harmony.
“After the exercise, I experienced an unprecedented peace of mind because, in the course of doing it, my mind was peaceful. I was at a high level of concentration; I forgot all my challenges.
“This is an exercise that should be done on a daily basis because it will go a long way to retain internal peace and by extension peaceful coexistence among people in the country.
“I will continue with this and also introduce my friends and family to this wonderful experience.
Also, Mr Timothy Agah, a residents expressed satisfaction with the organisation and conduct of the Yoga exercises by the commission.
He noted that the large number of participants had signified the level of importance of the Yoga exercise to body and mind.
“With over 200 Nigerians and many citizens of other nations here, Yoga has gain international recognition and acceptance. I thinks it’s the best way to go.
“This is my third time of participating in this exercise to celebrate Yoga and I don’t have any regret; it has helped me acquire the peace of mind I am enjoying today,’’ Agah said.
Mr Bright Ifunaya, a business man describes the Yoga exercise as “Fantastic’’ adding that it touches all parts of the body positively.
“This exercise allows all parts of your body to move and with constant practice, one’s body will become flexible.
“It can make you look younger, because the body, mind and soul will be connected for harmony and peace.
“With Yoga exercises, your life will be like `Akuna Matata’, meaning no more worries,’’ Ifunaya stressed.
NAN reports that participants were guided in the exercise that includes neck bending, shoulder’s, trunk and knee movements.
Others are standing postures, sitting postures, prone postures, supine postures, “Kapalabhati’’ (breathing and meditating) and “Pranayama’’ (alternative nostril breathing) and many others.
The essence was to attain the integration of the body, mind and soul that would enhance internal peace of the participant(s).
Meanwhile, some of the Nigerian participants who spoke with NAN describes the exercises as refreshing to the body, mind and spirit.
Over 175 countries including Nigeria have joined this initiative rooted by the Prime Minister of India, Mr Shri Narendra Modi.