As part of the Yoga Day celebrations,  CSIR-CLRI (Central Leather Research Institute), Chennai, arranged a virtual seminar. Dr B. Madhan, senior principal scientist, welcomed the Chief Guest Swami Mahamedhananda of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, and also the Editor of The Vedanta Kesari, a cultural and spiritual monthly English magazine.

Dr K.J. Sreeram, Director, CSIR-CLRI, in his presidential address shared his reminiscences of yoga during his childhood. He encouraged the seniors who practised yoga to guide the newcomers and youngsters at CLRI. After his address, the Director administered the Yoga Day Pledge both in Hindi and English to the staff members of CSIR-CLRI.

During his address, Swamiji gave an insight into yoga’s relevance today vis a vis the scientific community. He was of the opinion that only when there is a union of body and mind that one attains a fruitful life. He said scientists must practise yoga for the mind and asanas for the body. It is important to keep the mind skilful along with maintaining a healthy body. Both these constitute the purpose of human beings, he said.

Swamiji further dwelt on certain qualities that build up along with the practice of yoga. They are Ahimsa (nonviolence), Sathyam (truth), bramhacharyam (moderation of senses), controlling anger, not taking sides, cleanliness, content, self-study, surrendering to higher forms, etc. Yoga enables one to achieve the highest purpose of life and brings morality into life. Quoting Swami Vivekananda “Each soul is potentially divine,” Swamiji said, asanas control nature and the body both internally & externally.

A video was played during the webinar in which staff of CLRI was seen performing yoga with its brief introduction and effect by Dr Nishad Fathima in Hindi & Dr Madhan in English.  Yoga guru Yogacharya Ezhilarasi, Director, Yogalaya Healthcare Institute, Chennai, also gave an insight into the aspects of yoga in the video.