This year, the 6th edition of the International Yoga Day was celebrated around the theme “Ghar Ghar mein Yog” or “Yoga at Home, Yoga with Family”, signifying the importance of staying at home to practice social distancing and curbing the spread of COVID-19.
CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (CSIR-NISCAIR), New Delhi, organised a webinar on “Yoga for a Healthy Body and Mind” on 22 June 2020. The eminent speakers of the webinar were Dr Sushil Chandra, Scientist G, INMAS, DRDO, New Delhi, Mr Subhash Kesarwani, Director, Ministry of Communication, Kerela and Dr Anvita Singh, Medical Officer, AIIMS, Rishikesh.
Dr Manish Mohan Gore, Scientist, CSIR-NISCAIR welcomed all the speakers.
In his welcome address, Mr Hasan Jawaid Khan, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NISCAIR, talked about the current scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic and CSIR’s efforts to combat the pandemic, right from the making of repurposing new drugs, exploring phytopharmaceuticals and natural products for COVID-19 mitigation, hand sanitizers, testing kits, protective equipment, etc. He said that the pandemic had changed the way we function. The extended lockdowns and the initial uncertainty about the nature of the virus and the damage it caused spread a scare worldwide. He said that the lockdowns combined with work-from-home scenarios had further increased stress and tension – both mental as well as physical. Speaking on the importance of yoga, he said that it is a holistic regime that not only keeps the body in shape but also relaxes the mind. Yoga, he said, was especially relevant in the pandemic conditions of today.
Speaking on the “Scientific aspect of Yoga and Pranayama”, Dr Anvita Singh, explained how Pranayama helps to keep our body calm and relaxed. She also mentioned the importance of yoga Asanas like Nadi Shodhan which provide oxygen to the brain and keep us stress-free. She also added that the practice of yoga prevents anxiety and mood swings. She suggested that regular exercises and enough sleep help better in handling everyday challenges.
Mr Subhash Kesarwani, a yoga practitioner, spoke on keeping the body free of toxins and the mind free of tensions by following yoga. He emphasised on a healthy food regimen and a regular exercise routine to improve the body’s immunity and strengthen it to fight diseases.
Speaking on “Meditation techniques and their importance in our life”, Dr Sushil Chandra from DRDO, focused on cleanliness both internally and externally. He said that traditional practices could be beneficial in relaxing and prevent anxiety, depression and stress from building up. He briefed two meditative practices Sudarshan Kriya Yog and Rajyashama which help in disposing of stress.
The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Dr Paramananda Barman, Scientist, CSIR-NISCAIR.
