HSS celebrates 2nd International Yoga Day

Hundreds showed up at the Leonora Secondary School, West Coast of Demerara, Sunday afternoon as the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh hosted its second International Day of Yoga under the theme ‘Physical and Spiritual Enhancement Throughout Yoga.’
In the auditorium, members of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (Hindus for Selfless Service) spearheaded their second celebrations which featured different yoga exercises by a variety of specialists and organisations that all collaborated to make the event a success.
Organisational participation included Brahma Kumaries, Guyana Foundation Peace Corps, ISCKON, Ananda Marga, Vergenoegen Yoga Group, among others. The programme was formatted in such a way that it carried a smooth flow of yoga which started with the basics of breathing techniques and simple postures to the more advanced postures by Master Vivek which awed participants.
Present at the celebrations was India High Commissioner to Guyana V Mahalingam who expressed admiration and congratulations to the HSS for advocating yoga throughout the nation. He referred to last year’s celebrations which was held at the Everest Cricket Ground and stated: “I am very happy to be a part of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh’s second yoga celebrations… I must also commend them for spreading yoga to different parts of Guyana.”
The HSS organisation’s Berbice and Essequibo groups observed International Day of Yoga simultaneously in their districts by following the same routine
The aim of the event is to promote yoga awareness throughout the nation. Yoga is a spiritual and ascetic discipline, a part of which includes breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures. It is widely practiced for health and relaxation. It originated in India and it must be noted that Yoga does not carry a religion behind it.
There were also health talks by medical professionals who noted that yoga combined with proper dietary practices can help one in being a better person. Ravi Dev ji, the Sangachalak of HSS in his presentation informed those present of the “Yoga for Diabetes” project which will be spearheaded by the HSS. The public was encouraged to take advantage of this since diabetes is a leading sickness in Guyana.
Yoga is said to be as old as civilisation with evidence of this being seen is sculpture of stones which archaeologists date back to 3000 BC.
Yoga has been known to produce many health benefits, such as all-round fitness, stress relief, weight loss, increased energy and much more. Scientific research has shown that yoga helps to stabilise the mind and brings relief to chronic illnesses, contributing to proper blood circulation and inner peace. This can be practiced by anyone despite age and gender, and can be done at any time.
Participants exclaimed that the event was an inspiration to their lives. Many quipped that they are now ready to incorporate what they have leant into their daily routines. It was also noted that this activity should take place in schools across the country, so as to ensure a vibrant young population.
Southland International Guyana and M&M Snackette provided those who gathered very healthy snacks and beverage.