The human body is the best work of art and there’s nothing’s better than sculpting and moulding not just our body but our mind and spirit as well, through the way of Yoga. Mr.Gajendra, aged 61, originally from Kolar Gold Fields [KGF], currently a resident of Bangalore, is a B.Com graduate and Yoga expert, has been practising Yoga since his childhood to his current 60’s and has been teaching this art to others through the years. Through his experience and expertise, Mr. Gajendra with much generosity and enthusiasm, humbly shares his experience.
The session begins!
How were you introduced to Yoga?
Since my childhood I used to read a lot of newspapers, and one day I had come across few interesting photos most probably pictorial representations of Yoga, I wasn’t quite aware of what it was back then but it curbed a certain interest in me, which I began practising without being aware that it was yoga.
How long have you been practising Yoga?
I can’t exactly say it because, some years in the middle I had completely taken a break or paused from it, due to job, family and other aspects, but then again I was able to find some time and would engage in doing Yoga when I could, and I started to give more focus to it from my early 30s, so I would say its been about maybe some 50 or so years up until now.
How much time do you spend in practising Yoga in a day?
Well in the mornings I start around five ‘o’ clock where I spend about 3 hrs or more and the same in evenings I do it for about 2 – 3 hrs due to limited time.
What is Yoga to you?
During my childhood when I wasn’t quite aware or knew that what I was doing was Yoga, I considered it to be a good hobby because I would engage myself during my leisure ever so often, whereas now, its become more of a way of life through the years.
What are the challenges that you have come across?
The main hardship that I had gone through after my studies was unemployment, due to which I pooled some amount and opened a welding shop, later managed footwear production and sales, but did not last long, as it was due on my part that I unable to concentrate on the shop where that time there were certain familial issues, after 90’s I managed to solve all my debts until there was no money left. And it was during those times I had completely stopped doing Yoga. Later in the 2000’s I began conducting tuitions for school and college students, and slowly commenced Yoga classes for a few.
Who is your inspiration?
B.K.S. Iyengar is all time my inspiration. I have strongly admired him ever since my childhood though I did not know that it was Yoga but something about it fascinated me and when reading and watching Sri. B.K.S Iyengar, I was more interested and was curious to explore Yoga.
What are the physical and psychological benefits of Yoga?
Basically Yoga keeps the body, mind and spirit in harmony. Prevention is main in Yoga. It does immense goodness to the body over all. It helps in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It helps keep ailments at bay or ailments can be controlled, there are weight gain and weight loss as well, depending upon the eating style and the age as well, but is all positive, especially weight gain as it does not make one over weight but adds only required weight which is good for the person. It improves sleeping pattern and does good to all the internal organs.
Psychologically, it boosts confidence, increases patience, gives calmness, prevents issues of mainly anxiety and depression. And also improves one’s personality, ever maintaining a healthy mentality.
What are your future plans?
In the coming days I plan to construct a big school for Yoga, and teach Yoga to all.
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