Yoga must be practised not only for physical well-being but also to achieve an ultimate union with the soul, urged nonagenarian Yogacharya Padma Bhushana Dr B K S Iyengar.

Speaking at a felicitation function organised for him by the Ramatheertha Seva Foundation and Niramaya Yoga Kuteeram at the R T Teachers Training College at Jayanagar, the legendary yoga teacher said, “Yoga will bring about a harmonious blend of physical fitness, mental alertness and equanimity and is all the more relevant in the 21st century.”

It is a gift India has conferred on the rest of the world, he said and goaded all to practise it to the highest level of perfection. “There must be no distortions, contractions, refractions or disturbances when practising the asanas,” he said.

P B Mahishi, Chief Secretary, said it was an honour to meet the legendary yoga teacher. “Even at the age of 90, his energy and enthusiasm made him a role model for everyone,” he said.

Dr Iyengar was honoured for his services to the spread of yoga. He began teaching yoga at the age of 19 and has taught yoga worldwide for the last 75 years. His institute at Pune attracts a large number of students from all over the world. His emphasis on correct anatomical postures, and usage of props like blankets, ropes, bolsters, straps, bricks etc have earned his teaching methodology the name, `Iyengar Yoga.’ Among the awards conferred on him are the `Padma Shri’ in 1991 and the Padma Bhushan in 2002.

A book on yogasanas by B Raghavendra Shenoy `Yogo Rakshati Rakshitaha’ in both Kannada and English was also released by Iyengar. Earlier, a musical performance was presented by Aneesh Vidyashanker (violin) and vidwan Cheluvaraj (mridangam).

The auditorium including its balcony was overflowing and many had come to have a glimpse of the great yoga teacher were seen standing.