'Health and discipline go hand in hand'

Apart from undergoing training in the regular programmes, which forms a part of its curriculum, the cadets will be undergoing a training programme in yoga.

More than 425 students studying in Standard VIII in the district, undergo the NCC annual training programme at Dr Ambedkar Residential Hostel in the City. This training programme also includes training in yoga, which forms the first part of their daily routine.
They gather at the district stadium and under the able guidance of the experts from the Patanjali Yoga Shikshana Samithi, undergo a vigorous training in the various forms of yoga. The training will continue till July 12.

The yoga camp has been launched under the guidance 10th Karnataka Batallion Commandant Shailendra Shukla and includes students from both - the junior as well as the senior batches. Both boys and girls undergo this training.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Shailendra Shukla said, “Yoga symbolises the rich Indian tradition and culture. It is a healthy form of living. Promoting good health, discipline along with patriotism among the students will definitely shape up their future in the best possible manner. Youth should be mentally and physically moulded with good academics and extra-curricular activities. Including yoga in the initial stages of NCC training will certainly benefit the students in the long run. At the same time, if the day begins with a disciplined routine which includes exercise and yoga, the students can spend the entire day with great spirits and enthusiasm. If mind and body are relaxed and exposed to a healthy way of life, it will help build a strong foundation for them. Hence, it was decided to include yoga in the NCC curriculum, the Commandant explained.

Range of mountains

He further said, “Inspite of Kolar being one of the most backward districts in the State, it has some of the best geographical terrain including a range of hills, mountains and good environment which is suitable for trekking, adventure sports and other physical activities.”

Infact, Kolar is one of the best places to provide training for NCC members. Apart from all these training activities, it was decided to include yoga also into the list, he added.
Unfortunately, the programme is yet to receive a good response from the public. People should be made aware of its benefits and evince keen interest in getting their children training in such activities, he said.

If the parents realise the importance of certain activities, then they should immediately encourage their children to practice them. So that they will realise the importance of discipline and patriotism in right from their childhood days, he observed.

Patanjali Yoga Shikshana Samithi’s 25 teachers, including Bisappa Gowda, Nanjunda Shetty, Nataraj, Govinda Gowda, Manjula, Babitha and Nanjundappa are training the students. Primary lessons like the Suryanamaskara, about 10 Asanas, Pranayama, meditation, etc, are taught from 6.30 am to 7.30 am, informed S V Venugopal, a member of the Patanjali Yoga Shikshana Samithi.

A healthy way to life

“With the help of commands, we had realised the importance of inculcating discipline in our daily lives. Training in yoga has exposed us to a new healthy way of leading life. In a way, the purpose of NCC and yoga are both one and the same. We perform yoga, by wearing an uniform which highlights the importance of yoga with a slogan stating - ‘Yoga is a way of life.’ At the end of both the sessions, we sing ‘Vande Mataram.’ This is a completely new feeling for all of us. It is all in all a new experience,” the students opined.
The cadets also inculcate qualities like leadership, politeness, fellow-concern, etc. They are trained to participate in the community development projects, cleanliness campaigns, disaster management camps, adventure skills, rescue operations, etc.

Those who would like to join the Army, NCC is the first step to realise their dreams. Exposure and training in the early days will help students scale greater heights. The students as well parents should give serious thought in this direction, according to Commandant Shukla.