The picturesque landscape of Madras Regimental Centre, Wellington, one of the oldest military establishments in the country, adored with lake, valleys and vast greenery in the backdrop presented a serene ambience on Tuesday morning as more than 600 Army personnel and civilian staff took part in the International Yoga Day.
The elegant Srinagesh Barracks which come alive on days when young soldiers are inducted into the Indian Army after strenuous military training for almost six months was a different picture on Tuesday as instructors from nearby Isha Foundation led the Yoga session. They explained in lucid style the significance and impact of each asana, yogic kriyas and pranayama.
Yoga’s importance in the everyday life in the Army is beyond words as the responsibilities fluctuate from protecting and guarding the nation from the prying eyes of the enemies and offering rescue and help to the civilians surrounding the Army establishments during times of natural disasters and pandemic, said a senior jawan who took part in the Yoga event.
The two year long pandemic in Tamil Nadu that witnessed a dance of death saw the Thambis of MRC (as they are known in Indian Army parlance) distributing free food to the entire population in Nilgiris throughout the lockdown due to Covid-19.
Brigadier S K Yadav, Commandant, MRC Wellington, said that Yoga was already a part of the physical fitness curriculum in the Army. “For us Yoga is of paramount importance because it is the way to a happy, delightful and stress free life,” said the Brigadier.