Rural women joining yoga classes in big way in Pathankot district

The rural population of Pathankot district is getting more and more health conscious if the ever-increasing attendance at the ‘CM Di Yogshala’ is any indication.

In what district administration officials term as a “change for the better”, people in the rural areas have started attending the yoga classes in a big way.

Cabinet minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, who is spearheading the movement in Pathankot district, said the state government had hit upon the idea because “yoga is increasingly being recognised as a powerful tool to keep people away from the scourge of drugs”.

“By lowering stress, yoga provides a healthy way to manage emotions without resorting to substance abuse,” he said.

Kataruchak added, “In the district, 423 centres have been set up. In Bhoa Assembly constituency, 150 centres have been established and more will be set up in the coming weeks. In Sujanpur, 162 centres have been set up, while in Pathankot city there are 120 centres. The fact that both Bhoa and Sujanpur have more centres than the urban area of Pathankot proves that the rural people are more yoga-friendly than their city counterparts.”

The minister regularly visits rural areas to tell people the benefits of this exercise, said a yoga instructor. “Health officials say the exercise is cost-effective and a zero-equipment solution to health problems,” the instructor added.

Pathankot district comprises Assembly constituencies of Bhoa, Sujanpur and Pathankot city. Suraksha Kumari, district coordinator, is the overall supervisor. “Yoga is fast catching up among people of all age groups. An interesting aspect is that rural women are showing a keen interest. Yoga needs a small space or a mat, which makes it accessible without any financial investment. Rural areas, where ample open spaces are available, are naturally suited for outdoor yoga,” said a yoga practitioner.

Minister Kataruchak inspects centres in Bhoa every morning. “My job is to widen the scope of the exercise. I have met many youngsters who have drifted away from the use of heroin by taking up these classes. Instead of turning to drugs for an altered state or escapism, yoga offers a natural, healthy way to boost mood, energy and self-esteem.”