Yoga to the rescue in a transit camp

I commanded the Jammu Transit Camp in 2005. It was an uphill task to handle 5,000-odd troops who arrived every day. They stayed in the camp for a day or so, and then were sent to their formations/units in convoys. When a jawan came from the Kashmir valley or a high-altitude area to the transit camp on his way back home, he let his hair down as there was no one from his unit to watch him. So, you can imagine what command and control problem one would face with 5,000 ‘loose cannons’.

I found a way out — yoga. Rather than engaging a paid yoga teacher, I wanted to lead by example. To ensure that, I first learnt yoga myself for one month from a trained instructor. Then I applied the knowledge to my troops. Every day, there was a fresh batch of transients to be motivated and cared for. In the evening, I initiated a central roll call where everyone — transients and the camp staff -- was present. First, I would address them and convey my key points. Then, I would seek their feedback on their stay in the camp so as to take corrective measures. I would also give prizes to the staffers who had done excellent work, and to the few transients who would answer GK questions on the spot. This initiative was aimed at inculcating team spirit.

We would sit down on the mats/daris that were spread in the big ground. I would introduce them to yoga and emphasise its importance. Then, in a systematic manner, we would perform various asanas, culminating in pranayam. My camp staff helped those who were not able to do it on their own. After some resistance, rhythm was slowly achieved. It was a treat to watch 5,000 men doing Surya Namaskar, Kapalbhati, Anulom Vilom and relaxing with deep breaths. The sound of ‘Om’ reverberated throughout the camp. After 30 minutes, we would break off, relaxed and calm.

Yoga had a magical effect on discipline in the camp. The youths started behaving properly, and there would be less of arguments or cribbing. The turnout also improved, and the boys left the camp with a smile. I had told them to continue the practice in their units, as also at home with their families. We had given them simple exercises to perform, which they could do wherever they were, even while sitting in a bus. When senior officers visited the camp, they wanted to know about the yoga experiment with the troops. I humbly told them, “Sir, do it yourself.”

It was thanks to yoga, and accompanying improvements in security and administration, that the Jammu Transit Camp was awarded the prestigious ISO 9001 certification in 2006.

Two decades later, yoga continues to be my best friend. It’s the key to good health and a calm, focused mind.