All political parties and organisations in the country should impart yoga education to help India emerge stronger, said social activist Anna Hazare.
Anna Hazare during the Yoga Day celebrations in Bengaluru
“Youth power is the strength of this nation. Awakening of the youth can secure the future of India. Yoga helps achieve it,” said Hazare, while addressing the third International Yoga Day celebrations at Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, which saw participation of around 5,000 yoga enthusiasts.
New York-based world's oldest yoga guru Tao Porchon-Lynch (98) and and India's oldest Yoga guru Amma Nanammal (97) from Tamil Nadu demonstrated yoga postures to send out a message that yoga was for health and longevity.
Hazare told the audience that yoga helped him fight tough battles, even at 80.
“At 80, I wake up at 4 am, walk two kilometres, practise yoga and Pranayam daily. So, I am healthy to take on the challenges and fight for the causes I believe in. I believe rural development and fight against corruption are two most important struggles for India. We have to stop the percolation of corruption to ensure progress of India.
Mooting a success formula for a “Tandrusht Bhaart” ( healthy India), Hazare appealed to people to adopt yoga for safeguarding one's “charitra” (character), “Achhar” (good conduct), Vichar (good thoughts), “nishkalank jeevan” (untainted life), tyag (sacrifice) and the power to swallow insults.
“This will take you a long way in life. Don't allow yourself to be tainted in life, because if it happens, you will get no sleep even in an air-conditioned room. You will need a sleeping pill to get sleep. Many people today suffer because of it. Our country preaches sacrifice. In farming, you see that unless you sacrifice a grain and sow it in the soil, you cannot harvest a good crop. We need that selfless grain in life to develop. In the last 80 years, there has not been a single blot on my character. This gives me the strength to fight the powerful. What do I have? No money, no wealth. I live in a temple and posses an eating plate, and a bed. But I have worked towards framing eight crucial legislations in this country, including RTI, Lokpal and Gram Sabha act,” said Hazare, adding that the youth should fuel the development of this country.
“You should be young at heart and dream big for your nation. You turn old the moment you lose enthusiasm to work for your country,” he reminded.
