Yoga for Rural School Children: Isha Foundation in association with the government of Tamil Nadu, to teach yoga in rural schools of Gobichettypalayam

21 November, 2005

November 21, 2005
[Isha Foundation, Coimbatore].

In line with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals of eradicating poverty, malnutrition and illiteracy in the rural areas, Isha Foundation in partnership with the state government of Tamil Nadu has launched a program to provide yoga instruction for the rural students of Tamil Nadu. Beginning on the 15th of November, a team comprising of 21 yoga teachers and hundreds of volunteers are involved in this massive effort to cover 5,000 students in the next three months.

These unique, fun-filled programs are designed to benefit the students studying in third standard and above in government schools in the remote area of Kallipatti. Starting on the 15th of November, the 10-day Isha Yoga program currently involves 18 simultaneous sessions with thirty students each, which are conducted by a specially trained team of 21 teachers and supported by hundreds of volunteers by the foundation. Programs have commenced in Kallipatti Higher Secondary School, Kallipatti Middle School, Kanakampalayam Middle School, Valayampalayam Middle School, and Chinnakaliyur Elementary School in Gobichettypalayam covers 540 students and will conclude on the 25th of November. Subsequent batches are being planned to follow immediately.

The efficacy of Yoga as a low-cost health care alternative is well-established and pedagogic studies conducted by local and international researchers have recognized practice of yoga as a strong foundation for good health and well-being. Addressing both body and mind, yoga causes no negative side effects. In rural areas of India, where allopathic health care is not readily accessible to villagers, for both logistic and financial reasons, there is a direct need for an effective, lasting solution to health care to the vast majority of the population that lives in poverty.

The physical, psychological, cognitive, and emotional benefits of yoga for school children are plentiful. Yoga is known to prevent health conditions such as asthma, allergies, chronic colds, and sinus infections rampant among school children. Besides, yoga also helps create a strong and healthy body which is vital for a child’s development. Additionally, Yoga improves body-mind coordination body weight density, cardiovascular endurance, and lung capacity.

The benefits of yoga practice among school children include an increase in attention span, academic achievement, communication and decision making skills, apart from increasing their alertness, memory and focus. Parents and teachers have noted an increased capability of the child to adapt to different situations and improved social behavior. The practices have proven to lead to a decrease in hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, and anxiety. Yoga can teach children how to deal with life stressors more effectively and prevent depression and other mental illnesses, leading them through a joyful childhood.

Isha Foundation, through its project, Action for Rural Rejuvenation, has been conducting Yoga programs for adults and children in rural areas of Tamil Nadu covering a population of over 10 lakh people. Currently it has partnered with the state government of Tamil Nadu to launch Yoga Programs for School Children in Gobi taluk as part of a comprehensive, initiative extending over several months.

For further information: visit www.ruralrejuvenation.org

Or contact:
Priya Venkatrajan,
E-mail: info@ruralrejuvenation.org
Tel: 0422-2615304
94430 51299