The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Centenarian says he owes it to yoga

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jun 13, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Centenarian says he owes it to yoga

M. Balaganessin

M. Guruswami Naidu — Photo: M. Moorthy

PERAMBALUR: He attributes his health and longevity to rigorous practice of yogasanas every morning for the past several decades.

M. Guruswami Naidu, a freedom fighter of Ladapuram, 15 km from here on the Perambalur-Thuraiyur highway, is all set to celebrate his 100th birthday on Wednesday.

A bachelor, Mr. Naidu has been practising Padhasanam, Padmasanam, Bakthi Mukthasanam and Sarvaanga Asanam, besides pranayamam. He wakes up at 3 a.m. to practise the asanas for about a couple of hours. Some of the postures are so tough that even youngsters find it difficult to practise them, he says.

Multiple benefits

According to Mr. Naidu, every exercise has its efficacy. When practised regularly, they offer immunity from various ailments. For instance, the Sarvaanga Asanam prevents cough. "It also improves the functioning of the thyroid gland." yogasanas stabilise blood circulation.

His daily chore includes travel by town bus from Ladapuram to Perambalur to meet friends.

Mr. Naidu says yogasanas discipline the thought process and builds up one's character. "Discipline is the need of the hour," he stresses.

Many service organisations, especially Sathya Sanmarga Sangam in and around Permbalur, have been organising functions in the past several months to honour him in recognition of his participation in the freedom movement. "I utilise these functions to also propagate the efficacy of yoga," adds Naidu.

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