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London, July 19, 2018
The message from the International Yoga Day meeting held in the British Parliament on June 21, 2018 addressed by politicians, scientists, doctors and academics, and attended by over 150 invited guests was that the National Health Service (NHS) urgently needs to work with Yoga and other Indian Traditional Sciences to meet the changing health needs of the 21st century.
The meeting, held in both Houses of Parliament, celebrated the fourth UN International Yoga Day and 70 years of the National Health Service, co-hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Indian Traditional Sciences, and officials of the High Commissions of India and Sri Lanka.
Bob Blackman MP, Co-Chair of the APPG on Indian Traditional Sciences, who saw the role of the APPG as inspiring, called on the NHS not just treat ill people but encourage them to live more healthily, thereby leading longer and better lives.
Importance of Yoga, Ayurveda
He said that Yoga is now recognised to some extent by the NHS.
He recently told the Speaker of the House of Commons that he would recommend over-excited or angry MPs to practice Yoga.
Speaking of Ayurveda, another health approach promoted by the APPG, Mr Blackman said, “My scientific background tells me that if something has been used for thousands of years, it must have something going for it, even if it is not a product of modern pharmaceutical companies.”
Amarjeet Bhamra of the APPG Indian Traditional Sciences Secretariat underlined the progress that made since last year and the support received from Mr Blackman and Virendra Sharma (MP) and all the members of this APPG.
Modi’s visit significant
He spoke about the visit of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United Kingdom on April 18, 2018 and his meeting with the Prince of Wales.
During his visit, a plaque was unveiled for the Centre of Excellence for Yoga Research and Indian Traditional Medicine.
Mr Modi was commended for establishing the Ministry of Ayush in Delhi. The meeting noted as significant that the Prince of Wales comprehends the importance and far-reaching benefits of the Indian Traditional Sciences in a valid integrated health system.
Gita and Yoga
Sri M, a modern Yogi with a mission to inspire mankind towards peace and harmony who established the Satsang Foundation, outlined three key qualities of the mind, described in the Bhagavad Gita (the timeless and universal message of the Gita is all-encompassing in its expression of truth) as being characteristic of humans established in Yoga.
First, having the senses under the control of one’s mind; second, keeping one’s mind tranquil under all circumstances (e.g. not bothered by the opinions of others, whether flattering or critical) and third, having the welfare of all beings in one’s heart.
He said that Yoga asanas are known to have an effect on the endocrine system and that it is more than just physical exercises.
Sri M honoured
Sri M was awarded the prestigious Title of ‘Yoga Ratan’ by APPG Indian Traditional Sciences, for his service to people from all walks of life, sects and creeds.
Among those present were Mr Blackman, Professor Tony Nader, Srinivas Gotru (Minister of Culture, Indian High Commission and Director of Nehru Centre), Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to UK, ‘Ayurveda Ratans’ Dr Shantha Godagama, Prof Venkata Joshi and Mr Bhamra.
Sri M participated in all three International Yoga Day events at The Nehru Centre, Parliament Park and House of Commons organised by the APPG Indian Traditional Sciences. He was accompanied by Lady Mohini Noon and his devotees from Europe, USA and Dubai.
-With reporting by Amarjeet Bhamra
Photo Caption:
- India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiling the Plaque in the presence of the Prince of Wales on June 18, 2018 in London
- British MP Bob Blackman honours Sri M with ‘Yoga Ratan’ Award watched by Mr Bhamra
(Pictures supplied)
