‘Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.’ This ancient wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita resonates louder today than ever before. As the world embraces yoga from the streets in New York to the beaches in Bali, many of India’s youth remain on the sidelines of this global trend, unaware of the benefits yoga offers. In a fast-paced digital age, where stress and anxiety run high, yoga could be the key to a healthier, more balanced life. It is time, the youth of India reclaim the heritage, one yogasan at a time. In an insightful conversation with The Hitavada, renowned yoga guru Padmini Jog gave invaluable advice aimed at youth, encouraging them to embrace yoga not only as a physical exercise but as a holistic approach to life. At 80, Padmini Jog is a testament to the transformative power of yoga, having conducted 1,130 yoga camps across 20 states and 3 Union Territories. Despite personal hardships, including the loss of her husband in 2014, she remains energetic as ever.

 

Jog firmly debunks the myth that yoga is just for the elderly. “Yoga is for everybody. It’s the making of a human being, we are not just the body but also the soul,” she states. The yoga guru said, young people often overlook yoga because they believe it is not relevant to their lifestyle. However, she argues that yoga is an essential practice that goes beyond the body, it nourishes the soul. Yoga, according to Jog, offers physical benefits such as increased flexibility and strength, and she points out that yoga is both preventive and curative. “Through yoga, the body becomes flexible, and one can prevent diseases that might otherwise arise in the future. Pranayam, in particular, helps in preventing and curing ailments,” she says. While the gym strengthens muscles, if one stops going, the body can quickly lose its tone whereas yoga builds lasting strength and mental resilience. She appeals to the ambitious nature of today’s youth by connecting yoga to success. “Young people want to be successful, so they should definitely get into yoga,” she advises. For those striving to excel in their careers or personal lives, yoga is a means of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social growth. A simple routine of just half an hour of pranayam (breathing exercises) and 10 minutes of asans (physical postures) each day can bring remarkable changes, she assures.

 

She notes that even many self-help books recommend yoga as a tool for self-improvement as it sharpens concentration and focus, qualities crucial for success in any field. “Yoga helps you better yourself in all aspects,” she remarks. Padmini Jog is deeply concerned about the excessive time young people spend on their phones. She believes it fills their minds with unnecessary noise, leaving no room for mental rest. “There is constant stimulation going on, so yoga can be introduced in life as a mental detox,” she laments, urging young people to shift their focus inward. She advises to start small. “Do it on an empty stomach and fix your sleep schedule. Sleep is a vital component of well-being, and young people should ensure at least seven hours of sleep every night,” she suggests. She urges all to avoid mobile phones in the morning and instead recommends a short brisk walk, pranayam, and some sunlight to begin the day. She believes yoga can be a lifelong companion.

 

She advocates for the practice of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation), a series of 12 asan, stating that performing 12 rounds of Surya Namaskar daily is more than enough for young people to maintain their health and well-being. She also shared her understanding of the different stages of life in Indian philosophy; Brahmacharya (the student stage), Grihasthashram (householder stage), Sanyas (withdrawal from material pursuits), and finally the stage of Moksha (spiritual liberation). She emphasises the importance of yoga throughout these stages, encouraging young people to focus on their health, education, and spiritual growth early in life. “This is the Indian way of life,” she says, reminding youth to not only work for material success but also to give back to society and family. Padmini Jog’s advice to the youth is a powerful call to action. In a world filled with distractions, yoga offers a sanctuary of calmness, strength, and self-discovery, a gift that will last a lifetime. Her message is clear, ‘Yoga is for you’.