Three decades of 'addiction'; Minister Vasavan about Yoga

KOTTAYAM: Yoga has been part of Minister V.N. Vasan's daily routine for three decades. Even amidst the hassle of Minister duties, Vasavan would somehow find one hour a day to practice this ancient spiritual discipline. A trunk with a yoga kit would be omnipresent inside his state car number 12.

In the usual case, there will be 14 programs a day for the minister to attend. He is also helming affairs in the departments of Cooperation, Ports and Devaswom. Minister Vasavan credits Yoga for bringing positivity into his life. The inspiration came from the Minister’s wife, Geetha, who is a teacher and a yoga practitioner.

"I used to do up to 15 sets of Surya Namaskar. During the 2018 floods, I fell and injured my spine while on a lorry journey to a relief camp to supply essentials to people. Even then, I continued with Yoga because I would get pangs of regret even if I missed yoga for a day.

If I’m staying at a hotel or guest house, I will find a spot to practice Yoga. Even in Nilambur campaigning, nothing could hinder my daily Yoga. From my experience, I can assure that yoga provides me with determination, physical and mental strength. The new generation should make this an addiction,” said Minister Vasavan.

The minister said that the sneezing and shortness of breath that he had before disappeared after practising yoga. He also credits Yoga for taking away his short-tempered attitude. During his time as the Kottayam MLA, Vasavan had introduced a sub-mission to include yoga and karate in the curriculum. Then, the Education Minister M.A. Baby made yoga a subject in the curriculum.