Kamala from Venkatapuram, Chennai, takes pride in teaching Yoga for years now, having started practising the age-old fitness form two decades ago.
News Today caught up with the commerce graduate, to know when and how she got smitten by Yoga, among other things. “I started practising yoga 20 years ago. Years later, when I mastered many asanas, I decided that it was time for me to give back to society and Yoga is the best way to do it,” said Kamala.
Having decided to teach, she did not go the usual route and open up a centre to fill her coffers. “I started teaching Yoga to senior citizens at a home. I used to teach them basic asanas alone and over time, with continued practice, we could see a change in their health. People who were nearing 75 years of age were becoming more and more active,” the South Park Street resident, said and added that barriers have never been in place for her endeavours.
Today, however, Kamala takes free classes to people at her home. “Come 15 March, it will be four years since I started teaching the art form at my place. It is for my satisfaction and nothing else,” she said. Kamala is also part of the Patanjali ashram in Chennai.
The sexagenarian is most sought after by people from different places. “However, because I have got classes going on at my home, I cannot spare my time everyday to go to other places. Nonetheless, I can teach them during Sundays and people can practice it by themselves,” Kamala explains.
Because she takes free classes, people do not come regularly, said the master. “People come to me and want to reduce weight immediately. They come for a week and then stop because they can’t manage their schedule. People also ask if they can do it in the evening and I tell them that Yoga has to be performed in the morning only. Everything is about our mental attitude,” said she.
However, despite being a Yoga teacher, Kamala insists that she still is a learner. She also credits the art form for her activeness at an age when people would get a bit weary.
“Yoga gives me good health and I am more active. My eye power has become sharp. These are testaments to our traditional practices having much deeper meaning,” she said.
Kamala has another side to her, as she is also trying to be an entrepreneur. “I have been trying my hand at selling health mix at very affordable rates in recent times. It has got some traction and hopefully, I make something out of it as well.” Asked about her aim, she said, “I want more and more people and especially students to exercise. My aim is instill the sense that keeping your body active will keep your mind active. Be it Yoga or
going to the gym, people need to indulge in activities.”
Kamala can be reached at 9282143581.