Expat sends yoga research paper to WHO
MUSCAT: An Indian expat living in Oman has sent her research paper on the Indian yogic practice of the surya namaskar (sun salutation) to the World Hearth Organisation, detailing the benefits it offers to the human body and mind.
Kavitha Ramakrishna, who is a trained yoga instructor as well as an author, also presented to them a copy of ‘Tamoghna’, a book she authored that explains the science behind the exercise.
She has been practicing yoga for several years and has conducted extensive research on the subject. The comprehensively explored ‘Tamoghna’ also touches upon on the history of yogic philosophy, dealing specifically with the benefits of surya namaskar. The book inspires yoga practice with a deeper understanding of the elaborate connection of mind, body and spirit.
Kavitha said, “I believe yoga is a priceless gift from the ancient India to the world. I want everyone across the world to benefit from the practice of surya namaskar, which revitalises every aspect of one’s being from the physical to the spiritual. I hope my research paper to WHO will contribute to better understanding the significance and benefits of the subject.”
She added, “It is particularly significant that WHO appreciates the key role yoga plays in the fight against the growing burden of non-communicable diseases providing both preventative and curative benefits. As we all know, the WHO’s ‘Global Action Plan on Physical Activity’ recognises that the routine practice of yoga has a valuable tool for people of all ages to promote good health. So I am assured that my research paper will be well received.”
Kavitha has already been assigned work from India’s Ministry of AYUSH (the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) to continue her research on the subject of salutations to the sun. The ministry was formed in 2014 to ensure the optimal development and propagation of yoga and other traditional health techniques.
As a build-up to the release of ‘Tamoghna’, Kavitha received an opportunity to apprise Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about her book during his visit to the Sultanate. Kavitha Ramakrishna also recently presented her book ‘Tamoghna’ to His Excellency Dr Ahmed Mohammed Al Saidi, Oman’s Minister of Health. She took the opportunity to explain to him a few real case studies of cancer survivors who have practised surya namaskar and benefitted from it. She elucidated her plans to conduct further research on the subject.