Teaching Delhiites to take it easy

Morning walkers in Delhi's public parks enjoy not just fresh air but also free yoga classes.

Morning walkers in the capital's public parks got not just fresh air and brisk exercise but also free yoga classes - thanks to the Delhi government that has taken upon itself the task of keeping Delhiites fit and relaxed.

Tips on meditation and lessons on breathing and posture were part of the morning walk deal in seven public parks across the city on day one of the Delhi government's special drive.

Fourteen instructors fanned out to all corners of the city, two to each park.

"It's a great scheme. Now we can combine yoga with our morning walks," said Mahendra Yadav, a government employee who had just finished his session in south Delhi's sprawling Nehru Park.

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit inaugurated the classes at the Nehru Park near the diplomatic enclave.

Around Yadav, durries were spread out, occupied by about 30 students.

"When you close your eyes and breathe in, remember to take your breath in three stages," advised the instructor for his students of all ages.

Part of the deal is a special herbal juice after the classes - also free.

"First and foremost, it is free of cost. Secondly it is convenient. We can come one day if we feel like it and discontinue it the next if we are unwell or something," said Nisha Thapar, a housewife living at RK Puram in south Delhi.

Organised by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corp (DTTDC) and the education department as part of the government's Bhagidari scheme, the first set of classes will continue till September-end.

They will be held every morning - except Sundays - from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. at Nehru Park as well as public spaces in Ashok Vihar, Hauz Rani, Preet Vihar, Punjabi Bagh, Ajmal Khan Park and Shahdara Lake.

In the winter months, from October to March, classes will be held from 6.30 a.m. to 7.30 a.m.

"In the first phase, the classes have been started in just seven parks. Depending on their popularity, they will be expanded to other venues," said KB Sharma, the DTTDC chief manager.

"In addition, we will give participatory certificates to all those who have attained over 75 percent attendance as an incentive."

But there was little need for any incentives even on the first day.

"I'd read about the classes in the papers. I just came to see what it was about. But I guess I'm too late," said Reena Dutt, a middle-aged women watching the proceedings from the sides.

B.P. Singh, an instructor with the government for 22 years, said: "Yoga is great for the mind and body. I'm sure the scheme will pick up since people are waking up to its benefits now.

"And here we are bringing in qualified teachers. Not just any self-taught quack who doesn't know the right way of doing yoga," he said, as he raised his hands above his head and guffawed loudly - one of the exercises for his students.