Smt Meetal Koticha Shah
Joint Executive Trustee, Project ‘Life’ &
Senior Vice-Chairperson, Indian Yoga Association, Gujarat Chapter

In the present times, the importance of Yoga education is absolutely proved. With the inclusion of Yoga in education, development of complete personality is possible. On one hand development of values is possible through Yoga education and on the other side physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development can also happen. It is necessary that emphasis should be laid on Yoga education so that the youth can get the knowledge of their Yoga culture.

Swami Vivekananda’s message to the youth, ‘Arise, awake and do not stop until the goal is achieved’. In every field of science, research, technology, medicine, art, youth are playing their invaluable role in making the country proud with their talent. To maintain the integrity of the country, the youth of our country do not even care about their lives. The country is proud of such youths who have contributed from time to time in the interest of the country.

On one side there is a young country and on the other side there are equal challenges. The biggest challenge of the present time is to save the youth from evils. We have to be alert in time and we have to get the youth out of the addiction of drugs, alcohol, tobacco and cigarettes. Due to drugs crime, violence and cruelty are increasing in the society, which is a matter of concern. For this we have to educate the youth and make them aware of their duty, then only youth wealth can be preserved.

Making them aware of ideal life values, it is the demand of today’s time. In order to develop spiritual values, social values, cultural values, moral values, political values, international values etc. in the life of the youth, there is a need to emphasize on education. Ideal citizens can be built only through values.

In ancient times, there was a system of Gurukul education system, at that time knowledge about Yoga along with other disciplines was given from childhood. As system got changed, Yoga education became secondary. But in present time, educationists are accepting the importance of Yoga and are also considering Yoga education as compulsory. The need to give Yoga education to the youth is also because Yoga keeps the body physically and mentally healthy which enhance the ability to face all challenges of life. Yoga is helpful to handle situations like frustration, depression, anxiety and negative thoughts. The seeds of truth, non-violence, compassion, friendship, harmony and patriotism can be shown only through Yoga. It is the duty of all of us to give inspiration to bring Yoga in life and to bring youth on the right path.

It is our moral duty to cognizant youth to become physically, mentally and emotionally healthy through Yoga education with moral values and encourage them give their best for the Nation.