The message from the International Yoga Day meeting in Parliament on 21st June, addressed by politicians, scientists, doctors and academics, and attended by over 150 invited guests packed into the largest committee room in Parliament, was that the National Health Service urgently needs to work with yoga and other Indian Traditional Sciences in order to meet the changing health needs of the 21st century.
The meeting, held in the Houses of Parliament celebrated the fourth UN International Yoga Day and 70 years of the National Health Service, co-hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Indian Traditional Sciences, and Indian High Commission, and Sri Lankan High Commission.
Bob Blackman MP, co-chair of the APPG on Indian Traditional Sciences, who saw the role of the APPG as inspiring the NHS to not just treat ill people but to encourage them to live more healthily and thereby live longer, better lives. He was delighted to say that yoga is to some extent now recognised by the NHS. He recently told the Speaker of the House of Commons that he could usefully sanction over-excited or angry MPs and tell them to practise yoga. Speaking of Ayurveda, another health approach promoted by the APPG, Mr Blackman said: ‘My scientific background tells me that if something has been used for thousands of years it must have something going for it, even if it is not a product of modern pharmaceutical companies.’
Amarjeet S. Bhamra, Secretariat at APPG Indian Traditional Sciences underlined the progress that has been made since last year and the sincere support received from Bob Blackman MP and Virendra Sharma MP Co-Chairmen and all members of this APPG. He also spoke of the PM Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK on 18th April 18 and in the presence of HRH the Prince of Wales. A plaque was unveiled for the Centre of Excellence for Yoga Research and Indian Traditional Medicine. The setting up of the Ministry of AYUSH by Mr. Modi was also well commended and it is surely significant that the Prince of Wales comprehends the importance and far-reaching benefits of the Indian Traditional Sciences in a valid integrated health system.
Sri M, a modern yogi with a mission to inspire mankind towards peace and harmony. He picked out three key qualities of mind described in the Bhagavad Gita (the timeless and universal message of the Gita is all-encompassing in its expression of truth) as being characteristic of the man established in yoga. First, having the senses under the control of one’s mind; second, having one’s mind tranquil under all circumstances, e.g. not bothered by the opinions of others, whether these are flattering or critical; and third, having the welfare of all beings in one’s heart. He pointed out that yoga asanas are known to have an effect on the endocrine system but added that yoga is more than just physical exercises.
Sri M was awarded the prestigious Title of Yoga Ratan by APPG Indian Traditional Sciences, who respects and serves people from all walks of life, sects and creeds and has truly touched the lives of communities of the world irrespective of race or religion in the furtherance of Indian Traditional Sciences. by Bob Blackman MP, Professor Tony Nader, Hon. Srinivas Gotru High Commission of India in UK, His Excellency Mr. Sugeeshwara Gunaratna High Commission of Sri Lanka in UK, Ayurveda Ratan Dr Shantha Godagama, Ayurveda Ratan Prof Venkata Joshi and Amarjeet S Bhamra.
Sri M aided by Lady Mohini Noon and his devotees from Europe, USA and Dubai participated in all three Int’l Yoga Day events at: 1. The Nehru Centre, 2. Parliament Park and 3. House of Commons organised by the APPG Indian Traditional Sciences this year.