Mangalore, Dec 17: As the eastern sky spilled colours in glee to welcome sunrise, the matching hues on the two cardboard panels placed on the platform at the western side of the Kadri park seemed to play a complementary role in engaging the daybreak. The words in bold on them “Samruddhi,” (prosperity) added to celebration of one of the finest mornings.

As volunteers spread carpets and kept loudspeakers on the platform, you expected a huge turn out for the yoga session organised by the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI). It was planned as a finale to a four-day event aimed at achieving prosperity through partnership. It was aptly titled “Beyond business – art of healthy living”.

When yoga instructor Gopalakrishna Delampady took the microphone, only eight people were present. Not many of KCCI members could make it to the park so early. KCCI president Kumble Narasimha Prabhu was among those present and he followed the instructions to the satisfaction of the instructor.

Though some initially thought that loudspeakers were a disturbance to other visitors to the park, you soon had many listening to the instructor and watching the deliberations keenly. A couple of them soon joined the yoga session.

People found some of the tips interesting. For example, the instructor said that a 20-second Utkatasana was so effective in keeping you fit that it was equal to a few km of walk.

Hindu