The ‘Inspiring Bangalore’ article on January 5, 2013 about Shashidhar Sambargi, a retired official from the state government, who conducts free yoga classes, caught the attention of IGP Dr P Ravindranath. Inspired by the benefits, the chief of police has now initiated yoga classes for police officers.
“In fact, my officers read the article in City Express and apprised me about how this gentleman, who is 73 years old, teaches yoga classes and has prepared a manual of standing poses which can be followed. Most of our police personnel have a standing life culture. These asanas will definitely help them to relax even during working hours. Mind control is a major factor in this kind of job. As a doctor and then an IPS officer, I have an idea about how yoga can be useful to de-stress. Even Shashidhar has volunteered to teach our staff,” he said.
Currently Shashidhar is preparing a manual for the police personnel. “He has given us a draft, which was followed in the first camp. We will continue with better asanas in the next yoga class. In fact, previously we have tried with some yoga gurus, but they did not work out as a long term practise. Hope this benefits our officers,” he added.
Siddappa, Sub-Inspector of Vijaynagar Police station limits said, “Our first five-day yoga camp with Shashidhar had a good response. Everybody felt that it was a refreshing course. We will soon have another batch coming for the session.”