BENGALURU: When former Prime Minister and octogenarian HD Deve Gowda went to his 35-year-old yoga master Karthik Patil seven years back, he had severe pain in the knee and was unable to sit on the floor.
But today, with his determination, practice and will power, the old man of JD(S) not only maintains stamina, but can bend and stretch while doing more than 30 various asanas. His yoga guru and instructor Karthik, younger to him by half-a-century, gives him a 100/100.
Explaining how Deve Gowda approached Karthik seven years back, Karthik recalled that some of his (Deve Gowda's) followers got him to Sri Jayasaraswathi Institute, which is located at Uttarahalli, close to Deve Gowda's residence in Padmanabhanagar.
"Deve Gowda was suffering from pain in the knee. He sat on a chair. It was a major challenge for me as well. Till then, Deve Gowda was practising yoga at home by himself, but in the last seven years, he is vigorously practising yoga. Everyday, at his residence he is ready by 7.30 am sharp. Sometimes, he comes to our institute to practice,'' Karthik told The New Indian Express.
Everyday, including Sundays and general holidays, 85-year old Deve Gowda does his routine, without skipping. He has a cup of coffee and two glasses of water before starting yoga practice.
Karthik, a disciple of the legendary yoga guru BKS Iyengar, said: "My Guru, in his book, mentions there are around 600 various asanas; of which, Gowda comfortably does 30-35 asanas like Sarvaangaasana, Halaasana, Veeraasana, Swasthikaasana, Pawanmuktasana and Uttanapadasana, with ease. This is something amazing at his age. Each of these asanas bring positive impact on health. In Deve Gowda's case, the veerasana has reduced his knee pain. Gowda sits on the floor. The swelling in his feet has come down.''
For Karthik, who has about 800 students, Gowda is special. "Deve Gowda never behaves like a neta. He is a very simple and down-to-earth man. He listens and practices. He does Dhyaana (meditation) and Praanayaama (breathing exercise). Like an obedient student, Gowda learns and adapts. With his diet having mainly Raagi Mudde and lot of vegetables, Deve Gowda is truly inspiring. There is no age restriction for practising or starting yoga," he added.