HASSAN: When former Prime Minister and octogenarian H D Deve Gowda went to his 35-year-old yoga master Karthik Patil seven years ago, he had severe pain in the knee and was unable to sit on the floor.
But today, with his determination and practice, JD(S) supremo not only maintains stamina, but can bend and stretch while doing 30 asanas. His yoga guru Karthik, younger to him by half-a-century, gives him a 100/100.
Karthik said some of his (Deve Gowda’s) followers got him to Sri Jayasaraswathi Institute in Uttarahalli, close to Deve Gowda’s Padmanabhanagar residence.“He was suffering from pain in the knee. It was a major challenge for me as well. Till then, 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. Sometimes, he comes to our institute to practice,’’ Karthik told TNIE.
Everyday, including Sundays and general holidays, 85-year-old 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 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.’’
For Karthik, who has about 800 students, Gowda is special. “He never behaves like a neta. He is a very simple man. He listens and practices. He does meditation and Praanayaama. Like an obedient student, Gowda learns and adapts. With his diet having mainly Raagi Mudde and lot of vegetables, Gowda is truly inspiring. There is no age restriction for yoga,” he added.