Certain ways of bureaucratic functioning lends itself to yoga

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is obviously very serious about limbering up the notoriously slothful Indian bureaucracy, even if other indolent Indians may manage to scrape through Yoga Day without stretching themselves beyond a dead-easy savasana. With New Delhi’s huge Rajpath lawns —traditionally the venue of torpid afternoons of cards and chit-chat for languorous government servants — being readied for Sunday morning’s exercise and khadi yoga wear and mats being offered by the eponymous flagship government outfit nationwide, the intent is clear even if the event is supposedly voluntary. And the morning’s efforts will obviously not be restricted to the lotus position, or padmasana.

But the target group need not fear, as other basic asanas should come naturally to those present, such as the urdhva dhanurasana or chakrasana that entails bending over backwards. While the connotation may not be complimentary, its regular practitioners will be heartened to know that the asana paradoxically strengthens the backbone. It also promotes clarity of thought and energises those with deskbound jobs. Shirsasana, or standing on one’s head, should also come naturally as it is a widely-practised posture in those circles, albeit figuratively speaking. This official endorsement will hopefully inspire more of them to take to yoga.