Delhi : Despite resistance from fundamentalists and governmental rigidity towards the Yoga, which is generally perceived as a Hindu practice, the number of devoted and enthusiastic practitioners and certified Yogis in Pakistan continues to grow steadily owing to its acknowledged health benefits and promotion of holistic well being.
Islamabad-based Yoga Guru Sumaira Servat observes a significant increase of over one hundred percent in Pakistanis turning towards Yogic practices in recent years, inspired by the immense benefits of Yoga for better health and well-being. However, she regrets the lack of recognition and support from the government for Pakistani Yoga institutions and certified Yoga gurus.
Sumaira claims to have been practicing Yoga for over two and a half decades, conducting classes in various forms including Kids Yoga, Diplomat Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Weightless Yoga etc.across the country.
On the occasion of the International Yoga Day, she said that Yoga sessions were being conducted throughout Pakistan. "In cosmopolitan cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, the number of sessions was higher, given the large number of certified Yogis and Yoga enthusiasts besides Yoga sessions by various TV Channels “Sumaira said.
When asked about potential threats faced by Yoga gurus from hardline Islamist groups, she said "Yoga is often perceived solely as a Hindu practice, and anything associated with Hinduism, which is frequently linked with India, does not align with fundamentalist ideologies, including governmental perspectives.”
She said that the Imran Khan government had a more tolerant stance towards Yoga gurus compared to the Sharif government.
"Due to fundamental groups and the government’s rigidity, the Yoga Ashrams in Pakistan are often referred to as Holistic Awareness Institutions, Wellness Centers, or Health Centers etc, “ said she. This nomenclature shift aims to avoid controversy or objections related to the Hindu connotations often associated with traditional Yoga practices.
Recently, she said she held a Yoga session with Geetika Srivastava, Charge d’Affairs at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.