“INDIA’s attempt to perform 75 crore Surya Namaskar to celebrate 75 years of independence will be a world record and we all will be part of that history-making effort. Surya Namaskar is one of the best exercises and should be performed by one and all. It not only helps keep the body fit but also helps in keeping the mind fresh,” said Dr Milind Barahate, Management Council Member, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University.

Dr Barahate was speaking during the Surya Namaskar event organised by the Director of Sports and Physical Education Department, RTMNU at its ground in Ravi Nagar.

Selected players for Khelo India Nagpur Centre and other sportspersons performed 13 set of Surya Namaskar on Friday morning. Around 50 sportspersons from sports like karate, table tennis, gymnastics, football along with those from Khelo India Nagpur Centre (badminton, basketball, handball and athletics) participated in the mega event.

The selected members of RTMNU yogasana men and women teams that will participate in the west zone inter-university competitions also performed Surya Namaskar.

Dr Yashwant Patil, Principal, PWS College, was the special guest on the occasion.

“Surya Namaskar, if performed at a decent speed can help sportspersons in warming up thier bodies before any competitions. Similarly, it also helps during the cooling down exercises,” added Dr Barahate.

“Not only sportspersons but each and every individual must perform Surya Namaskar daily to keep themselves fit,” added Dr Barahate.

Prasanna Hardas, National member of Krida Bharti presided over the programme. Dr Sharad Suryawanshi, Director, Department of Sports and Physical Education, RTMNU. Dr Kumkum Boratkar, Dr Tejshingh Jagdale, Dr Devendra Wankhede, Mangesh Mopkar, Atmaran Pande, athlete Sayali Waghmare, Smita Bakre, Vijay Ghichare, Yugbahadur Chhatri, Jayendra Dhole and others were also present on the occasion. Sonali Sirbhate conducted the programme while Amit Tembhurne made the introductory remark. Dr Devendra Wankhede proposed a vote of thanks.