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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 8:56:24 pm

Aaditya bats for ‘truth’

Mumbai: Two days after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a FIR in the Disha Salian case, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA and ex-Minister Aaditya Thackeray broke his silence – to proclaim that he would “fight for truth and against injustice”, here on Wednesday. “For the sake of truth, against injustice, our fight will continue,” vowed Aditya, daring his opponents that all attempts to silence him through ‘politically motivated character assassination’ will not succeed. Thackeray Jr’s...

Aaditya bats for ‘truth’

Mumbai: Two days after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a FIR in the Disha Salian case, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA and ex-Minister Aaditya Thackeray broke his silence – to proclaim that he would “fight for truth and against injustice”, here on Wednesday. “For the sake of truth, against injustice, our fight will continue,” vowed Aditya, daring his opponents that all attempts to silence him through ‘politically motivated character assassination’ will not succeed. Thackeray Jr’s assertion came after the CBI recorded the statement of Disha Salian’s father Satish Salian as per the September 2 directives of the Bombay High Court handing over the case probe to the central agency. Taking to X today, Aaditya said: “To stop the dust of rumors once again, I'm stating only and only the facts! Let’s cut through the noise and talk facts, once again. I have never met Disha Salian, nor did I have any acquaintance with her, or have known her." Nevertheless, Aaditya said that for the past six years, due to political motives arising out of personal enmity and with the intent of character assassination, “some people have been deliberately trying to link my name to this unfortunate incident repeatedly, despite there being no evidence or connection whatsoever”. With an apparent tinge of regret, the SS (UBT) MLA said that the false discussions on television channels and media trials carried out through empty bluster cannot alter the truth. “Loud TV debates and media trials do not change the facts. Let the official re-investigation proceed without malicious distractions and relentless smear campaigns run by vested interests without a single shred of evidence and truth is highly unfortunate,” Aaditya said. The controversy dates back to June 2020, when Disha Salian, 28, a celebrity manager who had worked with the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, died after falling from a high-rise building in Malad. The Mumbai Police initially investigated the death as an accidental-death matter and subsequently concluded there was no foul play. Later however, her father Satish Salian challenged the handling of the case and sought a fresh investigation. Allowing his plea, the high court ordered the CBI to register an FIR and conduct a substantive investigation with an open mind into the circumstances surrounding her death. Crucially, the court also stated that it was not making findings against any individual and directed that no person be treated as an accused unless material emerged during investigations.

Yoga for Healthy Ageing: Adding Life to Years

Writer: Shraddha Deshpande
Shraddha Deshpande
Jun 22
3 min read

Yoga's greatest strength is its accessibility — it can be adapted to suit every age, ability and stage of life.

Every year, June 21 is celebrated across the globe as the International Day of Yoga. Emerging from India's ancient wisdom, yoga has transcended geographical boundaries and become a universal symbol of health, harmony, and holistic well-being. This year's theme, "Yoga for Healthy Ageing", is both timely and significant. As life expectancy increases worldwide and populations continue to age, the need to ensure not just a longer life but a healthier and more fulfilling one has become a global priority.


Ageing is a natural and inevitable process of life. However, growing older does not necessarily mean declining health, dependence, or reduced quality of life. Healthy ageing refers to maintaining physical, mental, and social well-being while preserving independence, dignity, and a sense of purpose. In this regard, yoga offers a comprehensive and sustainable approach to enhancing the quality of life throughout the ageing process.


Modern lifestyles have led to an alarming rise in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, obesity, and musculoskeletal problems. These conditions are no longer confined to older adults; they increasingly affect younger generations as well. Amid these challenges, yoga stands out not merely as a form of physical exercise but as a holistic lifestyle practice that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit.


Physical Benefits

Regular practice of yoga improves flexibility, strengthens muscles, and enhances joint mobility. It helps maintain balance and coordination, thereby reducing the risk of falls, which are a major concern among older adults. Yoga also supports healthy blood circulation, improves respiratory efficiency, and contributes to the optimal functioning of various bodily systems. Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive impact of yoga on managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.


Mental Well-being

The benefits of yoga extend far beyond physical health. In today's fast-paced and demanding world, mental well-being has become equally important. Stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and emotional instability often become more pronounced with age. Through the regular practice of yoga, pranayama, and meditation, individuals can cultivate inner calmness, emotional resilience, and mental clarity. These practices help reduce stress levels, improve concentration, enhance memory, and foster a positive outlook on life.


Pranayama, the yogic science of breath regulation, plays a particularly important role in promoting healthy ageing. Controlled breathing techniques increase oxygen supply to the body, improve lung capacity, and support the efficient functioning of vital organs. Meditation further complements these benefits by quieting the mind, enhancing self-awareness, and nurturing emotional balance. Together, these practices transform ageing from a period of limitation into an opportunity for growth, reflection, and fulfilment.


Lifelong Practice

The foundation of healthy ageing, however, must be laid much earlier in life. The habits we cultivate in our youth significantly influence our well-being in later years. Today's young adults are tomorrow's senior citizens. Therefore, yoga should not be viewed solely as an activity for older people; rather, it is a lifelong practice that benefits individuals at every stage of life. Those who embrace yoga regularly are more likely to remain physically active, mentally stable, and socially engaged as they age.


One of the greatest strengths of yoga lies in its accessibility and adaptability. Regardless of age, fitness level, or physical ability, yoga offers practices that can be modified to suit individual needs. This inclusiveness makes yoga a powerful tool for promoting health and well-being across generations.


India's ancient gift to humanity has today evolved into a global movement for wellness and preventive healthcare. The theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing" carries a profound message: while ageing is beyond our control, how we age is largely shaped by the choices we make every day. Yoga empowers individuals to take charge of their health and embrace the ageing process with confidence, vitality, and grace.


Yoga does not merely add years to life; it adds life to years. Beyond the annual observance of International Day of Yoga, the real challenge lies in making yoga a sustained part of everyday life—one that supports healthier, happier, and more dignified ageing for all.


 (The writer is a yoga educator and researcher based in Pune. Views personal.)


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