top of page

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: More Than Just Exercise

Writer: Shweta Goyal
Shweta Goyal
Jun 26
3 min read

Yoga is no longer merely India's cultural heritage; it has become a global movement for health and well-being.

In today's fast-paced world, when stress, depression, anxiety and lifestyle-related diseases are increasing day by day, yoga has emerged not only as a physical practice but also as a path to mental and spiritual well-being.


This year, the 12th International Day of Yoga was observed with the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'. The theme conveys a message that yoga offers a holistic approach to health, balance and self-realisation. Yoga is no longer merely a part of India's cultural heritage. It has gained global acceptance as a comprehensive system for physical and mental well-being. The observance of Yoga Day on June 21 in more than 170 countries demonstrates how yoga has transcended national, cultural and religious boundaries.


The regular practice of yoga disciplines not only the body but also the mind, intellect and spirit. It is a simple yet profound way of maintaining physical health, controlling stress and preserving inner balance.


This ancient Indian knowledge system has established itself as a reliable wellness practice even in the modern scientific era. When the proposal for International Yoga Day was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 with the support of 177 countries, it became evident that yoga had evolved into a global movement promoting health and well-being.


Today, yoga represents far more than exercise. It is increasingly viewed as a pathway to a healthy lifestyle, mental stability and spiritual growth.


The practices of yoga postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama) are among the most natural and accessible methods for maintaining physical and mental health. Yoga is not limited to physical postures alone. It is a science of balanced living developed by ancient sages. Modern research increasingly supports its role in stress reduction, blood pressure management, improved respiratory function, stronger immunity and better mental health.


Some commonly practised yoga postures offer a range of physical and mental health benefits. Bhujangasana helps improve lung capacity, strengthen the spine and reduce stress, while Ustrasana supports digestion, heart health and relief from back pain. Sarvangasana promotes better blood circulation and supports thyroid function, whereas Halasana aids digestion, weight management and relaxation. Trikonasana improves balance, immunity and muscle strength, while Tadasana supports posture, digestion and respiratory health. Dhanurasana strengthens the back and abdomen and helps reduce stress, while Padangusthasana promotes relaxation and may contribute to better sleep, blood pressure management and digestive health.


Pranayama, or controlled breathing exercises, is an integral part of yoga and plays an important role in strengthening the respiratory system and promoting mental well-being. Practices such as Anulom-Vilom help maintain mental calm, while Kapalbhati supports blood circulation, nervous system function and respiratory health. Bhastrika strengthens the lungs and heart and helps manage stress, whereas Bhramari promotes relaxation and may help reduce anxiety and insomnia. Ujjayi is known to improve concentration and support cardiovascular health, while Udgeeth helps enhance memory, supports the nervous system and relieves stress. The objective of these practices is to strengthen the body's natural defence mechanisms and improve its ability to resist disease.


During the Covid-19 pandemic, many people turned to yoga for physical and emotional support, highlighting the importance of respiratory health, immunity and mental resilience. For today's younger generation, often caught in a fast-paced lifestyle, yoga offers an opportunity to slow down, reconnect and restore balance.


Yoga gurus often describe yoga not merely as a health practice but as an art of living. It helps establish harmony between the body, mind and spirit while encouraging self-discipline, restraint, tolerance and inner peace.


Modern medical science increasingly acknowledges the benefits of yoga. Countries across America, Europe, Japan and Australia are adopting yoga as a complementary therapeutic practice for conditions such as stress, depression, high blood pressure, asthma, obesity, sleep disorders, thyroid conditions and diabetes. Yoga not only helps prevent disease but also contributes to personal growth and overall well-being.


True peace and balance in society begin with individuals who are calm and balanced within themselves. For this reason, yoga is not merely a personal practice but a positive force for social and global well-being. The need today is to move beyond celebrating yoga on a single day and make it part of everyday life. Regular practice can improve physical health, strengthen mental well-being and help individuals lead more balanced lives.


As the world marks International Yoga Day, the message remains simple: yoga is not just a practice for one day but a lifelong path to health, balance and well-being.


(The writer is an educationist active in the field of teaching for more than 18 years.)

Comments

bottom of page