'Yoga can counter violence in Caribbean schools'

Yoga can be the antidote to violence. With that message, Rolston Nelson, the acting Chief Justice of the Caribbean Court of Justice, has urged the Trinidad Ministry of Education to introduce yoga in the school curriculum.

Delivering the keynote address at the launch of Yoga Day held at Trinidad Hilton Hotel, Nelson said yoga can curb violence and indiscipline in the schools.

Referring to incidents of crime, Nelson said: "If benefit of Yoga spreads among the population then we would be living in a much more humane and gentle society. I look forward to the Ministry of Education paying more to the science of Yoga."

The International Yoga Day will be observed on June 21. In Trinidad and Tobago, the second International Yoga Day will be observed between June 18 and 26 at 10 locations, including the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus and Divali Nagar.

Deoroop Teemal, Chairman of the International Day of Yoga Committee of Trinidad and Tobago (IDYCTT) said 12 yoga groups will participate in the International Yoga Day this year.

According to Indian High Commissioner Gauri Shankar Gupta, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago is partnering with the Ministry of Health, the United Nations and the IDYCTT. About 60 schools will hold Yoga classes in September, he said.

Quoting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the High Commissioner said: "Yoga is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian traditions. It embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action, restraint and fulfilment, harmony between man and nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help us to deal with climate change".

"We would be happy to go into the high-risk schools and teach Yoga. At the end of the day, we would have healthier children. We are appealing to the government to come forward and cooperate with us."

Yvonne Lewis, Director of Health Education Division, Ministry of Health, said Yoga can keep one's body active.

Referring to the risks of diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, cancer and stroke faced by the people of Trinidad and Tobago, Lewis said: "These diseases account for over 60 per cent deaths every year. And 70 per cent of these diseases can be prevented."

--IANS

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