The Indian People’s Forum (IPF) UAE’s Karnataka Council organized a free 10 days Yoga camp on the occasion of Rathasaptami from February 17 to 26, with participation from over 100 people from over 50 families.

Led by internationally renowned Yoga Guru and founder of WOW Power Yoga, Dr Bhageerathi Kannadati, the camp taught series of different Yoga techniques and the last day marked successful completion of 108 sun salutations in a single session by all the participants.

To celebrate the success of this first Yoga camp held post pandemic, a valedictory event was organized at Fortune Atrium Hotel on February 26, 2022. The event started with a group recital of Indian patriotic song Vande Mataram, led by renowned classical singer Vidushi Mrs Madhavi Prasad followed by a welcome addrese by Mr Ganesh Rai, Head of IPF IT cell.

IPF National Vice President Mr Suchit Kumar presented its organization structure, various services rendered to Indians in need in the UAE and how one can become part of IPF to selflessly serve the community.

The event’s Chief Guest Mr Mohan Narasimhamurthy, a patron of Kannada Mitraru UAE and the Vice President of Karnataka NRI Forum, praised the efforts of the team in helping the NRI community to connect back with the Indian culture and highlighted how yogic practices have a positive impact on an individual’s physical and mental well-being.

In his Presidential Address, Head of the IPF Karnataka Council Mr Shashidhar Nagarajappa reiterated IPF’s main aim of being the serving hand for the Indian community and elaborated how the 10 days Yoga camp is one of the many strategic steps in that direction.

The guests, along with Kannada Paathashale Convenor Mrs Roopa Shashidhar, graciously honored Dr Bhagirathi Kannadati with a Shawl, Garland and Memento and crowned her with a traditional red Petha and sindhoora, a cultural symbol of respect and pride. Mr Nagaraj Rao presented a detailed list of accomplishments of Dr. Bhageerathi.

Dr Bhageerathi expressed her deepest appreciation to IPF team for their community service, thanked them for the opportunity, shared how overwhelmed she is by the love and affection showered by the participants and the organizers and promised to play an active role in IPF moving forward.

During his closing remarks, Mr Ranjith Kodath, IPF’s National Joint Secretary motivated the audience by sharing his own life experience of how Yoga helped regulate his hemoglobin count and improved his health condition massively.

The whole camp and the closing event was well coordinated and anchored by IPF’s event coordinator Mr Naveen Bharadwaj. His unique style of hosting and audience engagement caught the attention of the crowd and was applauded.

Mr. Umakanth, Mr. Girish Kalkund, Mrs. Triveni and Mrs. Deepika Bhat shared their experiences and opinions about the Yoga camp and its remarkable impact on them.

WOW Power Yoga’s Mr. Shashidhar Mundaragi thanked everyone for making the camp and the event a grand success.

Pure vegetarian and yogic lunches were served at the Rasa restaurant.

Event Report by Girish Kalkund