Summary
21st June, every year is celebrated as International Yoga Day. The goal of declaring 21 June as International Day of Yoga was to raise awareness of the long-lasting advantages of practising yoga
To celebrate the essence of this Indian culture, The Telegraph Online Edugraph spoke to Vaneesha Bajoria, an 8 year old Yoga enthusiast
21st June, every year is celebrated as International Yoga Day. The goal of declaring 21 June as International Day of Yoga was to raise awareness of the long-lasting advantages of practising yoga. This year marks the ninth anniversary of the International Day of Yoga. In India, Yoga has been there for quite some time now. And to celebrate the essence of this Indian culture, The Telegraph Online Edugraph spoke to Vaneesha Bajoria, an 8 year old Yoga enthusiast known for doing all kinds of advanced asanas and winning more than 50 trophies and accolades.
Early Journey
For her, Yoga is a broad range of psychological and spiritual exercises that help her to keep her body, mind and soul healthy. Speaking about how she started, Vaneesha says, “My yoga journey commenced as a young child, around the tender age of two or three, when I first witnessed my father gracefully performing surya namaskar, the sun salutation. Intrigued and captivated by his movements, I eagerly joined him in this practice, embarking on an exhilarating voyage of self-discovery. Though my understanding was limited at the time, those early experiences instilled in me a profound love for yoga, setting the stage for a lifelong journey of physical, mental, and spiritual growth.”
She adores yoga because it has helped her become calm and stable mentally. Every time she performs yoga, she feels renewed and content. “My initial foray into yoga was a memorable experience, guided by my father. During that time, he introduced me to the practice of surya namaskar, the sun salutation. What began as a session soon transformed into a delightful playtime where I wholeheartedly immersed myself. With each movement, I not only learned the intricacies of yoga but also found immense joy in the process. Through my father's patient guidance, I acquired a thorough understanding of the practice, nurturing a deep connection with yoga that extends beyond mere physicality. This early introduction sparked a lifelong appreciation for the holistic benefits of yoga, intertwining enjoyment, learning, and self-discovery along the journey” added Vaneesha.
Vaneesha Bajoria performing advanced asanas Source: Vaneesha Bajoria
The type of Yoga she practises
She feels Yoga has helped her know herself better, which is why she loves practising it. To fully comprehend this, she chooses to engage in profound reflection. She strongly believes that practising Yoga has made her aware of both her strengths and flaws. And she has achieved great heights by mastering quite a few very complex poses. “In my present day, I find myself immersed in the practice of advanced asanas, exploring the depths of yoga. Among the many postures I have embraced, some notable ones include the Scorpio Pose, Headstand, Handstand, and Supta Matsyendrasana. These intricate poses challenge my strength, balance, and flexibility, pushing me to expand my physical and mental boundaries. Through dedicated practice and guidance, I am continually deepening my understanding of these postures, appreciating the transformative power they hold within the realm of yoga.”
2nd Runner up at Kid's got Talent Source: Vaneesha Bajoria
An ardent follower of practising yoga in the morning, she feels yoga allows her to control her emotions and moods, besides helping her think more clearly, increasing their intellect, and maintaining a high level of concentration power. “Fueled by my deep passion for yoga, I wake up at 5 a.m., devoting an hour to my morning practice. This sets the tone for my day, infusing me with energy and purpose. In the evening, I commit another hour to advanced asanas, continuously refining my skills. Yoga is my unwavering priority, cherished above all other activities. Time and again, I prioritise and carve out moments for my favourite practice, driven by an unflagging love for yoga. Even when presented with opportunities to engage in other activities, my heart unequivocally chooses yoga, recognising the incredible benefits it brings to my mind, body, and soul” said Vaneesha.
Vaneesha with her father Mr. Raj Bajoria Source: Vaneesha Bajoria
Parents speak
The Telegraph Online Edugraph also spoke to Vaneesha’s father, Mr. Raj Bajoria, who himself is a Yoga Expert qualified from the US Council Board for Nutrition. He said, “The pride and joy I feel when witnessing my daughter follow in my footsteps are indescribable. What brings me even greater happiness is knowing that she has embraced something that not only benefits her physical well-being but also nurtures her mental health. Seeing my daughter evolve into a yogini, caring for her holistic well-being, fills my heart with an overwhelming sense of fulfilment. The bond we share through our shared love for yoga is a gift that words fail to capture, and I am grateful for the positive impact it has on her life”.
Vaneesha with Mr. Manoj Tiwari Source: Vaneesha Bajoria
Future plans
Yoga is a crucial aspect of her life. She aims to practise the same till she grows as it has significantly altered her way of living “As I envision my future, I am inspired to establish my own yoga centres, becoming a beacon of knowledge and education for others. My ultimate goal is to empower individuals with the wisdom and benefits of yoga, fostering a community of health and well-being. With a deep-rooted desire to make yoga an integral part of people's lives, I am committed to raising awareness and helping them embrace yoga as a daily practice. By creating a nurturing space and sharing my expertise, I aspire to guide others on their journey to a healthier and more balanced existence, ensuring that the transformative power of yoga touches lives far and wide”.
The Telegraph Online Edugraph congratulates Vaneesha for her success and wishes her a very promising future ahead.
Last updated on 21 Jun 2023
