On 21 June, 2019, St. Andrew’s College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Bandra (West) observed Yoga
Day along with the staff and students. The College had invited Mrs. Shashirekha Naidu to conduct a yoga
session for the staff and students. Mrs Shahirekha Naidu, holds a diploma in Yoda Teachers Training
Course from Dadar, and MA degree in Science of Living, Preksha Meditation and Yoga. Mrs Naidu, has
taught Yoga at Kendriya Vidhyalaya School, Dwarka for 11 years. Currently she is a full time yoga teacher
at Jain Public School, Janakpuri, New Delhi since 2002. She teaches Yoga to address specific health issues
such as Hypertension, Obesity, Backache, Diabeties and menstrual problems.

On occasion of World Yoga Day ie. 21st of June she led our Principal Dr. Marie Fernandes, Vice Principal
Dr. Desiree Gonsalves, a dozen Staff members and 65 students through a one hour programme of asanas.
To begin with, Mrs. Naidu led the group through some basic neck and stretching exercises and twisting
sideways, before introducing several standing asanas such as Tadashan, Vrikshasan, Chakrasan, and Ardh
Chakrasanc. At each stage, she explained the benefits of the exercise and gently cautioned the students to
stretch themselves only as much as was comfortable.

After completing the standing asanas, Mrs. Naidu spoke briefly about the benefits of Surya Namaskar. The
group then performed several sets of Surya Namaskar with her guidance. Once this was completed, we
proceeded to several asanas in the seated position including Vakrasan, Makrasan, Bhujanasa, Butterfly
Asan, Shashak (Rabbit pose) Asan, Pawan Muktasan. Towards the end of the session, Anuloma Viloma
(alternate breathing), Brahmari (Humming Bee Sound) and Shavasan helped the group to relax and feel
completely refreshed.

Throughout the session, Mrs Naidu’s daughter did an excellent job of demonstrating the positions while
Mrs Naidu’s gentle voice and instructions allowed us to both understand and appreciate the benefits of
Yoga. Feedback from the students and staff was excellent and we look forward to more Yoga sessions in
the future.