A Christchurch-based group of Indian-origin people has found a unique way to stay fit, celebrate their culture, and foster a sense of community through yoga and other activities. The group, known as 'Yoga and You', meets weekly to practice yoga and connect with their Indian heritage.
The group was established five years ago when Sport Canterbury approached members of the Indian community, including Nalini Rama, Sudhir Joshi, Shilpa Shailaj, and Amit Raut, with the idea of creating a strength and balance yoga class tailored for senior citizens within the Kiwi-Indian community, aimed at fall prevention.
Nalini Rama and her husband, Natu Rama, are pillars of the Christchurch Kiwi-Indian community. Natu Rama, affectionately known as Natu Uncle, has a century-long family connection to New Zealand and has been the driving force behind many community initiatives, including the Christchurch Diwali celebration. The couple is always the first to extend a helping hand, whether the issue is big or small, and they go out of their way to assist and unite the community.
With the support of like-minded community members and Sport Canterbury's initial three-month venue assistance, a chair yoga class that includes mat exercises for those who can participate has flourished into a thriving social and cultural micro-community designed for individuals aged 50 and above.
Now, the group gathers every Wednesday at the Bishopdale Library in Christchurch, led by two dedicated and trained instructors, Nalini and Shilpa, with support from Veena. These one-hour sessions, open to individuals of all experience levels, aim to enhance both physical and mental well-being.
Currently boasting around 20 to 25 participants each week, Yoga and You has become a cherished part of the lives of its members going beyond yoga and becoming a celebration of life, culture, and camaraderie.
Family members and friends from the broader community often accompany the participants. The group has become like an extended family, where connections go beyond the yoga mat.
Members actually look forward to these sessions as “we have added various other activities to the sessions. Occasionally we get together for luncheons, picnics, celebrate festivals, and engage in social gatherings. These occasions are also opportunities for fun activities such as dumb charades, quizzes, and even karaoke sessions featuring old Bollywood songs,” says Nalini.
"To celebrate the Indian Independence Day in August, we all gathered at Castle Hill and sang the Indian national anthem against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains,” she shares.
Another charming tradition of the group is celebrating members’ birthdays each month by cutting a cake. These small gestures of togetherness make the group feel more connected and like a big family.
The group also recognises the importance of keeping the minds active. Various mental exercises are integrated into their gatherings to improve cognitive abilities and keep the brain busy.
In the future, the group aims to facilitate the establishment of similar groups dedicated to yoga practice and mental health exercises, providing them with guidance and support.
