PMC health prescription Suryanamaskar at civic schools

“We are aware of controversies related to introduction of suryanamaskar in schools but everyone should accept that it an effective exercise for fitness. Suryanamaskar is part of yoga that originated in our country and is now practised in foreign countries,” said Avinash Bagwe,chairperson of the civic sports committee.

Suryanamaskar along with physical education in civic schools every week would keep students healthy,he said. “PMC has the powers to implement it only in its schools,but its success might make private schools start the practice.”

The sports policy has already made it mandatory for civic schools to hold a sports meet every year funded by the civic body,with at least three sports events. It also ensures that if any civic school student achieves excellence in sports,the student and the school concerned would be rewarded.

“The sports meet is not held regularly and is just a formality. Our aim is that there should be a team representing civic schools in all sports events,” said Bagwe.

The policy also stresses revival of traditional sports. “Only kho-kho and kabaddi still exist. Several other traditional sports like aatya-paatya,tug-of-war and mallkhamb have vanished. We are committed to their revival. These games may not find a place in international sports but will help students maintain mental and physical strength and increase concentration,” he added.

The PMC has also decided to provide funds for maintenance and development of talims (old wrestling clubs) and grounds and plans to bring in latest training equipment and set up massage centres,saunas and jacuzzi.

Along with inculcating sports culture in civic schools, PMC has also proposed sports nurseries on private properties. “The aim is to promote sports among children right at the start. To be set up on the lines of pre-primary schools,these should be places where children are introduced to sports. These can be set up in open spaces and amenity spaces of private organisations or housing societies in addition to civic schools,PMC colonies,grounds,gardens,” Bagwe said.