-Ranjan K Baruah
On December 11 in 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. This day is observed around the world with different activities. In India, we have seen the celebration of the day by governments, civil society, academic institutions, etc. All these are popularizing Yoga amongst us. To be optimistic it is also bringing more career opportunities related to Yoga.
Yoga is a more than five thousand year old art or practice of staying fit mentally and physically by means of exercises as well as mind control practices such as controlled breathing, deep meditation etc . The word Yoga is a Sanskrit word which means ‘union’ i.e of the body, mind and spirit. Basically Yoga is an amalgamation of breathing exercises and structured movement. It is an excellent tool to enhance the body’s internal health and external beauty and to achieve a higher standard of overall health and immunity.
As an alternate way Yoga can be looked as a powerful way to remain fit and healthy as we are more associated with technology in our daily life and away from nature. We are more dependent on machine which is bringing many side effects for us. Due to this health and fitness have become areas of major concern in the fast paced life. People are also trying to become conscious about health and wellness. Although the practice of yoga has been prevailing in India from several centuries, yoga as a career option has become popular only in the recent past.
Yoga can be used to manage stress, psycho-somatic and lifestyle related disorders. Non-communicable diseases very well respond to the Yoga therapy. The modern medicine hospitals and institutes are gradually adopting this system of therapy. Yoga demonstrations, yoga conferences, seminars, workshops, exhibitions, magazines and journals have also contributed immensely to the popularity of this discipline.
Foremost careers and opportunities in this area are that of yoga consultants, yoga therapists, yoga trainers/ instructors/ teachers. There are graduates and post graduates level courses related to yoga. There are some short term certificate courses too. Courses include Yogic Science and Human Consciousness, Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences, Yoga and Alternative Therapy, Yoga Education, Applied Yoga and Holistic Health, Yoga Therapy and Spiritual Counseling, etc. Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) is an autonomous organization registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and fully funded by Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. There are many other institutes that offer courses and training related to Yoga like Indian Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, The Yoga Institute, etc.
The best part is individuals with less academic qualification may also take it up as career by becoming instructors and all. Yoga is bringing more opportunities as health and wellness is an important aspect of life. Educational institutes, corporate and other various institutes appoint yoga instructor for training. Yoga instructors may look for employment in general fitness centers, yoga studios, or seek their own clients through self-employment. Now a day’s yoga centers are booming in different parts as the demand has increased. There would be demand of yoga and instructors in our region in near future which makes yoga as an emerging career opportunity.
The writer is a career mentor, skill trainer and also motivational speaker and can be contacted at 8473943734 or
[email protected] for any queries