Sunita Poddar has a vision to improve the health of everyone in Scotland within ten years.

And she’s started in Kinning Park. For three weeks in January, she gave free daily classes in Yoga. ‘More than 15 million people have benefited around the world from learning to breathe properly through yoga,’ said the Lambhill Court Care Home company director. ‘I believe if people here have the same chance, we will be on the way forward to a healthier world.’

Using the yoga techniques of Dr Ram Devji,  Mrs Poddar has lost four stones in weight. Through daily practise, she has improved her own health. The free classes were to establish what beneficial effects other people could experience for themselves.

The inaugural session was given a formal send off by local Councillor Shaukat Butt who lit a flame of peace and tranquillity. He said, ‘It is an honour to be here – especially as this is being launched in my own ward. Yoga is not new – especially in India – but we need it desperately in Scotland. Everyone should join these classes for their own health’s sake. I’ll do everything I can to make sure Glasgow City Council knows the benefits this charity can bring. These free classes are the first step to making Glasgow a healthier city.’

At the end of the first seven consecutive sessions – held from 6.30am in Lambhill Court Care home’s main lounge which was the gym when the building was a school – all the volunteers recorded health benefits. Everyone had been weighed and had had their blood pressure recorded at the start.  Weight loss up to 7lbs was recorded for 96% of participants and 80% returned lower blood pressure. Others emphasised less painful or more flexible joints. ‘I could touch my toes from day four,’ said one participant. ‘It’s been a very long time since I was able to do that!’

Many found they were more mentally alert and focussed and sleeping better. One individual who is diabetic and injects insulin, has reduced his daily insulin intake.

Men and women, school children, working adults and pensioners all took part in the pilot study. Soon Mrs Poddar will hold free, bigger sessions in public venues around the city for the charity which promotes Dr Devji’s methods. ‘I want people to get the maximum health benefits from learning how to breathe properly through learning this form of yoga,’ she said. To contact her to find out where the classes will be held phone Lambhill Court on 0141 427 7510 or go to the website: www.divyayogascotland.org.uk.