UTNOOR (ADILABAD): Yoga became an experience of a lifetime for tribal women who had never before been exposed to the exercise regime.

Around 80 tribals, including a few SC women, of all ages, have been practicing Surya Namskarams and stretching exercises for joint, knee and back pains and they are now capable of training other tribals.

These tribal and SC women received certificates for their participation in the free yoga and naturopathy camp at Utnoor conducted under the SC and ST component plan.

Sources said that the certificates would go a long way in boosting the morale of the Anganwadi and Asha workers, most of whom have only studied till primary and upper primary levels.

Anganwadi worker Mesram M. Kamala of Jainoor mandal said that she practiced yoga for the first time and felt that her whole body was relaxed. She added that she experienced a unique feeling during the “Yoga Nidra” after completing the Surya Namaskarams.

After attending the free three-day yoga training camp organised by Vemana Yoga Research Institute, the women felt that yoga and naturopathy would prove to be very useful as these could help cure various ailments often faced by the Adivasis, without any medical expenses and side effects.

Soyam Jangu, a participant, said she hoped that a yoga and naturopathy centre was established at Utnoor as it would benefit the tribals.

Vemana Yoga Research Institute’s director, Prof. (Dr) K. Satya Lakshmi said that the tribal women were excited during and after the programme. She added that though 60 women had registered, around 80 had attended the programme.