Yoga a part of life for 126-yr-old Baba Sivanand

Varanasi: As the city witnessed huge participation of people in yoga events on International Day of Yoga on Wednesday, there are also some people like 126-year-old Baba Sivanand who have a passion for yoga and have included it in their daily routine to lead a healthy life. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also praised Baba’s passion for yoga in his Mann Ki Baat programme last year. Baba Sivanand caught the attention of the nation during the Padma Awards ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan in 2022. In his Mann Ki Baat programme on March 27, 2022, the PM said, “The agility of the 126-year-old has surprised everyone, including me. And before one could bat an eyelid, he bowed in the ‘nandi mudra’. Baba Sivanand’s age and fitness are a subject of discussion today. Social media was flooded with comments about Baba Sivanand being fitter than many one-fourth his age. Indeed, his life is an inspiration for us. He has a passion for yoga and leads a healthy lifestyle. I wish him a long life.” While receiving the Padma Shri award, Baba Sivanand knelt before the PM and President as a mark of respect. The PM swiftly reciprocated by bowing before him. Varanasi-based yoga champion, Baba Sivanand, was born in August 1896. As per his Aadhaar card, his date of birth is August 8, 1896. Despite his age, he performs yoga for several hours every day and performs rituals on his own. He sleeps on a mat on the floor and wakes up at 3am, adhering to a fixed routine. Fit and devoid of disease, he leads a simple life, has a simple diet and makes sure to be of service to others. Though based in Kashi, Baba Sivanand moves around the country and abroad to deliver spiritual discourse.