Clubwise - April 26, 2003

Every week, we bring you the latest on the UAE's clubs, associations and groups. We choose one each time and profile it, highlighting its purpose and activities.


This week: Friends of Yoga

They come together for the love of yoga and exercise, but stay because of the friendships they make. Even passersby don't remain strangers for long, as the group accords them a cordial welcome and encourages them to join their sessions - even if it's only for that hour.

"Our club promotes the improvement of the health of people in the region by encouraging the science of yoga. Yoga maintains all aspects of the human body-the physical, mental as well as spiritual," says K.B. Madhavan, group leader.

Friends of Yoga club welcomes men, women and children of all ages, who meet at various open-air locations around Dubai and Sharjah. The club even holds an all-woman session indoors with a woman group leader. Membership is open all year through and there are no fees to join. Sessions are held at Deira Park - 5.30am; Bur Dubai Creek - 7.30am; Corniche in Sharjah - 5.30am; Ittihad Square Park - 5.30am and 7.30am.

Friends of Yoga is an idea conceived about 12 years ago by K.B. Rai from Delhi, India. Since then, he has moved on, but the members continue to learn and practice the 5,000-year-old science under Madhavan and other group leaders. Although ancient, yoga is also characterised by elements that are modern and scientific in nature that provide exercise for the body and stillness to the mind.

Members with ailments such as high blood pressure, asthma, migraine and depression have succeeded in bringing these under control through yoga. Most members, however, enjoy doing yoga for the mental and physical fitness it offers. "No other exercise brings as much benefit to me as yoga does. Yoga in my life is as important as eating a meal. Just as I can't miss my meals for five days and eat five meals at one time, I can't miss my yogic exercises," says Kumar Kandhari, a regular member.

The population in Dubai being transient in nature, it is common to find many members come and go. They come from all walks of life. Some like Madhavan run a business while others like Kandhari work in private firms.

The nationalities represented are similarly diverse. There are members from U.S., UK, Canada, East Europe, India, Pakistan and Philippines.

Many school children enjoy the exercises as well. "In these past 12 years, 3,000 people have taken the opportunity to learn this art," Madhavan claims. Currently the membership stands between 70 to 120 people at each location. Clubs are expected to form soon in Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain.

Besides, members leaving Dubai try to propagate their newfound knowledge by starting similar clubs. Currently meetings are held in Qatar, Oman, Mauritius, New Zealand and New York.

The club also arranges social activities throughout the year. Member groups volunteer to organise New Year parties and picnic games to which members and their families are invited. "This was the second New Year party I celebrated with the Friends of Yoga and it was so much fun. I'm looking forward to the next one," says Rekha, another member. The club also organises charity drives with proceeds benefiting the victims of natural disasters.