Clubwise: August 3, 2002

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. We also bring you bits of news from other such groups. So that you know what is happening when, where and why.

This week: Inner Universe

Almost all clubs, support groups and gatherings need an objective combined with the required essentials to carry on with their activities. So does Inner Universe, but here the resource used is unique – the mind.

It has been proven that the average man uses only 20 per cent of his mental capacity, while 80 per cent of his potential remains dormant. To awaken, realise and release this dormant potential is what Inner Universe is all about.

Founded by Pon Elango in the year 1989 in India, the organisation soon became very popular and expanded to Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Bahrain, Doha and Muscat.

Though Elango has been conducting workshops in Dubai since 1993, he registered his organisation here only early this year.

One can qualify as a member of the group after attending a five-day-long workshop conducted by Elango. Besides the workshop fees, there is an annual fee of Dh50 for individuals and Dh75 for families. Children are also welcome to the meetings.

Members meet on the second Friday of every month in Dubai and Abu Dhabi at designated spots and practice what they have learnt, sharing their experiences over snacks. They also enjoy the benefits of various guest speakers. An audio library, with information on related topics, is available to all members. And they also have the advantage of joining the club in another country in case they relocate.

"Relaxation gives you temporary relief from a problem, while stress management eradicates the problem from the root," says Elango. "It is the latter that I would like to follow – uprooting the cause of the problem. Dubai is a high stress region, the main contributing factor being job insecurity."

He provides guidance on the correct way to breathe, eat, sleep and even drink water. He has changed the lives of thousands across the world through his workshops. Ten minutes spent with Elango will leave you sharp enough to memorise a 100-digit number without difficulty.

Beneficial exercises, using food as medicine and also stress and anger-release techniques, are a part of the workshop.

"Inner Universe is all about making every aspect of our lives better, a lifestyle that one has to adopt," says Elango. "The result is a stress- and disease-free life," he explained.

Elango has studied yoga and Siddha medicine in depth and obtained a Masters in Personal Management and Industrial Training. His keen interest in motivating people to bring out their best made him set up Inner Universe.

Inner Universe can be summed up as a programme that unleashes an individual's capabilities by improving memory skills, building confidence and thus generating a far superior quality of life.

"Take care of your mind and you can lead a healthy and happy life" is Elango's motto. To get a better idea, people can visit the website www.inneruniverse.com or attend one of the free seminars held by Pon Elango regularly at Ramada Hotel in Bur Dubai.

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