11 February,2009 11:19 AM IST | | A Correspondent
After attending Baba Ramdev's yoga sessions, Mumbai's firemen seem to have become health conscious. Now, they want fitness centres at all the 33 fire stations.
Currently, with the help of Baba Ramdev of Patanjali Yog Peeth, city's firemen are learning to hold their breath for longer periods in smoke-filled rooms, and also beat the stress of seeing charred bodies almost every day. Besides pranayams and asanas, they are also learning how to deal with digestion problems. Twelve yoga teachers have been assigned to the task.
"Only a few command centres have fitness centers. After yoga, fitness centers are now on the cards" said Pratap Karguppikar, Chief Fire officer (CFO).
According to a circular issued to all 33 fire stations, yoga will become an integral part of the firemen's life.
"After the 26/11 attacks, the plight of the firemen has been noticed by the government. As of now, the fire brigade functions with only one-third the required strength. Thus, the work pressure is tremendous. During Baba Ramdev's last visit to the city, ex-chief fire officer A V Sawant requested him to design a special course for firemen. We already had one week of training, want to continue it as part of our daily schedule," added the CFO.
The fire department has submitted the yoga proposal to the municipal commissioner and will send a proposal for fitness centre too.
