Excelsior Correspondent
![People attending Yoga classes at SGC Katra.](http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/page7-62-300x169.jpg)
KATRA, Oct 5: As part of its yet another Social Responsibility Initiative, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is organising Yoga and Meditation classes for the pilgrims, locals and employees of the Shrine Board at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra, daily from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, informed that a number of pilgrims, locals of Katra and its surrounding areas and the employees of the Shrine Board and their family members are participating in these Yoga classes. He added that for this purpose, the services of a Yoga expert have been arranged by the Shrine Board.
The participants of the Yoga and meditation classes are highly appreciating this initiative of the Shrine Board taken for the benefit of the pilgrims, locals and the employees. Ankur Dewan, a pilgrim from Delhi, among the group of Yatris who participated in the Yoga classes today, observed that this is a laudable initiative of the Shrine Board, as Yoga helps in transforming the body and the mind as well as stress management. He suggested that the pilgrims to the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji as well as others should take benefit of the Yoga classes being organised at the SGC.
Another pilgrim from Delhi, who is a regular practitioner of Yoga for the past many years, was appreciative of the Board for organising Yoga classes at SGC, adding that it is a very encouraging initiative from which pilgrims and other people could benefit. He highlighted the effectiveness of Yoga in management of stress and various ailments, besides living a healthy life.
Shiv Kumar Sharma, President, Senior Citizens’ Welfare Forum, Katra, who is regularly participating in the Yoga classes at the SGC, was of the view that Yoga is beneficial for the people of all age groups, as such, they should take optimum advantage of the initiative taken by the Shrine Board. R. S. Manhas, General Secretary, Senior Citizens’ Welfare Forum, Katra and a daily participant of these Yoga classes, dwelt on the benefits of Yoga in leading a healthy life. He acclaimed the Shrine Board for taking this initiative.