The High Commission of India and Namaste Yoga Studio in collaboration with the New Amsterdam Prison recently hosted a yoga programme from women inmates, media reports said.

The event was hosted as a part of the International Day of Yoga 2022 and 2023.

The sessions were conducted by the founder of Namaste Yoga Studio and Yoga instructor, Agnela Patil, reports ANI quoting  Guyana Times report.

Since its beginning, in June 2022, the third graduation ceremony was held on Friday for inmates on their successful conclusion of the yoga programme, as per Guyana Times as quoted by ANI.

During the ceremony, the instructor, Patil, said she has seen noticeable changes in inmates, adding that the inmates now are confident, more disciplined and prepared to embrace a positive mindset.

She added that all the graduands should feel proud of themselves as they have begun and finished a journey that was focused on empowering them, and to gain better control over themselves, both mentally and physically, which are absolutely necessary for personal growth and to become meaningful contributors to society, according to Guyana Times as quoted by ANI.

The first Yoga session with inmates was organised by Patil and the Indian High Commission on June 21, 2022. At the time, India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, KJ Srinivasa, had spoken on the benefits to one’s mental and physical well-being and the efforts that are being made to make yoga popular among the prison population.

“Yoga is the art and science of well-being, which is a traditional practice from India. Over the years, efforts have been made to share yoga with people globally since it is good for not only your mental well-being but also your physical well-being. It helps also in your spiritual upliftment,” he had said, adding, “Yoga is a game changer. Becoming the best version of oneself, achieving a balance between body and mind, embracing peace and harmony and working together for the better of humanity are among the central themes of yoga. Yoga could also become your game changer once you practice what you have learnt in earnest.”