Tanzanian Connection: Munaza's Quest for Learning Yoga Brings her to Ujire
Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (RD/SB)
Beltangady, Jun 1: A special bond between Ujire and African nation of Tanzania has been set through education. A first overseas medical student being trained in yoga and naturopathy at Ujire through Rajiv Gandhi Health University and will return soon to her home country with a degree.
Munaza, a Tanzanian student has been studying at SDM Yoga and Naturopathy College, Ujire, here. Although a Muslim, she had a keen interest in yoga and Indian medical practices, which led her to Ujire in India.
She narrates an interesting tale on how she was exposed to the institute in Ujire and how the initiation of the bond between two countries were set. It was a chance meeting with an employee of Acharya Institute, Bangalore, who was on safari at her home country, that exposed her to the idea. She explained to Munaza about Indian medical practices, yoga and naturopathy, also informing her about SDM Yoga and Naturopathy College, Ujire as being one of the few professional colleges that impart studies in this regard. Soon she developed an inclination to study the same.
A Naturalist
Munaza also made up her mind not to study Allopathy which gives opportunities to make money. Munaza’s father is a chief executive officer in an educational institution back in her country, while her mother is a housewife and in the beginning both were against her pursuing the subject, perceiving that yoga and naturopathy is a Hindu religious practice. However, Munaza was able to convince her father and managed to get her mother's consent also to come to India.
First Visit Abroad
Travelling to Ujire was her first experience out of the country. She was very fluent in her mother tongue Swahili which none of the students knew in her campus. However, she knew English and soon learnt Hindi. She faced no difficulty in understanding her subjects as the education was imparted in english.
From Non-vegetarian to Vegetarian
She was a non-vegetarian in her country, yet had no difficulty to switch over to vegetarian food at the hostel in Ujire. She is all praise for the disciplined and serene campus. She was used to lush greenery in her home country and did not miss it here in Ujire. She also enjoyed the religious freedom to pray at her scheduled times. Above all, she learned the essence of naturopathy and yoga that rejuvenates body, mind and spirit in an individual. "It’s not a Hindu religious practice, but a faculty of science. The guidance of doctors and discussions with the patients has enriched my experience," she says.
Inspiration from Dr D Veerendra Heggade
Munaza came across the positive energy surrounding Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade, whenever she got an opportunity to meet him. He was an inspiration to pursue naturopathy study, being a rare religious leader, religious ambassador, educationist and veteran of societal progress of the world. "I have been fortunate to study at a college that maintains quality at all levels of teaching," says Munaza.
Return to Tanzania
Munaza has plans to open her own clinic with permission from the authorities of SDM Yoga and Naturopathy College. "I will impart training to aspiring students. I will spread the benefits of these proven medical practices to as many of my countrymen as possible," says Munaza.