Indians hold physical exercises to bond families, mould characters

To ensure that Indians live happily and in good health with members of their families, a group, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) meaning Hindu Volunteers Organisation, holds weekly physical exercises involving the fathers, mothers, children and other members of their households.

The exercises, which hold in Victoria Island, Ilupeju, Ikeja and other areas where Indians reside in large numbers, according to the World Joint Coordinator, Dr. Ram Vaidya, also involve social activities to develop the mental health of the people and bring harmony in their families.

Vaidya, who noted that the activities help them to study, build and mould the character of an individual based on humanistic values, added that the programmes involve the participation of men, women and children because every value system starts from the family, which is a strong foundation for the character building of children.

Also, Joint Coordinator, HSS Nigeria chapter, Mr. Sanjay Srivastava, noted that the exercises help to improve their physical and mental health, as well as bring happiness, which is very important in every family.

Srivastava, however, stated that the HSS focuses on character development, teaches children about their environment, people and how to render services to their communities.

These activities, which consist of building family harmony, living together – playing games, having yoga, intellectual discussions and praying together, play a critical role in bonding families, he said, adding that they help to foster sound health, refresh the mind, boost creative thinking and enable them contribute positively to the society.

Referring to India, which is known to have a high value system, Srivastava noted at the HSS exercises, children are taught to respect their parents, teachers and elders.

Vaidya, who travels around the world for the promotion and coordination of the organization, stated that the HSS began 70 years ago and has branches in about 40 countries in the world.

Lamenting the high rate of crimes in the world and discrimination among people, Vaidya said that to end to it, we need to focus on the family first and get it right.

He advised Indians residing in Nigeria to be responsible citizens, selfless and learn to tolerate everyone and contribute to the development of the country where they live and work.