The beneficial effects of the Surya Namaskara have been enumerated in our ancient texts but few people practice this simple yet beneficial exercise. Shri Heggade with his now tested formula of using teachers for tested dissemination, launched this programme in 1995
In his pursuit of all things material, man loses sight of the most important and valuable asset God gave him – mental peace and happiness. Perhaps Shri Heggade in his farsightedness realized the need to ensure that the people he had released from the bonds of poverty and helplessness should not lose themselves in pursuit of materialistic mirages.
Keeping this in mind, he laid the foundation for the SDM Yoga and Moral Education Project in 1990 amidst serene sylvan surroundings of Shantivana. Shri Heggade chose the ancient system of Yoga as the vehicle for bringing about a change in the psyche of people. He personally chose one of the most experienced Master in Yoga, who shared his zeal and enthusiasm to promote Yoga as a part of everyday life. A small start was made by selecting 275 school teachers from undivided Dakshina Kannada district who were equally inspired and motivated by the project. Today (24/06/2017) there are 4,866 trained teachers in Yoga. Masters of Yogic Arts imparted the principles and practices of Yoga in a sound and scientific method. They were empowered with the nuances of this beautiful science to answer any questions their students would ever ask. Each of these teachers was asked to train 100 students in their school. What transpired was a ripple effect that encompassed in its fold 6,75,000 students who regularly practice yoga and meditation in their daily life.
The initial success of the Project brought about the realization that a systematic approach and carefully thought out syllabus would prove beneficial to both the teacher and the taught. Named aptly as the Panchamukhi Personality Development this Programme dwells on:
- Physical development through Surya Namaskar, relaxing exercises and motivational games.
- Mental development through pranayama, relaxation techniques and games for improvement of mental skills
- Intellectual development through ‘Swadhyaya’ (Self Study) by reading books authored by masters in metaphysics for intellectual growth
- Emotional development through satsang, prayers, meditation, service to others and actively participating in cultural meets
- Spiritual and moral development through yama & niyama, reading stories and articles about great spiritual leaders, composing and singing devotional songs and listening to ‘Harikathas’ (musical narration)of India’s ancient spiritual masters.
Teachers who have followed this syllabus have realized that their personalities and abilities have undergone a remarkable change for the better. Students exposed to the syllabus have shown amazing improvement in their studies and conduct in society