The Beautiful Bond...Page 4 SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2020 INTERNET EDITION : www.dailyexcelsior.com/sunday-magazine How to Solve a Problem ...Page 3 Perfect Protocol To Prevent Sickness During COVID-19

Kamlesh Barwal If we notice, most of us before falling sick with a running nose or sneezing would have a recent history of sleeping at odd hours, working late nights, official deadlines, continu- ous travels, irregular food habits or an increased stress level due to personal or professional situations. It is only right then to focus on preventive practices and practices that will help keep our immunity boosted and support body's natural ability to fight any kind of illness. Maharishi Patanjali says "Heyam Dukham Annagattam", the purpose of Yoga is to get rid of misery even before it comes. Normally until the body shows signs of sickness, we do not consider the person sick; whereas in Yoga we believe that the sickness begins much earlier at the level of our Bliss (Anandamaya ) and then affects the state of Mind (Manomaya kosha) and eventually appears as symptoms in the Body (Annamaya kosha). So the first sign of sickness is actually the reduction in joy, enthusiasm, positive energy and our ability to relax. Hence these are early signals to restore the lost balance in the body, mind and soul. This is the time when we must increase the flow of (life force energy) in the body along with relax the mind through , Pranyama and Meditation. Yoga is known to be one of the most effective natural immunity boosters. A recent research published in the Journal of Behavioural Medicine suggests that yoga can be helpful way to boost your immune system and decrease Excelsior/Rakesh inflammation in the body. A regular Yoga practice can effectively lower stress hor- strengthening our immunity. According to Ayurveda, poor Practices like Three-Stage Pranyama and Bhastrika (Bellows Breath) - 2 rounds of 20 breaths mones, strengthen the nervous system, stimulate the lym- digestion and an ill-maintained digestive tract leads to taught on the Art of Living's Happiness Course can benefit Marjari Asana (Cat Pose) phatic system, while also removing the toxins from the build up mucus (ama) and phlegm (kaph) that eventually the respiratory tract and strengthen the respiratory system, Ardhachakrasana (Standing ) body. Some kind of daily Yoga practice can reduce anxiety affects the mind and also congests the lungs. By including while Shodhan (alternate nostril breath- Hastapadasana or Ardhauttanasana (Standing forward and calm the mind, thereby enhancing the quality of sleep. some tummy compressing poses and twists in our asana ing) helps decongest the sinuses and clear nasal passages. bend - Hand to knee/toe) A good sleep is healing and is the biggest contributor to practice, we can increase circulation to the stomach, intes- Sinuses are known as body's first line of defence against (Triangle Pose) maintaining a healthy immune system. tines, kidneys and other internal organs to stimulate better any infection, so keeping them drained and healthy will Ardha or Vakrasana (Seated half spinal Below are a few Yoga practices for boosting immunity digestion and release of built-up toxin there. protect us from external attacks. twist) for prevention of Covid-19. Vakrasana or Ardha Matsyendrasana (Sitting spinal Here we must mention the importance of Jal- (Seated forward bend) This Sri Sri Yoga protocol consists of , twist), Natrajasana (Supine spinal twist), Shishuasana (saline nasal wash). A recent study suggested that those Shishuasana ( Childs Pose) Pranayama and Meditation. The asanas (Yoga poses) listed (Child pose), Pawanmuktasana (wind release pose) and who irrigated their nasal passage with salt water daily expe- (Cobra Pose) in this protocol can be divided into categories like inver- Paschimottanasana (Seated forward bend) will all help you rienced a significant reduction in colds and allergies. (Bow Pose) sions, twists and chest expanders. achieve these benefits. Finally, in order to remain healthy not just in body but Adhomukhswanasana (Downward Dog Pose) Any inversion asanas, will help the blood flow and stim- Those asanas that help also in Setubandhasana (Bridge Pose) ulate better functioning of lymphatic system leading to expand the chest are great mind and or Vipritkarni (Shoulder stand or simple INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY spirit, we leg lift) drainage of toxins, thereby strengthening the immunity. for increasing the volume in The primary function of lymphatic system is to transport have to keep our stress levels down. Stress leads to weaken- (Fish Pose) the thoracic cavity and blood flow around the lungs, there- lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood ing the immune system and body's natural ability to defend (Supine spinal twist) by protecting the lungs against infections. Asanas like cells, throughout the body. Inversions also particularly help itself. Meditation is the easiest and most effective way to Pawanmuktasana (Wind-release Pose) release congestion in our sinuses and lungs, making them Matsyasana (Fish Pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra), help ease anxiety and reduce stress. There are numerous Yog Nidra (Relaxation) less susceptible to infections. Due to improved blood flow Dhanurasana (Bow Pose), Ardhachakrasana (Standing studies to show that just twenty minutes of daily medita- Nadishodhan Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing) - to brain, there is natural sense of relaxation and calmness Backbend) and Setubandhasana (Bridge Pose) are great tion can decrease blood cortisol levels and increase endor- 5 mins in the mind that follows all such practices. However, people chest expanders to be added to your daily Yoga practice. phins causing a positive and happy state of mind. Guided "Panch Kosh" Meditation by Gurudev Sri Sri with hypertension may avoid inversions and practice under While asanas play a very important role in prevention of As Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says, "A strong mind Ravi Shankar available on YouTube. A regular yoga prac- expert supervision. sickness in the body, Yoga's benefits are far wider and can carry even a weak body but a weak mind cannot carry tice can result in better health, know that it is not a substi- Asanas like Hastapadasana or Ardha- extend to all dimensions of our being. Breathing exercises even a strong body". tute for medical treatment. In the case of a medical condi- (Standing forward bend), Adho Mukha Svanasana directly impact the health of our lungs and related organs Make asana, pranayama and meditation the most tion, practice yoga postures after consulting a doctor and (Downward Dog), Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) or of breath, making them a vital practice for prevention of important part of your daily life to keep you immunity up under the supervision of a trained Sri Sri Yoga Teacher. diseases and fostering overall wellbeing. not (Leg Lifts) will help in blood flow through- against viruses that the world today is afflicted from. (The author is CEO at the Sri Sri School of Yoga and Secretary General of the only train our lungs to maximize its breathing capacity but out the body. Here is a daily sequence of home practice: Indian Yoga Association and was recently appointed as advisor of Yoga to the also fills our mind with calm, positive and uplifting energy. The digestive system has an important role to play in Deep Sectional Breathing - 5 to 7 breaths each department of Ayurveda, Himachal Pradesh.) Beauty that has become Battleground

Col J P Singh During the winters, the lake freezes completely and pro- vides ideal grounds for Ice Skating, Polo and Ice Hockey. Pangong Tso, the mysterious name, if one lives in Gen Zorawar Singh, legendary Dogra warrior, is said to India, may not be unaware of, courtsey China, because of have trained his soldiers and horses on the frozen lake recent incursions by the PLA in Ladakh. The mysterious before Tibet invasion and played polo on the frozen sur- name is of a trans-border mini-ocean of Himalayas. It face. Today 1/3rd lake is in India, remaining 2/3rd of Tibet should have been most familiar name atleast in each in Chinese control. Majority of streams which fill the lake Dogra household especially amongst those who have links come from Tibetan side. It is approximately 4 hours drive with Indian army. Since the last two centuries it has from Leh, the capital town of Ladakh UT. There are two charmed Dogras spellbound. Dogra rulers and their mili- entry points to the Lake. One is at Lukung and the other is tary commanders had developed liking for it. Chinese are at Chushul. (Chushul is otherwise also famous as 1962 also getting more passionate about the majestic Lake. battlefield). Lukung is Indian side end of the Lake where- Singh Thapa of Gorkha Regt and Maj Shaitan Singh of raise the flags, say Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai and return. Thus PLA is still firm footed on the encroached lake as Chushul is the LAC side of Pangong Tso in Ladakh. Kumaon Regt got Param Vir fighting in Chushul China has built up a strong Army and Naval force on the despite having pulled out elsewhere. Many would have Route from Leh to Lake passes over 5289 mtr height battlefiields. Maj Thapa's company fought for the defence Lake. Numerical superiority and tactical advantage is in seen this enchanting mini-ocean; more may see it in the Chang-La (Chang-la pass), third highest motorable moun- of Chushul Airfield to the last man last round on 20th Oct. favour of China but the chances of conflict are still rare near future, if China relents and some may not in their life tain pass in the world where every passerby is greeted with He was captured and taken prisoner. Maj Shaitan Singh's despite aggressive incursions. Yet the Indian soldiers have time. But those who have seen Rajkumar Hirani's block- hot cup of tea and pakoras by the army camp. From company defended Razangla till 18 November 1962 and to be very vigilant and alert because in case of war, the lake buster '3 Idiots', will remember Pangong Tso in Kareena Chang-La, road winds down to Darbuk and Tangste vil- fought last man to last round. Only two or three men lived will provide China a faster induction route for a larger Kapoor meets Amir Khan scene. This scene is at a place lages & military camps. (I joined my unit at Tangste in to tell the heroic tales of the fallen heroes. But today it is a force for the capture of Leh. Until the border dispute is called Lukung. After this the lake has become a star attrac- June 1971). Tangste is located on the banks of a river different story altogether. After Amir Khan showed world resolved, which is unlikely, India will have to position tion and Chinoo-Minoo's love's-labour's-lost. Therefore called Pagal Naala' (crazy stream). From Tangste one goes what a heavenly lake is, hordes of tourists with their Naval Frigates to face PLA Navy in the lake. 'Mission those who have seen the movie have not missed serenity to the lake tourist spot at Lukung either via Darbuk or via colourful caravans, tents and vehicles flock ashore the Victory India', a team of seasoned Veterans, is working out and scenic beauty of the picturesque Lake. They would Chushhul (longer route). To reach Lukung from Chushul lake over 7 kms stretch from Lukung to Spangmik. tactical rules for the military leadership to demolish 'Sun have noted its most notable smiles, contours, colours, side one skirts the LAC at Chushul and travels under Tourists are allowed to visit only up to village Spangmik Tzu' doctrine of PLA in Pangong Tso. shade and texture. Those who have not seen the lake, Chinese observation entire 45 kms of lake side route that after obtaining permission from Dy Commissioner Leh. My encounter with Pangong Tso was in July 1971. I was is Indian. This route makes the journey exciting and embraced by no less than mighty Himalayas and are Bollywood film makers have captured the beautiful land- sent on a 'long range patrol' to Ane La, a mountain pass on adventurous. young and adventurist, I am sure will mark it as dream scape of Ladakh in several Hindi pictures. Before 3 Idiots, the Eastern periphery of LAC in Ladakh to observe and Lake fully freezes during the winters and being saline, destination with their better half or girl/boy friend once in 1962 war movie 'Haqeeqat', war movie 'Lakshya' and report Chinese build up across the LAC at a place called does not have any aquatic life or vegetation except few life. The dream destination is open to tourists in summers Rakesh Mehra's 'Bhag Milkha Bhag' were shot in Nubra Rima which was their Regimental (brigade) location. We small water creatures. However one sees variety of migra- from May to September. Its beauty and serenity is to be valley Ladakh. Boating is also allowed in the lake. camped on the Lake shore near Finger 4. One day, a flock seen to be believed. But make sure that it is not closed tory birds like Brahmani Ducks, Black-necked Cranes and sea and water birds for whom it acts as a fertile breeding Even now Pangong Tso is one of the border flash points of Black-neck Cranes came flying near our camp. I shot because of fire spitting Dragon. between India and China. The area under contention is a one of them and dived in the blue icy water. When neared, Word Pangong Tso is derived from Tibetan word ground. The sunrise and the sunset scenes at its banks are photographers delight which attracts them to the lake 5 km stretch of the Lake which both sides lay claim to. In the wounded bird pounced at me. Somehow I could catch 'Bangong Cuo' meaning a long, narrow, deep and enchant- 1999, an army unit from Lukung was moved to Kargil for it from the neck and lug it ashore. The very thought of ing Lake. It is situated 54 kms South-east of Leh at an alti- again and again. For them and visitors stay, an adventure 'Op Vijay'. Taking advantage of thinning out of troops, what I went through in those 10 minutes scares even tude of 14,270 ft (4,350 m). It is 135 kms long and 5 kms camp exists at Lukung. The marshes on its shore have Chinese built a 5 km road into the Indian territory along today. Having lived, I thought of writing story of this wide at the broadest point covering total area of 604 sq grass and species of scrub. Perennial herbs grow abun- the Lake shore. (we should also exploit Chinese vulnera- adventure as "Me and the Beast in Pangong Tso" but 1971 kms. Pangong Tso is a land locked lake. Earlier it had an dantly which provides grazing ground to the local livestock bilities due to Wuhan Virus pandemic). That road was War and subsequent exigencies of service came in the way. outlet to Shyok River, a tributary of Indus which the and support wild life including Marmot, Kiang, Rabbits nature blcoked one day. It is largest salt water lake of Asia. and Chikoors. patrolled by both sides to mark their presence but would But I continued my tryst with the enchanting lake. I look People ask why it is salty. The answer could be; it must Strategically Pangong Tso is an important water body. avoid physical contact on the disputed track. Both sides forward to one more encounter with this enchanting beau- have deatched from an Ocean. The bitter winds blowing Due to its proximity to the LAC, tourists were not allowed carry out boat patrolling inside the lake. Indians cover 45 ty in the remaining years of life. Hope other adventurists, over the brackish water render it coldest in the world. there till 1999. On 20th October 1962, Chinese attacked kms while the Chinese patrols cover 90 kms with an young lovers and nature lovers enjoy a date with her Ladakh sector. In Pangong Tso military action Maj Dhian understanding that if both sides come face to face, they majesty.