Salutations to the 'SUN' through 'Nritya Yoga'.

 'SALUTATIONS TO THE SUN' THROUGH "NRITYA YOGA" on the occasion of the Inaugural ceremony of - Central Research Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy (CRIYN), Nagamangala, Karnataka (Affiliated to CCRYN, New Delhi), -Held on 21st January, 2024.

Over a century ago, 'Justice Louis Brendeis' of the U S Supreme Court quoted that "Sunlight is the best disinfectant” in the context of “Promoting Transparency and good Governance in combating Corruption”. Time to time, this quote is used by various institutions and more recently by the Supreme Court of India (the then Judge and now CJI Justice D.Y. Chandrachud) in promoting transparency in the court proceedings .

The matter of pride is that the Indian system of Medicines had knew the "Therapeutic effects" of sunlight (not just the disinfectant effect) Thousands of years ago!!! and salutations to the sun finds to be very important to show gratitude to the ” preserver and promoter of Life and Health". Especially on the occasion that commemorates the “dawn” of the institution that promotes and propagates Naturopathy and yogic sciences-- Central Research Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy (CRIYN)".

I decided on the theme "Salutations to the sun" for my Bharatanatyam performance, so my obvious option for music was "Aditya Hridaya Stotram." 

'Aditya Stotram', as per ancient Indian scripture was recited by Sage Agasthya to Lord shree Ram. When Lord Rama was unable to defeat the Mighty Ravana, Sage Agasthya advised Rama to recite the stotra thrice with at most devotion. This would ensure his success and enhance his health and longevity.

Likewise, Even Naturopathy, the Indian system of medicine gives a prominent place to "Sun" as a source the pancha mahabhuta – Fire. Also Sun bath (Aatapasnāna) is an important therapeutic approach as it is the best source of Previtamin D3. 

Also, in Yoga, "Surya namaskara” (Sun Salutations) is considered one of the best practices that coordinates the Body, breath and Mind. I have also read research articles that showed the positive effects of Surya Namaskara on cardiovascular, respiratory and other systems and also on mental health. It is so much worth working on such research studies in order to provide scientific evidence to Yoga.

It was also a coincidence that the Ayodhya Ram Mandir was scheduled to be consecrated on January 22, 2024, the day following the inaugural event, so the dance could be dedicated to Shree Rama. Here, Lord Ram and Ravana are not just Scriptual characters of Ramayana, but also related to the “Dualities in ones mind” - The negative and the positive thoughts & the dilemmas. So, yoga can be an effective way to tackle such dualities and establish "Samatvam" (equanimity of Mind- Samatvam yoga ujyate- yoga Vashishta).

With this in mind, I had choreographed my dance according to the word by word meaning of Aditya hridaya stotra and had accommodated "Surya Namaskara" in it. 

Performing this dance form in this platform was an opportunity to provide awareness to the public about yoga in the form of SuyaNamaskar and Sun as a therapeutic agent. 

Also For me as an “Edutainment seeker”, it was also an opportunity to learn and improve upon my abilities in Bharatanatyam.

Finally, we would be wishing for the success of the Institute as well as the naturopathy and yoga medical systems with “salutations to the "Sun" -who is considered the symbol of hope and prosperity.

I thank Honourable director sir, CCRYN, New Delhi and Honourable Research officer, CCRYN for providing me with this platform and opportunity. 

Yours in Sunshine,

Dr. Nidhishree. J.S.

SRF, CCRYN, HQ, New Delhi.

©-Published in the Book “ The Edutainments that I always Cherish”– By

 Dr. Nidhishree. J S

Ready to perform!!!