Past to Present

Changes are inevitable. Changes do occur with time, to which we invariably adjust and realign ourselves, our approaches, process, thinking and the way we pursue the things also changes. But at time we come across the changes which are not healthy and deviate from the core objective.

I have observed once such dramatic change which has happened within last 10-15 years; baseline for which remains intact but the other core issues getting diluted. Non core issues getting gold plated and the basic fundamentals losing the shine. I’m able to compare it as I have seen and experienced both the aspects of the issue. I’m presenting my observations about the traditional “Akhadas” and the modern health clubs “Gym culture”.

When I enrolled myself to one such “Akhada”; the learning that was imparted was to be humble, genuine and have empathy for others. “Akhadas” followed traditional Indian culture of respect, humbleness and Life long relationship between Guru (Instructor) and Chela (Student). Getting selected in “Akhadas” was not easy as there been some predefined criteria’s for selection and the selection consisted of lot of rituals, it was purely based on Guru to enroll someone under him as Chela, after all it use to be a question of life long relationship between the two.

Once getting enrolled it was Guru’s job to teach his Chela the practices of grooming and sizing the body. Before starting the workouts Chela use to take blessings from his Guru by touching his feats, then seeking divine blessings by worshiping the Hanuman Idol, and in case if Guru is not present then the Chela use to express his regards to the place where his Guru use to sit daily. The atmosphere, ambience and surroundings use to give a divine feeling, the culture itself inculcated to be obedient, loyal and to have respectful insight.

Slowly the “Akhada” culture was taken over by “fitness clubs” and “Gyms”, relationship like Guru Chela got lost and Chelas got replaced with clients. Entrepreneur started coming up with Fitness joints with a business objective and being business institutions they aimed to make profits. No moral objective/responsibility being behind the inception and delicate relationship got commercialized.

All the curtsey, traditional touch, discipline and warmth of relations got replaced by purely business formalities, neither the joints could provide the divine atmosphere or the feel of “Akhadas”.

Everything got blown away in loud music, people performing exercise in dance numbers, leaving relations, courtesy at the entrance door. The rituals are now called health programs one tries to fit his wallet into the slot of these program and ascertain his well-beings.

I can’t say that whatever has happened is for the betterment, but this is the hard core fact.

Apni marzi se kaha ke hai, kidhar ke hum hai!
Rukh havao ka jidhar ka hai, udhar ke hum hai!!

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