Force-ful stress-buster from Amma

KOCHI: The Defence and Home Ministries have embraced the philosophy of the Mother of Hugs from Kerala to save their fighting ranks from mental and emotional turmoil.

Responding to a request from South Block Mata Amritananda Mayi has deployed her disciples all along the border to offer the men in uniform spiritual and philosophical tips to keep their turbulent minds in control. The move to use yoga and other mind control exercises was initiated after a spate of suicide and fragging cases shocked the Defence Ministry.

The Mata, who celebrates her 55th birthday on September 27, has prescribed the Integrated Amrita Meditation Technique (IAM Technique) for the troubled fighting men and has deputed about 40 of her disciples to give lessons in the mindcalming steps. Her team has completed preliminary classes for the Border Security Force (BSF), Indian Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sahastra Seema Bal (SSB), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and a few columns of the Army.

“It was a tough task. Some of us had to walk for more than three days to reach barracks in the North East. And what we found inside the camouflage tents were broken hearts and fragmented minds within starched uniforms,’’ says Swami Nijamrita, who co-ordinated the entire exercise.

The swamis conducted several sessions of the IAM Technique. “Mainly we taught them exercises to relax. It was indeed shocking to find very weak minds imprisoned in strong muscular bodies,” says Swami Tapasyamrita, who is in charge of the North East sector.

There are several factors that contribute to stress. “There’s alienation from home and tension on the field. One factor that is acting as a catalyst is the use of mobile phones,” he points out.

Earlier a soldier got news from home only infrequently through letters. But now mobile phones bring news, good or bad, instantly. “Such calls divert attention from the task at hand. Bad news makes them seek leave urgently to return to their native place. And when leave is not sanctioned it disturbs their equilibrium,” says Tapasyamrita.

Our attempt was to teach them how to relax and focus their minds. The feedback we got from segments like Ladakh, Rajastan and Kashmir where the training modules have been completed is good, says Swami Amritaswaroopananda, vicechairman of the Mutt. “It’s a free service to the country. Though the Government was ready to pay Rs 3 crore for consultation, Amma refused to take even a penny maintaining that it would amount to billing for mother’s milk,” he says.

The teams will go back to the border areas next month for follow-up courses.

Sources said the services would be expanded to more areas with the government planning to include even the Navy and Air Force in the IAM programme.

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