AOL teacher talks about stress-free life
He believes in the theory ‘life is a sojourn on the planet and service is the rent you need to pay’. Arun Madhavan, a former banker, a singer, a trainer, a writer and a motivational speaker who has been associated with the Art of Living (AOL) for over three decades, says that engaging in community service has been an integral part of his life ever since his childhood.
In a chat with The Hindu, the Bengaluru-based trainer talked about his journey and the significance of leading a stress-free life.
For many, bidding adieu to a plush job and dedicating to the community service was not an easy task. When Mr. Madhavan discovered his true calling, he did not think twice to give up his 27-year-long career. “As an employee of Standard Chartered Bank, I had an opportunity to travel across the world and be a part of the special committee, contributing to a model village development programme taken up by the Government of India,” recalls Mr. Madhavan, who was the first chairman of the AOL.
When Mr. Madhavan met spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 1986, he decided to contribute to the spiritual landscape by becoming the founder trustee of Vyakti Vikas Kendra, India. “The kendra primarily aimed at educating the children by setting up free schools in tribal areas and empowering the unemployed youth in a range of soft skills which eventually changed millions of lives,” says the advanced meditation course teacher who did his MBA at IIM-Ahmedabad and recognised as a Dynamic Indian of the Millennium by the KG Foundation. He also bagged an award for the project that promoted India as an investment destination.
Advice to youth
About the younger generation, Mr. Madhavan says that life has become more complex for the youth. “Technology addiction and substance abuse continue to impact the youngsters’ life adversely. Parents’ role plays a crucial part to shape the youth’s future and direct them on to the right path. When I interact with students during seminars conducted as a part of achieving personal excellence programme, I try to explain the link between science and spirituality, offering tips to enhance their emotional quotient and steer clear of bad habits,” he says.
He says that to cope with an increasingly stressful environment, techniques such as ‘Bhastrika pranayama’ and ‘nadi shudhi pranayama’ (alternate nostril breathing) will be of immense help. “Our mind needs to be de-cluttered as a calm mind can think better and makes others life easier,” he adds.
This article was contributed by
Rani Devalla
rani.devalla@thehindu.co.in
Kind courtesy The Hindu
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