Group Members

K. V. Thakker, 64 years
“Actually it is only when I joined this group that I developed some confidence in life. After a heart attack, it is only natural to feel victimised… you have no control over your own body. I was advised to undergo a by–pass surgery in 1991, but it took me a year to get down to doing it, because I wanted to be sure that I was doing the right thing. I'd take several opinions from several doctors and only after I was convinced that I undergo a by-pass surgery. But by being a part of this group, I feel more confident. The consciousness that ‘I am a heart patient’ has been greatly diluted and in its place is a wonderful awareness of how my body works. I think this is what is important to every patient… to feel that they are not patients, but people capable of enjoying life”.

Thakker can be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Kumari Sawhney
“I joined this group only because my husband was part of it. I think that one should take responsibility for one’s own health and this is just one of the ways. I feel that one should not wait till one is old and a heart patient but should take care before hand”.

Sawhney can be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Ravi Sawhney
“I do not have a heart trouble, but have had a surgery done for aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. I also had a blood pressure problem. Being a retired Vice Admiral from the Indian navy, I have always led a disciplined life. But what I like about these meetings is that the instructors explain every step of the way. This is enough to convince even the Doubting Thomases, as the mind is fed with logic about how the particular exercise works for our bodies”.

S. K. Agarwal, 52 years
“I am not a heart patient, but I joined these sessions only to prevent a future heart attack. I think we generally do not take care of ourselves. We drink, smoke and do everything that is bad for our health. By taking this course, I feel more in control of my life. I think the combination of Yoga and meditation gives better results. I feel very energetic and feel a deep inner peace that helps me stay de–stressed in any situation”.

Shantilal Lunkad, 55years
“When I had a heart attack, I felt miserable. I felt that now it was time for me to go. Whatever years I had left were a bonus. I had two angioplasties, one in 1988 and the other in 1996. But still I was not feeling good about myself. I had heard about this programme and decided to try it out. After doing yoga and aerobics, I now feel fit. In fact now I feel more comfortable and not as helpless as I used to earlier. here we meet everyday and it helps a lot when you share your thoughts and feelings with people who suffer from the same problem. I think for me these meetings and exercise are like an addiction. I just cannot keep away from it. Even if I have to go to Mumbai I don’t take the Deccan Queen because I will miss the session, so instead I take the trouble of flying down just so that I don’t miss this”.

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