Across the world one in every 3,500th male child is a victim of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). In Coimbatore too several children are a victim of DMD. Such children do not live beyond 20 years of age. In order to take care of the medical needs of children suffering from DMD and to offer counselling to their parents Molecular Diagnostic Counselling Care and Research Centre (M.D.C.R.C.) was established in Coimbatore a decade ago.

This centre has made yoga as a part of its therapy it offers. Parents and the patient (child) are trained in various breathing exercises and simple asanas. Today, several parents and children who are beneficiaries of M.D.C.R.C. participated in International Yoga Day celebrations that were organized by this centre.

Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) commissioner Dr Vijay Kerthikeyan inaugurated today’s Yoga Day celebrations observed by M.D.C.R.C. He emphasised on how knowledge sharing among people can empower them (people).

At M.D.C.R.C. yoga trainer Dr. K. V. Ramswami, trains the parents and children who are associated with the centre in doing simple yoga asanas and breathing exercises. Today at Kurinji Hospital, a group of parents and children of M.D.C.R.C.celebrated the International Yoga Day by performing a few yoga asanas.

“At our Coimbatore centre, we support the children who are diagnosed with DMD. We offer counselling to the parents of such children. These kids become wheelchair bound while they are 10-years old. They do not live beyond the age of 20. Our aim is to make the life of these children comfortable. Simple yoga asanas and breathing exercises that these kids are taught go a long way in making them feel comfortable and confident.” Dr. B. R. Lakshmi, Director and Managing Trustee, M.D.C.R.C.

“We are all pressed for time. We have very little time and lots of work to do. We will continue to have the same amount of time on hand. Similarly, the amount of work that we have to do in this stipulated time too will be the same. What we can possibly do is increase our energy levels so that we can successfully complete all the tasks in the stipulated amount of time that we have. One of the ways to stay energised from inside out is through regular practise of yoga.” J. Mohanasundari, Managing Director, Sharp Industries, Coimbatore said in her address to the audience. She was guest of honour at the Yoga Day celebrations.

M.D.C.R.C.is a non-profit organization that was set up in Coimbatore about a decade ago. This centre identifies and lends a helping hand to children who suffer from DMD. Around 4,500 male children who suffer from DMD have benefited from this centre. Parents of the children who are associated with M.D.C.R.C.observed International Yoga Day today.