Octogenarian leading the way for a healthy lifestyle with yoga in Peddapalli

Peddapalli: Obesity is seen as a major health issue for the 'gen next' generation as once people reach their mid-forties, they start suffering from various age-related ailments. But for Jeeguru Kanakalakshmi, (85) a resident of Kolanoor village of Odela Mandal, things are quite different. This octogenarian can twist her body like a bow and perform complex yoga asanas.

Born into a poor agricultural family, she was married at the age of nine and lost her mother at 10. She has faced discrimination from her in-laws due to her age, but she never lost her spirit. She cruised through her problems and made her four sons government employees. A few years ago, she joined the Eshawariya Bramhakumari cult following which she changed her diet plan and started eating lots of vegetables and avoided eating meat. She begins her day at 4 am every morning with yoga and exercises and competes with youth in fitness. She has become an inspiration at her village.

"We face many problems in our lives. But we must overcome them with bravery. You will fall ill if you don't exercise. In my childhood I used to work in agricultural fields every day. I ate Gadaka dish made from jowar and drank porridge ambali in those days. Now, I eat only vegetables and green leaves. I do my own work even at this age. I don't depend on anyone. I have been doing Yoga for the past 20 years. It keeps me fit and energetic. There is a rise in the number of diseases due to the adulterated food we eat. I use medicinal plants for treating small illnesses. That is why I'm still healthy," Jeeguru Kanakalakshmi said.