Padma Shri Cardiologist Dr. S.C. Manchanda: Why Yoga Could Be the Key to a Healthier, Calmer Life
Dr. S.C. Manchanda’s 24-Year Yoga Journey Why Seniors and Young People Need It (Image Bhawna Malik)
By BHAWNA MALIK
Renowned cardiologist and Padma Shri awardee Dr. S.C. Manchanda explains how yoga, pranayama and meditation can support preventive health, reduce stress and help people maintain physical, mental and social well-being.
Q. You have been running the Divine Yoga Club for 24 years. What inspired you to begin this initiative?
Dr. Manchanda: As a cardiologist, I realised that while medicines treat diseases, a healthy lifestyle prevents them. Stress is one of the biggest contributors to heart disease. I wanted to create a platform where people—especially senior citizens—could improve their health naturally through yoga, breathing exercises and meditation.
Today, we have enthusiastic members in their eighties and nineties who attend regularly. Yoga gives them a positive outlook on life, improves their health and creates a sense of belonging.
Q. In your opinion, what is the true meaning of yoga?
Dr. Manchanda: Yoga is much more than physical exercise. It nurtures the mental, social and spiritual dimensions of life. Group yoga sessions also help seniors overcome loneliness by creating meaningful social connections.
Most importantly, yoga connects an individual with their own consciousness. It harmonises the mind, body and spirit. When these three are in balance, a person experiences better health, emotional stability and inner peace. That is the true purpose of yoga.
Q. Is yoga meant only for older people, or can everyone benefit from it?
Dr. Manchanda: Yoga is for everyone. It has no age barrier. Children, young adults, working professionals and senior citizens can all practise yoga according to their age and physical condition.
As people grow older, they often face loneliness, reduced mobility and various health challenges. Yoga keeps them physically active, mentally positive and socially engaged. We have also introduced chair and bench yoga for those who cannot sit on the floor. Yoga is truly an anti-ageing practice and can significantly improve age-related health conditions when practised regularly.
Q. What are the biggest health benefits of practising yoga regularly?
Dr. Manchanda: Yoga improves flexibility, breathing, blood circulation and overall fitness. It reduces stress and anxiety, improves sleep and supports heart health. Regular practice also enhances concentration and emotional well-being.
However, yoga is not just about Asanas. It should include pranayama and meditation to experience its complete benefits.
Q. Modern life is full of stress. How does yoga help people cope with it?
Dr. Manchanda: Life is a mix of happiness and unhappiness. We must learn to accept both. Yoga teaches us to slow down and respond calmly rather than react impulsively.
Stress is often not caused by external situations but by our response to them. Through breathing exercises, meditation and gentle movements, the mind becomes peaceful. I often tell elderly people that they cannot change others—they can only change themselves. Yoga teaches acceptance, resilience and emotional balance, and I have seen remarkable transformations in many people.
Q. You often say yoga enables a person to communicate with oneself. What do you mean by that?
Dr. Manchanda: Today we are constantly communicating with others through phones and social media, but we rarely listen to ourselves. Yoga creates that inner dialogue. It helps us understand our thoughts, emotions and strengths. Self-awareness is the first step towards healing.
Q. Young people are increasingly suffering cardiac arrests despite regular gym workouts. What is your view?
Dr. Manchanda: Everyone should undergo a proper health check-up before beginning an exercise programme. Gym training must always be supervised by qualified experts. Excessive or incorrect workouts can be dangerous. I also advise people to avoid unnecessary protein supplements and shakes, which may do more harm than good.
Q. What message would you like to give to young people?
Dr. Manchanda: Don’t wait for illness to change your lifestyle. Begin caring for your health today. Even 20 to 30 minutes of yoga every day can make a significant difference to your physical and mental well-being.
Life is never a straight line. It brings both success and failure. Yoga equips us to handle both with strength, balance and confidence.
Q. There is a perception that COVID-19 vaccines have increased heart-related problems. What is your opinion?
Dr. Manchanda: That perception is not supported by evidence. In fact, vaccines have protected millions of people from serious illness and complications.
Q. How has the Divine Yoga Club evolved over the last 24 years?
Dr. Manchanda: It has become a family. Many people initially joined because of health concerns, but today they come because yoga has become an essential part of their daily lives. They motivate one another, build lasting friendships and enjoy a wonderful sense of community.
Q. Finally, what is your vision for the future of yoga in India?
Dr. Manchanda: I hope yoga becomes a part of every family’s daily routine. It is one of India’s greatest gifts to the world. If more people embrace yoga, we can build a healthier, happier and more compassionate society.
My experience at AIIMS and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital has shown that yoga can play a valuable role in managing lifestyle-related conditions such as high blood pressure, headaches, migraines and stress. More communities should organise and participate in yoga clubs so that people can enjoy these lifelong benefits.
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