'Indians Need To Recover Their Rich Heritage'

New Delhi: Yoga originated in India but this spiritual and mental discipline has failed to resonate with the country's masses, who mostly seek its virtues of physical fitness. But filmmaker and art historian Benoy K. Behl feels the Indian government's emphasis on yoga and the UN celebrating World Yoga Day June 21 have set the pace for a long innings.

"Actually, it is we Indians who have lost sight of our own heritage and it is the world that is recognizing these things. It is fortunate that the Indian government has recognized the importance of yoga and this will take it a long way," Behl. "There is every reason for us to stand up and take ownership and also see it reaches more and more people," he added. An expert in Indian art and sculpture, Delhi-based Behl screened his documentary "Yoga: An Ancient Vision of Life" that explored and presented the true meaning of yoga at the India International Centre Wednesday.

The 60-minute documentary, shot across India, Germany and the United States, also features interviews with leading practitioners and scholars of yoga, including yoga guru B.K.S Iyengar, who died last year, and prominent doctors, scientists and sociologists. Even though Behl's career highlights, spanning over three decades, point to his close association with ancient Indian art and culture, including his love affair with the Ajanta Caves, on which he has penned the well-known book "The Ajanta Caves: Ancient Paintings of Buddhist India" - the documentary comes as a surprise. "It is a natural outcome. The art of India and yoga are completely based in the Indian philosophical way of life. In fact, all faiths and spiritual traditions of India emanate from what we call yoga," the 58-year-old Behl.

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