Yoga at 105: This Belagavi centenarian is an inspiration to the young

It was a cold day in October 2024 and H.K. Patil, minister and head of the committee on centenary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Belagavi was scheduled to hold a meeting in the city.

Mr. Patil planned to visit Veera Soudha, a memorial on Khanapur road, the venue of the 1924 Congress session chaired by Gandhiji as well as the Khadi unit in Hudali, where Gandhiji stayed for a few days, and meet the committee members.

The district administration officers in Belagavi were preparing for the meeting, and those in charge wanted to send a car to the house of Rajendra Kalaghatagi — freedom fighter, Gandhian and a committee member. When they called his home to find out the convenient time, they were told that he had already left on his scooter. They were surprised, as they never expected a 104-year-old man to travel to the government guest house all by himself, let alone riding a scooter.

But it is among the routine tasks Mr. Kalaghatagi engages in. He remains healthy and active at 105. He continues to inspire young people with his practice of yoga asanas and pranayama. He has been practising yoga postures and breathing exercises for over five decades now. He took up yoga after a doctor in Bengaluru suggested asanas and breathing exercises as a long term cure for his asthma.

An early start

His day starts early. He is up by 3.30 am. After a round of warm up and breathing exercises, he walks for about three km at a park in Channamma Nagar, near his house. All his walking friends are decades younger than him, but he enjoys a chat with them after a brisk walk. He remains active throughout the day doing domestic chores, like buying vegetables and picking up his great-grand children from school.

He watches his diet closely. He eats one and a half jowar roti with legumes and vegetables for breakfast. Lunch is a roti and a bowl of rice at 1.30 pm. He has a cup of tea with a spot of milk in the evening. His supper of a single chapati is early, at 7.30 pm. He retires with a glass of milk. “I am fast asleep by 9. 30 p.m. I have not missed this routine for decades. I do not eat fried snacks, and avoid eating outside as far as possible,” he says.

His vitals are within normal range, though he suffered some minor variations a few years ago. “The asthma condition has reduced by over 90% due to the regular exercise regimen,” he says.

Unifying activity

He sees yoga as a movement that can bring people together regardless of their differences. “I do not recommend it just because it helped me. Properly organised, it can help unite the society. Of course, yoga is a great tool for good health. There is a saying that yoga helps you lead a life without disease. Everyone should practice it,” he says.

“I have seen a lot of ups and downs in life. My wife died several years ago and one of my two sons passed away a few years ago. The achievements of my family members in academics and their profession brings me joy. My father taught me not to take anything to heart. Now I am living a peaceful life with my children, grand children and their children,” he says. He does not remember losing his temper or getting into an altercation with anyone.

Inspiration to young people

His advice to youth? “Give up junk food, eat home-cooked meals.” “They should also be careful in their use of social media and rely more on books. You should pick up a regular exercise routine that makes you happy. Yoga is easy because it does not need fancy equipment. It is also easy for individuals to practice it alone. Men, women and children can do it, in their home. It can be done all-year-round, during rains or winter. It benefits you physically and mentally,” he says.

His great grand-daughter, Sachi, who is Class 9 is very proud of him. “I feel very happy when people are in awe of him riding a scooter or doing chores without assistance,” she says.

“He tells us to give up junk food. It is difficult, but we try,” his grandson Rakesh says. “We are four generations living under a roof. We are very happy,” he says.

Y.B. Chauhan, a neighbour and close friend, says he took to yoga practice after his retirement. I was inspired by Mr. Kalaghatagi, he says.

A Gandhian life

Born in 1920, he was a child of four when Gandhiji visited Belagavi. He active participated in the Individual Satyagraha and the Quit India Movement in the 1940s. The British forces jailed him for over seven months. Post-independence, he spent most of his life promoting Khadi, spreading Gandhian ideology and supporting village industries.

He has been engaging with young people through the various Khadi centres of northern Karnataka. As a member of the Gandhi committee, he suggested organising meaningful programmes to spread Gandhian ideology among the youth.

Mr. Kalaghatagi recalls the fight and sacrifices of fellow freedom fighters Siddappa Honagekar, B.R. Patil Badas, Sampagavi Wali Channappa, Basavaraj Bisanakoppa of Bailahongala, S.S. Katti of Doddawada among others.

Former president Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have felicitated him on various occasions. He has also received awards and honours by the state government and the district administration.