Suresh Nigam, chairman of MetJet, one of the leading trainers of computer hardware engineers in India, not only practices yoga but also preaches it at his 35 centers. So what is it about yoga and why is Suresh doing it? At the heart of it is something, which translates as the stoppage of mind modification. For example, when we hear music we get distracted. We must stay aware and conscious but not get distracted from our goal.

How then does yoga, an ancient, essentially private practice, help in the work environment? Suresh believes that the collective is an entity, just as much as an individual is. If individuals are happy, calm and alert, then the collective consciousness is harmonious and dynamic and will produce better results. If people are tense and unhappy, it will reflect in their reduced productivity.

At MetJet all managers and employees are sent to the Yoga Institute at Santa Cruz (in Mumbai) which was founded in 1989. During the training, the managers are shown a path, how to be in control of your mind and not to run after sensual pleasures. You also learn not to run away from your responsibilities. The root cause of pain and suffering is generally ignorance which leads to a grandiose sense of self-importance and misunderstanding. We love and hate in extremes. By being aware, by getting up and finding out what is actually happening, we reduce stress. Once you are aware of what is going on, you have already won half the battle. And that is why some employers think it’s so important to make their staff aware of the yoga principles and harmony and have a work environment which promotes healthy employee morale.