VS Achuthanandan: How shirshasana, sunbathing and discipline shaped his long life
While tea and coffee are often named among the routine foods of politicians, VS never consumed them.
While tea and coffee are often named among the routine foods of politicians, VS never consumed them.
While tea and coffee are often named among the routine foods of politicians, VS never consumed them.
After a long-term illness, Kerala's former Chief Minister and senior communist party leader VS Achuthanandan passed away at the age of 101 on Monday. The veteran's simple and disciplined fitness habits have inspired many across generations and continue to be held in high regard. Even in his 90s, wherever he was in the world, VS was known never to take a break from his daily half-hour morning walk routine. He used to begin slowly at 4.30 am every day, maintain a steady pace, and finish strong, according to his doctors and assistants. It was also followed by a handful of yoga asanas. The routine was repeated in the evening as well.
What he never consumed
While tea and coffee are often named among the routine foods of politicians, VS was different. He apparently said no to them decades ago. The breakfast was limited to one or two idlis and dosas, and VS never indulged in heavy meals. Though he insisted on having chutney for lunch along with his meals, the portions were always in control. At night, all he had were fruits and nuts at home and, at times, chapati when outside. While speaking to a TV channel a few years ago, VS's wife, Vasumathi, said that this routine had been the same since the time they got married.
Proficiency in yoga
A while ago, a prominent journalist from Kerala revealed on a YouTube channel how the very first time he met VS, the veteran was striking a 'shirshasana' (headstand) pose. The journalist, Venkatesh Ramakrishnan, said, "Holding the shirshasana pose, VS easily spoke to me, 'Come in, come in.' He told me that it had been a habit of his for several years. Even when I met him years later, when he was 94 years old, he said he still practices the asana." Apparently, VS also opened up about how he was into sunbathing in the morning.
How the habits helped
The morning habit of sunbathing is generally considered a wellness habit that helps with vitamin D synthesis, bone health, mood regulation, and quality sleep. According to Healthline, it also boosts the immune system, regulates the circadian rhythm well and prevents diseases like arthritis and osteoporosis. Many health experts, such as renowned nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, often speak about the benefits of shirshasana as well. In conversation with a national daily, she said that the asana prevents premature ageing and also keeps the sensory organs and brain active.
Reflecting the public sentiments on the beloved leader's passing, Google Trends has over 20K searches on VS Achuthanandan in the past 50 minutes.