The Neighbour Geriatric Counseling & Yoga Centre focuses on addressing both physical and mental health concerns commonly faced by senior citizens.
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Chethikkulam: In response to the increasing demand for age-appropriate healthcare and emotional support for senior citizens, the Neighbour Geriatric Counseling & Yoga Centre has commenced its services at Pariyaram, Eravu Chira, Thottakadu, near Sri Krishna Temple, Chethikkulam. The centre aims to promote holistic health among the elderly through yoga therapy, counseling, and lifestyle guidance rooted in traditional wellness practices.
The centre was formally inaugurated on 12 December 2025 in a dignified ceremony. Dr. C. R. Harilakshmeendra Kumar, Associate Professor, School of Gandhian Thought and Development Studies (SGTDS), and Honorary Director, Centre for Yoga and Naturopathy (CYN), Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, lighted the ceremonial lamp and officially inaugurated the Neighbour Geriatric Counseling & Yoga Centre, Thottakadu. He delivered the inaugural address, highlighting the academic and social relevance of establishing a Geriatric Counseling and Yoga Centre as an extension of the MSc Yoga and Geriatric Counseling programme.
Dr. Harilakshmeendra Kumar emphasized that such initiatives fulfill the expectations of the University in alignment with the educational ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and the quality benchmarks prescribed by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). He further underscored the role of the Centre in addressing contemporary lifestyle-related diseases and catering to diverse sections of society through structured programmes such as Kids’ Yoga, Yoga for Women, Yoga for Working Professionals, and Yoga Therapy for the geriatric population.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Shri Saji Thomas, Chairman, Neighbour Geriatric Counseling & Yoga Centre. In his presidential address, he emphasized the growing importance of yoga in maintaining physical and mental health in modern life and elaborated on the role of yoga in preventing and managing lifestyle-related diseases. Smt. Anita V. S., Vice-Chairman, delivered the welcome address.
The keynote address was delivered by Shri Chandran Master, Kannur, a renowned Yoga Therapist, who highlighted the significance of yoga in sustaining overall health. He discussed contemporary lifestyle diseases and elaborated on various aspects of Yoga Therapy in managing conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Dr. C. R. Harilakshmeendra Kumar, Honorary Director, Centre for Yoga and Naturopathy, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, lighting the ceremonial lamp during the inauguration ceremony of the Neighbour Geriatric Counseling and Yoga Centre at Thottakadu on 12 December 2025. Shri Saji Thomas, Chairman, Neighbour Geriatric Counseling and Yoga Centre (right), and Shri Chandran Master (left), Kannur, a well-known yoga therapist, were also present on the occasion.
Shri M. J. Thomas, Secretary, Senior Citizen Forum, Vakathanam, and Shri Pradesh, President, Shri Krishna Swami Temple, Chethikkulam, offered felicitation addresses. They emphasized the importance of establishing the Neighbour Geriatric Counseling & Yoga Centre in addressing modern health challenges and improving the well-being of people in and around Thottakadu.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Smt. Jisha James, Joint Secretary, Neighbour Geriatric Counseling & Yoga Centre. Smt. Sandhya Devi, Joint Secretary; Shri Anurag Nair and Shri Sandeep Sabu, Committee Members; Shri Mahesh K. K., Third Semester MSc Yoga and Geriatric Counseling, CYN; along with several well-wishers and community members, were present at the function.
Shri. Madhusoodhanan, Treasurer of the Neighbour Geriatric Counseling and Yoga Centre and a well-known yoga teacher, delivered an enlightening lecture on the importance of yoga in modern society and conducted a free yoga class for the participants of the inauguration ceremony. Shri. Vijaya Kumar, Secretary of the Neighbour Geriatric Counseling and Yoga Centre, was also present during the inauguration ceremony.
Prior to the inauguration, a General Body Meeting of the Neighbour Geriatric Counseling & Yoga Centre was convened, during which office bearers were unanimously elected and the programme schedule for the inauguration ceremony was finalized. An Executive Committee Meeting was also held to plan future programmes of the Centre, during which responsibilities were entrusted to the Chairman and other office bearers to finalize forthcoming activities, registration procedures, and related administrative matters.
The Neighbour Geriatric Counseling & Yoga Centre focuses on addressing both physical and mental health concerns commonly faced by senior citizens, including joint pain, reduced mobility, stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, and lifestyle-related ailments. By integrating yoga therapy, breathing techniques, and counseling services, the Centre seeks to enhance quality of life while supporting reduced dependency on medication under appropriate medical supervision.
Yoga sessions are conducted by trained instructors experienced in managing age-related health conditions. Individualized guidance is provided based on participants’ physical abilities and health status, ensuring safety and effectiveness. Alongside physical wellness, the Centre places strong emphasis on emotional and psychological well-being, offering counseling support to address loneliness, stress, depression, and age-related emotional challenges.
Speaking on the initiative, the organizers stated that the Centre aims to create a supportive neighbourhood environment where senior citizens feel respected, cared for, and empowered to take an active role in managing their health. The involvement of family members in encouraging elderly participation in wellness programmes was also emphasized.
Residents interested in enrolling for yoga classes or availing counseling services may contact the Centre for registration and further details.
Yoga Class Booking Contacts:
- Vijaya Kumar: 94464 27733
- Saji Thomas: 91378 07691
- Madhusoodhanan: 94460 74861
The Neighbour Geriatric Counseling & Yoga Centre stands as a timely and commendable initiative, offering a compassionate and integrated approach to elderly care by blending traditional wisdom with contemporary health awareness, ensuring dignified and healthy aging.
