Mysuru: Sports are essential not only for physical fitness but also for mental stimulation and personal growth, AHM Vijayalakshmi, joint director, department of collegiate education, emphasised on Friday.
Speaking after the inauguration of an international conference on ‘Physical Education and Applied Science’, which was organised by the Department of Physical Education and Sports Science at Maharani’s Women’s Commerce and Management College in Paduvarahalli, the KINA, and the Physical Education Foundation of India, Vijayalakshmi said that physical activities play a vital role in improving one’s mental capacity, as well as overall health.
With the increasing prevalence of health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis—largely attributed to a sedentary lifestyle—she stressed the importance of physical education in preventing these ailments. She said physical activity should be a part of everyone’s life, not just for fitness, but for overall well-being.
She also pointed out that physical education goes beyond physical training. It includes aspects such as proper nutrition, a healthy lifestyle, discipline, and perseverance—qualities essential for success in all areas of life, she added.
She mentioned that physical education is crucial for the holistic development of a student, helping them develop qualities such as cooperation, unity, and patience, alongside physical fitness. Vijayalakshmi concluded by urging educators to guide students on these principles, emphasising that it is the responsibility of every teacher to impart these life lessons in schools. Physical education is fundamental to shaping well-rounded individuals ready to face life’s challenges, she concluded.
Dr Abhilash G H, consultant medical oncologist & hemato oncologist, Bharath Hospital and Institute of Oncology, spoke on cancer and the advantages of cancer diagnosed at early stages and the latest technologies available.