AHMEDABAD: In a remarkable display of endurance, Mehboob Qureshi, a yoga instructor from Ahmedabad, created history by conducting a seven-hour non-stop yoga session at Egypt’s Giza Pyramid. This achievement adds to his impressive transition from practising judo to becoming an internationally recognised yoga expert.
The historic performance on Jan 21 at one of the world’s most ancient monuments featured Qureshi demonstrating various yoga positions. His showcase, conducted both within and outside the pyramid structure, included diverse asanas in standing, sitting, and supine positions, along with pranayama and meditation positions.
“My yoga journey began in 1996 when physical ailments from my judo career forced me to explore alternative healing methods,” recalls Qureshi, who is currently employed as a physical education teacher at PR Training College in Ahmedabad. “What started as an experiment transformed into a life-changing passion within just a week.”
The yoga expert, who is a native of Bhavnagar, received notable accolades, including the APJ Abdul Kalam National Award and the Mao Zedong International Yoga Award. He achieved a significant milestone in 2019 by becoming the first Muslim yoga guru to conduct concurrent yoga sessions across five nations from the Great Wall of China.
Qureshi’s contributions have influenced numerous lives globally. He organised 430 complimentary yoga camps worldwide, benefiting over 3.4 lakh participants. His expertise proved valuable, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, where he assisted the recovery of 500 individuals through yoga techniques.
Influenced by his guru Shri Raj Muni, Qureshi maintained a non-profit approach towards yoga, emphasising its healing and spiritual aspects. “My mission is to perform yoga at all the wonders of the world,” stated Qureshi, considering his Giza accomplishment as another stride towards worldwide yoga promotion. Qureshi’s 30-year progression from a physical education inspector in Bhavnagar to an international yoga ambassador demonstrates the transformative effects of commitment and yoga’s universal relevance across cultural and religious boundaries.