How Dhaka Flow is encouraging students to integrate wellness in their lives
Dhaka Flow: National Youth Wellness Festival brought a vast range of yoga and other holistic health practices to the forefront. It has made it its mission to educate young people in Bangladesh on how to improve their health and well-being on a broader scale. Dhaka Flow is bringing yoga, breath work, and other types of exercises such as karate and aerobics to private universities all around the city. The organisation’s ultimate goal is for students to have a better understanding of how to integrate health into their daily life.
The event was made possible through the support of its sponsors, including Sajida Foundation, Aarong Earth, Prime Bank, RISE, and Turaag Active. It took place on various dates and locations, starting on June 3 at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), followed by June 8 at BRAC University, June 12 at East West University, and finally on June 13 at Independent University Bangladesh (IUB).
Mayor Atiqul Islam of North Dhaka was present at the event in ULAB. He commended Dhaka Flow for its dedication to promoting health and fitness, highlighting the importance of discipline, self-love, and self-worth.
The festival held at BRAC University attracted nearly one hundred students. Despite the packed house, a sense of calmness and tranquillity filled the auditorium. The floors were adorned with blue and purple yoga mats, creating a serene atmosphere. The event exuded warmth and hospitality, accompanied by gentle, soothing music. Diverse fitness coaches, yoga instructors, and mental and physical health experts graced the occasion, sharing insights on incorporating wellness practices into our daily lives. They engaged the students in interactive fitness exercises demonstrated on stage by the speakers.
Shazia Omar is not only a trained yoga teacher and pilates instructor but also the driving force behind Dhaka Flow. According to her, the primary goal of this event is to promote both mental and physical wellbeing. She believes it serves as a platform for individuals offering lifestyle solutions and those in search of solutions to their own lifestyle-related issues to converge. When addressing the challenges faced by busy university students who are constantly on the move, Shazia highlighted the importance of incorporating a self-care habit or ritual into their daily routines. She also emphasised the importance of having a supportive community when engaging in wellness activities. Moreover, she adds that Dhaka Flow is all about having a group of like-minded individuals to share the journey with. This can provide a sense of support and encouragement, ultimately enhancing the overall wellness experience.
When discussing the topic of nutrition, Nayma Hasan, a nutrition coach, suggests that meal prep is an excellent option for consistently busy students. She believes that finding a balance between healthy eating and occasionally indulging in junk food can be an effective way for young individuals to adopt healthier eating habits.
On the other hand, Nazia Hassan, a fitness coach, provided insights into incorporating exercise into our hectic schedules. According to her, prioritising our health is crucial, and she recommended allocating at least thirty minutes each day to focus on ourselves and engage in physical activity.
According to Faria Athar Khan, a certified yoga instructor, patience and focus are crucial elements in the life of any student. She emphasised that practising yoga can greatly assist students in cultivating these traits and incorporating them into their daily lives.
The participants expressed their enthusiasm for the event, expressing their desire to acquire knowledge on maintaining their physical and mental well-being for the sake of their overall health. It was notable that many students attended the event alongside their friends, which aligns with Dhaka Flow’s belief that an individual’s level of well-being is intricately connected to the community they are part of.
Photographs: Courtesy of Dhaka Flow