With 80 per cent of his stomach removed, three major surgeries and a brain stroke could not diminish the will power of a 63-year-old retired police officer from Hyderabad city. Even though 80 per cent of his stomach has been removed due to cancer, and he has gone through bypass and stone removal surgeries, Mr Hari Har Singh does not skip a single day of his workout, especially jogging for 10-15 kms.
The former additional superintendent of police, who participates in the 10km run and such other marathons, said: “Yoga coupled with jogging and a positive attitude to life keeps me active and healthy. My day starts at 3.30 am and I go for a jog usually in Tank Bund-Necklace Road area.” Mr Singh said: “Yoga including pranayam, anulom, vilom, kapalbhati, mandukasana follows the jogging session.”
Elaborating on the list of major ailments from which he has escaped unscathed, Mr Singh explained: “In 2000, I suffered brain stroke and the right side of my body was paralysed. Physiotherapy gradually cured me. In 2003, I was diagnosed with a malignant ulcer of the stomach. “In 2004, I underwent bypass surgery due to blockage in the main artery and the next year stone removal surgery from the urinary tract was done.” Mr Singh continued: “But I feel, anyone can fight any disease if they think positive and possess a strong will power.”
And it is through yoga and will power that Mr Singh has also got rid of myopia. The only medicine he takes at present is for type II diabetes. Mr Singh stressed: “My doctors and wife Harkirtan Kaur have encouraged me to follow an active lifestyle.” He added: “My diet is also simple and I eat frequent small meals and early morning I take boiled milk with turmeric.”
Despite serving in a highly taxing and responsible job, Mr Singh has managed to stay positive and buoyant throughout. Addressing the youth, Mr Singh said: “When we come to this world, we should be prepared to face any kind of situation, good or bad and with a strong mind fight out any adversity.”