MIT Manipal is known for offering a plethora of premium facilities, both in the academic field and in the extra-curricular field. Being an MITian, this is one among the several things we are all proud of. The latest news in this department, is that a new facility has just been added to the list, both for the students as well as the faculty.

The idea of having a facility to promote fitness among the students and faculty has been around for a while. Only recently, did it manage to take flight. Under the guidance of Miss Natasha, a national level gymnast and a student of MIT, aerobic classes were inaugurated at the Student Activity Centre, on the 18^th of August.  The function, short and smooth, was graced by the presence of The Director of MIT, Dr. Vinod V Thomas, Joint Director, Dr. D Srikanth Rao , Associate Director for Student Welfare Dr. Veena Maben, Dr. Kemparaj H B, Director of Physical Education, Chief Warden, Col C M S Kalakoti and several other notable members of the faculty. The program began with a speech from the Director, in which he expressed his hopes and aspirations for the success of the program. He also provided an insight on the history of the creation of the Student Activity Centre, which, during his days as a student of MIT, was popularly known as the “blunder world”. The centre, initially intended to be a badminton court was converted into a hostel library and a gymnasium occupying the two floors of the building. The library was then altered into the current Student Activity Centre. He also voiced his hope that there would come a day when we’ll be able to feature the aerobics enthusiasts next to, maybe, the women’s football team. Before concluding, he also stressed on the fact that the initiative was important not only to the youngsters but also to all the faculty members involved.

The classes were formally inaugurated by the lighting of the lamp by the guests. This was followed by an interesting presentation by Miss Natasha emphasizing the importance of aerobics. She highlighted the motto which was, training to be fit, growing step by step and healthy living with a bright smile.  Soon after the presentation, the class began with full rigor. Not only the students but also the faculty including the Chief Warden joined the participants in working out in sync with music.

On being asked about her opinion about the program, Dr. Veena Maben expressed her happiness with it. “It is certainly a great initiative. This [should] have happened a long time back. The fact that we have a trained student who is willing to teach, not only the students, but even the faculty is wonderful. We are getting to learn something from a student. I think that’s a very good thing”.

The Joint Director Dr. Srikanth Rao also expressed his delight. “We have had the facilities at our disposal for quite a while now. This place was made keeping such activities in mind. Something like aerobics is perfect to develop the sense of fitness in people. But we lacked a proper trainer. So when we came to know that Natasha was a national level gymnast, we jumped to seize the opportunity. The response was very good. I hope that there will be more batches and more trainers apart from Natasha. “

He also added, “Burning some calories are important not only for the youngsters but also for adults like us. I’m sure that this facility shall well received”.

On behalf of everyone here at the Post, we encourage you to participate.