Date:11/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/03/11/stories/2006031118890200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Training them to win over fear

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: Social activist Mohammed Ali Athar conducted yet another unusual workshop "Get Emotionally Practical-Transformation Possible" for over 100 delinquent boys from K.J. Halli in Bangalore, a few days ago. The event was held at the Bismillah Community Hall near Tannery Road.

Mr. Athar, whose organisation is named Mind Masters, says, "We realise our social responsibility and the aim of this programme is to bring civility to our streets and leadership qualities in our youth and keep them on the straight and narrow path.'' "These boys are an important part of us and we must take the responsibility of helping them gain mastery of their emotional life and I appeal to every Indian to come forward and help us achieve our aim,'' he says.

Mr. Athar has been in the news for making his trainees literally walk on fire, an aspect that has drawn some criticism. "Walking on fire is really about walking through fear. And, whether you actually walk on burning coal or not is the real issue. Some participate fully in the workshop and yet do not actually walk on coal; they gain equally from the entire experience, finding more freedom and safety, more power and love. When you can walk on fire without experiencing pain and without burning yourself, many other possibilities open up for you,'' he explains.

What also happens is that your comfort range expands, you feel more confident, more alive and stronger, more secure and you accelerate your own evolution. The kind of help these boys can really do with.