Ahmedabad, June 9 -- When Chitula Albert first introduced yoga in his school in Zambia's Copperbelt region, he did not have a single yoga mat. Instead, the vice-principal stitched together old sacks so that a handful of interested children could practice.

Most people around him viewed yoga with suspicion. Because of its roots in India, many associated it with religion rather than physical fitness, making it difficult for Albert to convince parents and students alike. Yet he persisted, according to a release.

Albert's own introduction to yoga dates back to the late 1980s, when he was a primary school student. An Indian resident living in the area taught him a few basic yoga practices. The lessons stayed with him for decades.

Years later...