New Delhi: Who knew that Yoga could mean anything more than just stretching and breathing?


According to the Maharashtra government's recent directives, Yoga also refers to a 'get out of prison early' ticket.

Three months of a jailed convict's sentence will be pardoned if they practice yoga regularly and pass an exam.

The written and practical yoga exam, conducted by the Patanjali Yoga Centre, is held by jail authorities in May. The next will be in October, said reports.

Introduced in January this year, this test has been passed by 136 prisoners out of the 191 who participated and are looking forward to an early release.

The scheme has been introduced to promote yoga and it's various health benefits. It is being promoted as a lifestyle to live without stress.

It is pertinent to mention here, the International Yoga Day celebrated on June 21, has drawn large participation from across the globe ever since it was introduced last year.