India Called Them
(Colour, 1967 In 6 parts)
India has drawn many people from many lands for many reasons. In this fascinating series of half-hour films, Yavar Abbas, writer, broadcaster and film-maker, who has lived in England since the partition of India, goes back to his native land to seek out some of the Westerners who have done what he did, in reverse. Characters presented include men and women, young and old, from England, Scotland, America, Israel, South Africa and Australia who have found a common interest in the science and philosophy of Yoga. There are some rare sequences on the amazing asanas (postures) and kriyas (cleansing exercises), the esoteric rituals, and interesting and scientific examination of the fantastic claims made about such spectacular feats as Bhugarbha Samadhi (live burial.)
“India Called Them”, a 6-Part Series
Swami Karunananda – Australian Yogi from Wallaroo
Released in 1967
Portrait of one of the greatest experts on Hatha Yoga, the physical branch of yoga.
Credits
Director: Yavar Abbas
Script: Yavar Abbas
Music: S.D.Batish
Commentator: Yavar Abbas
Headmaster Gibson – from England
Released in 1967
Portrait of J.T.M. Gibson, headmaster of Mayo College in Ajmer in Rajasthan, an exclusive Indian public school.
Credits
Director: Yavar Abbas
Production Company: Face Films
Music: S. D. Batish
Swami Sevananda – The ‘Lady Swami’ from England
Released in 1967
Portrait of Irene Harris, who was born in England, lived in South Africa and eventually renounced the world to take up life in a Hindu ashram.
Credits
Director: Yavar Abbas
Script: Yavar Abbas
Music: S. D. Batish
Commentator: Yavar Abbas
Jocelyn Basson – from South Africa
Released in 1967
Portrait of a school teacher from Cape Town, who goes to Rishikesh in the Himalayan foothills in search of peace. Features the Kriyas (internal body cleansing exercises).
Credits
Director: Yavar Abbas
Production Company: Face Films
Music: S. D. Batish
Commentator: Yavar Abbas
Bill Watters – An Artist From Scotland
Released in 1967
Portrait of a serious-minded `drop-out’ seeking his identity in India.
Credits
Director: Yavar Abbas
Script: Yavar Abbas
Music: S. D. Batish
Commentator: Yavar Abbas
Judy and Dayananda
Released in 1967
Portrait of two yoga students from Israel and England respectively who are pupils at the Lonavala Institute for Yoga, near Bombay, studying to become yoga teachers.
Credits
Director: Yavar Abbas
Script: Yavar Abbas
Music: S. D. Batish
Commentator: Yavar Abbas