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