Since 2014, I have been researching, creating and advocating the concept of physical literacy in India. Born out of a conversation between Krishnaraj & me to introduce a more holistic physical education approach in schools in August 2013, Maverick Fit Kids has blossomed from being India’s first physical literacy informed curriculum in schools to the National Knowledge Partner of the Government of India’s Sports, Physical Education, Fitness and Leisure Skills Council promoting physical education (SPEFL-SC).

While the concept of physical literacy was available for reading and research over the Internet, it was embellished by a few interactions I was privileged to have when I travelled abroad over the years. I am indebted to Amit Malik who connected with me in 2020, and through him my connection with the International Physical Literacy Association (IPLA) UK. The IPLA gave an academic orientation to my intuitive understanding and implementation of physical literacy. The expansion on the physical, affective and cognitive domains while being physically active (see image 2) was a result of these interactions with the IPLA team from across the globe.

While the innate connection was always felt by me, the image from “My Gita” explaining the interdependence of the three yogas brought a profound moment of inexplicable clarity and gratitude. No wonder I resonate so much with the concept of physical literacy encompassing action (physical-Karma), emotion (affective-Bhakti) and understanding (cognitive-Gyana).

As expounded, action without emotion or understanding is devoid of involvement (affection) and meaning. Knowledge without emotion is devoid of purpose (exchange is the basis of life as detailed in ‘My Gita’). Yoga means to unite. Physical literacy is a way of life to unite our reverence for our body through valuing, understanding and implementing ways by which we can be active for life.