TMU Assesses a Decade of Yoga's Impact on Public Health through National Seminar
In observance of International Yoga Day, Teerthanker Mahaveer University (TMU) hosted a one-day national seminar titled “Yoga Impact – A Decadal Impact Assessment on the Role of Yoga in Public Health.” The objective of this academic event was to undertake a scientific and practical evaluation of yoga’s influence on public health over the past ten years.
The seminar began with ceremonial lamp lighting and Saraswati Vandana, followed by the traditional welcome of guests with plant saplings. Dr. Neelam Chauhan conducted the programme.
TMU Leadership Highlights Holistic Lifestyle through Yoga
In his inaugural address, TMU Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) V. K. Jain described yoga as a comprehensive lifestyle and not just a physical practice. Emphasising the role of yoga in achieving mental clarity and inner balance, he encouraged students to integrate daily yoga routines and advocated for a return to Indian values such as “early to bed, early to rise.”
Experts Emphasise Yoga’s Multi-Dimensional Health Benefits
Prof. (Dr.) Tung Veer Singh Arya: Yoga as Preventive and Therapeutic
The keynote speaker, Prof. (Dr.) Tung Veer Singh Arya, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Muzaffarnagar Medical College, spoke on the multi-dimensional role of yoga. He explained that yoga is effective not only in lifestyle disorders but also in preventing sexually transmitted and infectious diseases.
He elaborated on the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga—Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi—describing yoga as the safest method to achieve mental peace and enhance immunity.
Prof. (Dr.) Ishwar Bharadwaj: Mindfulness and Holistic Transformation
The second keynote speaker, Prof. (Dr.) Ishwar Bharadwaj, Dean Academics, Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar, shared insights from four decades of yoga practice. He highlighted yoga’s power to transform the body, mind, and soul, and its effectiveness in treating respiratory and laryngeal disorders through mindfulness and controlled breathing techniques.
He emphasised that yoga helps regulate stress, fosters positive neurochemical changes, and contributes to managing conditions such as heart disease, asthma, and depression.
Integrating Art with Yoga: Symbolic Presentations
During the seminar, Ravindra Dev, Principal of TMU College of Fine Arts, honoured the keynote speakers by presenting them with student-created paintings on the theme of yoga. This artistic gesture underscored the deep connection between yoga and creativity.
Academic Contributions and Closing Ceremony
In the post-lunch session, scholars presented research papers on various aspects of yoga, contributing to the academic depth of the event. The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Manu Mishra, Principal of the College of Physical Education, who expressed gratitude to all guests, speakers, organisers, and participants.
The seminar ended with the national anthem, followed by a powerful concluding message:
“Do not confine yoga to the mat; take it to your homes, streets, and hospitals.”
Esteemed Presence and Organisational Excellence
The seminar was graced by the presence of several prominent dignitaries, including:
- Prof. (Dr.) M. P. Singh,
- Prof. (Dr.) Harbans Dixit
- Dr. Neelima Jain,
- Prof. (Dr.) Sushil Kumar Singh,
- Prof. (Dr.) Praveen Kumar Jain,
- Dr. Jyoti Puri,
- Dr. Vineeta Jain,
- Dr. Anita Agrawal,
- Dr. Piyush Mittal,
- Prof. Shivanee M. Kaul,
- Prof. Manu Mishra,
- Dr. Vinod Kumar Jain,
and other faculty members, whose presence contributed to the programme’s academic richness and success.
