Conf 2015 Proceedings

Proceedings
Proceedings of the 8th International Conference, on Yoga & Education: Principles and Practice | Kaivalyadhama (27-30 Dec 2015) | Lonavala, India
P L AT I N U M S P O N S O R S
C O L L A B O R AT O R S
Table of Contents
Introduction....................................................................................................................................... 04
Yoga - Bridging the Gap between Scientific Research and Education.................................. 27
Day 1 - December 27th, 2015......................................................................................................... 05
Paper Presentations......................................................................................................................... 30
Inaugural Ceremony......................................................................................................................... 05
Cultural Event.................................................................................................................................... 36
Panel Discussion............................................................................................................................... 07
Day 4 - December 30th, 2015......................................................................................................... 37
Cultural Event.................................................................................................................................... 09
Paper Presentation........................................................................................................................... 37
Day 2 - December 28th, 2015......................................................................................................... 10
Focus Group Report.......................................................................................................................... 38
Plenary Sessions............................................................................................................................... 10
Poster Presentation.......................................................................................................................... 44
Panel Discussions............................................................................................................................. 12
Valedictory Ceremony..................................................................................................................... 45
Difficulties and Successes in Implementation of Yoga in School Education...................... 15
Resolution of the conference........................................................................................................ 46
Paper Presentations......................................................................................................................... 17
Morning Workshops......................................................................................................................... 49
Cultural Event.................................................................................................................................... 24
Evening Workshops.......................................................................................................................... 52
Day 3 - December 29th, 2015......................................................................................................... 25
Inauguration of the ayurvedic garden......................................................................................... 54
Plenary Session................................................................................................................................. 25
Feedback............................................................................................................................................. 55
Panel Discussions............................................................................................................................. 27
Introduction
The 8th International Conference on Yoga and Education at Kaivalyadhama
From December 27th to December 30th policy makers, academics, and
was organized to explore the profound influence that yoga can have in
thought leaders in the field of yoga gathered at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala,
the field of education throughout the globe. We at Kaivalyadhama have
to investigate and debate the various challenges and benefits of inte-
come to see yoga as the science which aims to harmonize or unite vir-
grating yoga in the global educational curricula. Through these delib-
tually all aspects of life - the physical, mental, social and spiritual. The
erations, they also created various roadmaps for which various relevant
most direct and abiding way to achieve this is to integrate yoga into edu-
stakeholders, including national governments and multilateral institu-
cational systems. Our ultimate goal is to see yoga as an inherent part of
tions, can help to bring yoga to the forefront of the education system.
every curriculum all over the world. We believe that such integration
would result in populations of students who are more empathetic, self
The Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Yoga and
confident and mindful of themselves and one another. The anecdotal
Education is a summary of the various different events of the confer-
and empirical evidence is that schools, which incorporate yoga into their
ence, including topic-oriented discussions, practical and theoretical
curricula, find that the learning process is enhanced through reduced
workshops, presentations of various different research articles, and the
level of stress, improved focus and increased attention span.
final resolution of the conference itself.
Day 1
27.12.2015
Inaugural Ceremony
The 8th International Conference on Yoga and Education
(peace invocation) and a welcome address by Secretary
yogic science is one of the highest forms of value edu-
at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala, was initiated with an
General, Shri Om Prakash Tiwari. Presiding over the inau-
cation; it teaches you the value of focusing your mind
auspicious Puja (prayer ritual) in dedication to Rishi
gural ceremony was Chief Guest, Shripad Naikji, Minister
on that which you have to study. In a similar manner,
Patanjali, one of the worlds greatest yogic seers. The
of AYUSH, Key Note Speaker, Swami Adhyatmanandaji,
S.C. Khuntiaji indicated how the government is working
Puja was guided by Kaivalyadhamas spiritual leader,
Guest of Honor, S.C. Khuntia, Secretary, Ministry of
to implement yoga in the actual academic curricula of
Swami Maheshanandaji, and the institutes Secretary
HRD, and Chairman of the Organizing Committee
students throughout India. He indicated that the psy-
General, Shri Om Prakash Tiwari, amongst a large crowd
at Kaivalyadhama, Justice B.N. Srikrishna. Swami
cho-social benefits of the practice are of growing need
of students, staff, delegates, and guests of honor who all
Adyatmanandaji, in his speech, emphasized the need
than ever before in the school atmosphere. Sripad Naikji
engaged in the recitation of ancient Vedic mantras.
to main the purity of yoga and its experiential aspects
closed by making a firm point that yoga institutes every-
as well as the need for institutions to come together
where should come together and collectively promote
The inaugural ceremony of the conference commenced
and work towards the inculcation of yoga in the educa-
the cause of maintaining the qualify of yoga in educa-
in the late afternoon with the recitation of Shanti Path
tion system. Justice B.N. Srikrishna went on to note that
tional settings.
Day 1 - Inaugural Ceremony
Day 1
Panel Discussion
1/2
The need to speak in one voice

about weaving yoga into
educational systems
Chair
Dr. R. Welukar
Panelists
P. Connor - BSY
Dr. L. Sathish - KYM
Dr. R. Bijlani - Aurobindo Ashram
Dr. B.R. Sharma - Kaivalyadhama
The 8th International Conference on Yoga and
and insisted on a sophisticated research methodol-
Education was off to a flying start with a very
ogy so as to convince the policy makers to look at
enthusiastic panel discussion. Mr. Connor began
yoga in a more serious light. Her point of involving
the discussion by emphasizing the true meaning
teachers, students and parents from the very onset
of the term education, which is actually drawing
of any yoga program was well received by all the
out knowledge, and not a process of condition-
audience members and the panelists themselves.
ing, which it has now unfortunately become. He
Dr. Bijlani spoke about the necessity of not limiting
also mentioned the importance of bringing about
yoga in educational systems to just asana and pran-
balance between the ida and the pingala, which is
ayama. He stressed on the importance of the other
important for bringing out the intrinsic potential of
limbs of Ashtanga Yoga, to bring about a mental
the human mind, thereby aiding technological prog-
samatvam. Dr. Bijlani mentioned the concepts of
ress as well. His efforts of trying to bring Yoga into
yama and niyama being as important, if not more,
mainstream education systems in Australia have
for instilling a positive mindset in the students, and
been quite successful. L. Sathish raised the issue of
making them think beyond the rat race that their
bridging the gap between Yoga as an esoteric sci-
lives usually turn into. His thoughts of non-promo-
ence, and yoga being introduced in schools at the
tion of any single school or guru were extremely
grassroot levels. She raised pertinent points about
important as well. Dr. Bijlani also mentioned the
the lacunae of long-term evidence of yoga research
importance of mentoring teachers themselves so
Day 1 - Panel Discussion
2/2
that they would be able to inculcate yogic values better. Dr. Sharma, being a man of tradition, tried to explain
the lack of a One size fits all nature of yoga. Although he was all for a common system of yoga, a strictly standardized system of teaching yoga, according to him, was a difficult proposition, but he was definitely open to
suggestions. He mentioned that the students inclination towards the particular type of yoga is paramount.
Hence the choice of practicing different schools of yoga according to the students inclination exists. Mr.
Rajan Welukar, highly appreciative of the points raised by all the panel members, urged for a healthy cooperation between the different schools of yoga, adhering by the age-old adage of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
His emphasis to maintain scientific rigour throughout the Yoga researches was welcomed by everyone. Dr.
Welukar also insisted on delinking yoga from any particular religion.
Day 1
Cultural Event
The evening was met by the melodic musical stylings of

classical sitarist, Ustad Usman Khan and his disciples. His
unrelenting love for pure music and an unflinching devotion to the discipline of riyaz shown through five of his
compositions, which were performed that evening.
Day 2
Plenary Session
28.12.2015
1/2
Chair
Dr. H.R. Nagendra, Chancellor SVYASA
Yoga in Schools: Process, Efforts

and Implementation
Dr. M. Flak (France)
Yoga in Higher Education: A Way

and a View of Life
Dr. G. Rao
10
Day 2 - Plenary Session
2/2
This panel discussion focused on the mechanisms, ben-
on the necessity to trace every yogic practice back to its
holistic discipline. A challenge, he mentioned, is if we
efits, and challenges in implementing yoga within the
tradition and substantiate it vis--vis the correct yogic
introduce only the physical element of yoga, viz. asana
primary, secondary, and higher education school sys-
text so that authentic yogic practices are not diluted.
and pranayama, are we not sacrificing the philosophy of
tems. One of the pioneers of implementing yoga in the
Through her own personal experience of over forty years
its practices? In this light, Dr. Rao indicated that while it
education system in France, Dr. Micheline Flak spoke of
in the teaching profession, Dr. Flak also highlighted the
is universally accepted that yoga facilitates higher edu-
specific measures that needed to be considered in intro-
hurdles involved in intertwining yoga in a regulated
cation, nourishing the physical and intellectual aspects
ducing yoga at the primary and secondary school sys-
education system, which often include the question of
of people, it is a disservice to its very value to focus
tems throughout the globe. Specifically, she spoke of the
whether yoga is a religious or secular practice. Dr. Ganesh
on just its physical components. With this in mind, we
importance of training and qualifying teachers in a thor-
Rao spoke on a similar footing, declaring that when we
should lay down the proper framework to combat such
ough manner before giving them the liberty to introduce
are introducing yoga in higher education all yogic prac-
problems while implementing yoga and maintaining its
yoga into schools. Equally important was her emphasis
tices must be introduced so that yoga gets the air of a
philosophy in all levels of education systems.
11
Day 2
Panel Discussions
1/2
1. Yoga in Institutes of Higher

Learning - Delivery of Academic
Programs, Research and
Community Services
Chair
Dr. W. N. Gade
Vice Chancellor, Savitribahi Phule Pune University
Panelists
Prof. S. Saini
Mr. H. Aikata (Japan)
Dr. S. B. Khalsa (USA)
Dr. S.P. Mishra
12
Day 2 - Panel Discussions
2/2
Dr. Sunil Saini began the discussion by introducing
being a part-time practice but a full-time one. He
the Yoga programs they have in the Swami Rama
also enumerated the schools in Europe as well as
Himalayan University. These were specialized pro-
the US which have started offering courses related
grams aimed at doctors, nurses and paramedical
to yoga as an optional credit. He quoted the results
staff to improve the quality of patient care thereby
of a study done showing the decrease in anxiety
yielding better results. He also urged the policy
levels of a musician while performing on stage.
makers to make yoga more lucrative by creating
Dr. S. P. Mishra warned that the structuring of yoga
regulatory bodies which can create specific jobs in
research was still a work in progress and that we
the healthcare sector. Hiroshi Aikata talked about
shouldnt go overboard with the praise of yoga. W.
his experiences and the hardships he had to face
N. Gade, after listening to the views of the panelists,
in introducing yogic philosophy at his institute in
stressed on the need of a specialized program for
Thailand, due to the strong influence of Buddhist
teachers so that the teachers of all faculties can be
ideology. He insisted on not cherry picking the con-
taught the fundamental principles thereby improv-
cepts in yogic philosophy, but trying to inculcate
ing their own awareness. He urged all the biologi-
the wholesomeness of the authentic yogic texts.
cal scientists, neurologists and the like, to take the
Dr. Khalsa emphasized the importance of yoga not
yogic practices and verify the claims scientifically.
13
Panel Discussions
2. Yoga as Secular Discipline

Chair
Dr. Welukar
Panelists
Bishop T. Dabre
Dr. U. Natu
Dr. S.N. Pathan
This panel addressed the widely debated issue on
yoga is needed to restore peoples connection with
the categorization of yoga as a secular discipline
themselves and others. Dr. Ulka Natu went on to
versus yoga as a religious practice. With a panel
note that yoga is a spiritual discipline that does not
comprised of members from various religious ori-
restrict itself to any religion. She pointed out that
entations, this panel provided deep insights on the
yoga is nothing but ones dharma, or duty, towards
value of yoga as a science for all people, despite
the perfection of ones self. In this light, it does not
their race, caste, or creed. Bishop Thomas Dabre
discriminate against any religion and instead turns
of Pune, India, highlighted his own experience as
a person closer towards their true identity. Building
a Christian and how yoga has pushed him closer
on this idea, Dr. Pathan spoke on Islam and how the
to his own faith towards god. He articulated that
act of Namaz is nothing but the yoga of Islam, for
despite the fact that yoga has religious links there
it charges the battery of ones life and uplifts a per-
is no need to be stigmatized or apologetic towards
son in a way similar to yoga. He went on to note
this historical fact. Yet, the real power of yoga is
that the various postures performed during Namaz
that it accepts people of all denominations while
are, in fact, similar to asanas such as vajrasana and
propelling them towards their true self. In fact,
shashank asana.
in such a modernized world where technological

advancements are causes of a growing loss in communication and interrelationships between people,
14
Panel Discussions
1/2
3. Difficulties and Successes in

Implementation of Yoga in School
Education
Chair
Dr. S. Panda, Chairman NCTE
Panelists
Ms. J. Bajaj (Canada), Dr. S. Yadav, Dr. A.M. Moorthy
15
2/2
Dr. S. Panda being the chairperson for the session started
her organization Yoga Kids. She said that relating yoga
well funded, some of them lack the most basic facilities.
off by stating that the government needs to introduce
to the kids in a way in which they can connect to is the
This being the case, introducing a common curriculum
yoga teachers as a separate cadre ranging from ele-
biggest challenge. She could overcome this problem by
and setting a standard for the teachers is challenging. Dr.
mentary, primary, secondary up to senior secondary in
teaching it to them in a form in which the children can
A. M. Moorthy started by saying that in the educational
the education system. This is presently missing in our
identify themselves more easily like instead of giving
system, the student is the taker, teacher is the giver and
education system. He also said that we are not bringing
the difficult Sanskrit names, she would give names from
parent is the administrator. This being the case, it is very
yoga teachers but rather teachers who practice yoga and
a movie character for the asanas. The Sanskrit name and
essential that the teachers should have enough knowl-
encourage the students to practice yoga.
the meaning, however, would be introduced eventually.
edge to share the wisdom. He stressed on the need to
Prof. B. P. Bhardwaj talked about how introducing yoga
educate the parents about the practical benefits of yoga
Ms. Jyothi Bajaj who was the first speaker talked about
education in the schools with diverse institutional and
such as the improvement in concentration, better perfor-
the challenges and successes she had in her experi-
cultural backgrounds is a challenge. The schools can be
mance in academics etc. so that they are ready to allow
ence in teaching yoga to children in Canada through
government run, they could be private run, some of them
their children for yoga education.
16
Day 2
Paper Presentations
1. Experiential Paradigm of Yoga

in Education
Chair
Dr. Samprasad Vinod
a. Transcendental Meditation Program:

Applying Consciousness Based Education
- Dr. Hankey
b. Cognitive Behaviour and Parkinsons

Disease: Some Insights from Yoga Philosophy for
Medical Education
- Maddela, S et al.
c. Lifestyle Transformation Through Yoga

- Dr. D. Bagadia
d. Garbha Sanskar: A Form of Yoga Education

of the Child in the Womb
- Dr. G. Kelkar
Maddela S, described his study of trying to link
the hall. He also spoke at length about the various
yogic practices and improvements in Parkinsons
publications by the Manashakti institute in Lonavla.
patients. He conjectured that apart from Gene
His suggestion to parents to change themselves for
mutations, consistently irregular thought patterns
the kids and not just trying to bring about a change
might be a cause for Parkinsons. He was of the
in the kids was well received by the audience. Dr.
opinion that Voluntary control of the neurological
Bijlani, who was chairing the paper presentation,
pathways could be a preventive practice, which
then had a few questions for the presenters, which
included basic movements of the hands and legs.
they answered very thoroughly.
Dr. Bagadia spoke about his experience while dealing with management students and how he tried
to introduce the concepts of a balanced lifestyle
through means of yoga, to alleviate their stress
and make their personalities more harmonious. Dr.
Kelkar described his research in the field of prenatal yoga and the impact of yogic practises on the
baby while its in the womb. The video of a an infant
who stopped crying the moment his father started
chanting the Omkar was appreciated by everyone in
17
Day 2 - Paper Presentations
Paper Presentations
1/2
2. Yoga in Higher Learning

Institutions
Chair
Dr. Naresh Chandra
a. Yoga as a Complementary Modality in

Medical Education: An Evidence Based Review
- Dr. S. Agarwal
b. Yoga in Dental Education

- Dr. A. M. Deshpande
c. Yoga Modules of Swami Kuvalayananda for

the Physical Education Curriculum
- Dr. Y. Kumar
d. Education and Yoga: Insights from the

Taittiriya Upanishad
- S. Bashyam
18
2/2
Dr. Agarwal started the discussion in mentioning
Dr. Deshpande mentioned how the rise of anxiety
that yoga is a complementary practice in medical
and stress leads to muscular skeleton problems
education. He cited four specific examples - hyper-
and also leads to negative oral health. Thus, the
tension, COPD, depression, and lower back pain-
application of yoga in dentistry seems especially
and how yogic practices could work to counter
relevant as it works to directly counter anxiety and
these medical ailments as an alternate form of
stress levels of doctors, students, and patients and
therapy. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder,
further works to rid individuals of poor habits such
for example, kills more than 3 million people a year
as smoking. Dr. Yogesh Kumar went on to delineate
from smoking and pollution. However, yogic breath-
Swami Kuvalayanandas module for the physical
ing for ones respiratory function can be aided to
education curriculum, which, he explained, is the
prevent such premature deaths. Additionally, with
ultimate practice for the college going generation
specific regard to depression, yogic practices can
in terms of physical, mental and emotional fitness.
reduce pathological diseases that often result in

suicide. Dr. A.M. Deshpande furthered the discussion on yoga in the sphere of medical learning
institutions by delineating the specific therapeutic
benefits of yoga for oral health problems. Probing
further into the issue of yoga in dental education,
19
Paper Presentations
1/2
3. Yoga in Schools
Chair
Dr. G. Ravindran
a. Effect of Combining Yoga Practices with

Vedic Chanting Practices on Lung Function and
Cognitive Performance
- Subbulakshmi, V et al
b. Kaya Sthairyam: Its Relevance and

Suitability as a Practice for School Children
- Shankari, S. V.
c. Yama-Niyama in Saint Ramdass Writings: A

Model of Value Education for School Children
- Chaudhari, M. et. al.
d. Effect of Yoga on Attitude towards Violence

and Positive-Negative Affect in School Children:
A Randomized Controlled Study
- Kale, D.
20
2/2
This paper presentation session was chaired by Dr. G.
asana and pranayama. The second paper was presented
for changes in their behaviour using standard question-
Ravindran and Ms. Sara Emilionie. The first paper was
by Mrudula Chaudhari the topic being Yama-Niyamas
naires to see the changes in their behaviour and atti-
presented by Vidhya Shankari who talked about Kaya
in education for school children with the help of Saint
tude. The experiment showed positive results. Then, Dr.
Sthairyam Its relevance and suitability as a practice for
Ramdas writings. She said the literature of Sant Ramdas
A.K. Sharma introduced his paper Improving the lung
school children. Kaya Sthairyam aims at the withdrawal
such as Dasbodh helps in practically understanding the
functions of school children through yoga training. He
of senses in order to look inwards and aids to improve
yama and niyama of Patajali by giving clear instructions
started off by saying that the traditional texts talk about
the concentration as well. This practice involves visual-
as to what to do and what not to do in our daily lives.
the need to strengthen the respiratory system in order
izing oneself in a three dimensional view as sitting in a
Chanting the verses of Sant Ramdas with their mean-
to control the mind and the body. Also respiratory ill-
still posture and focusing on the body sensations. The
ing could be a way to introduce in the schools. The third
nesses have increased in school children due to various
stillness of the body brings about stillness of mind and
paper was The effect of Yoga Practice on Positive-
reasons. This being the case yoga is an effective tool to
aids in spiritual progress. Some of the ways in which this
Negative effects and attitude towards violence in school
improve the function of lungs and which also works as a
can be introduced in the school involves ways such as
children presented by Dipti Kale. This involved a exper-
therapeutic tool for lung disorders.
graphic narration, elaborate imagery, games that helps to
imental study done using randomized control method.
develop stillness. This can be practiced after a session of
Children were taught yoga for a month and evaluated
21
Paper Presentations
1/2
4. Policies and Leadership Related

to Yoga in Education
Chair
Justice (Retd.) D.R. Dhanuka
a. Yogas Potential with Intellectually Disabled

Children: The Need for Micro Leadership
Through Participatory Research
- Dr. P. Menon
b. Popularization of Yoga: The Role of Media

and Yoga Institutes
- R. Chapalgaonkar
c. Medha Sanskara: A Model of Yoga Education

- Shrikrishna Y, et al.
22
2/2
Dr. P. Menon began the session with a denotation of
vis--vis news tracking on yoga and philosophy in news-
initiated the plan of Medha (memory) Sanskara (to train,
intellectual disability, which is popularly known as
papers over the course of one month. As a result, it was
polish) so as to reduce educational stress on students.
mental retardation. She elaborated on the paper Yogas
found that there is a huge scope to publish news on
The following parameters were measured: concentra-
Potential with Intellectually Disabled Children: The Need
yoga and philosophy especially as there is a growing
tion, reception, retention, recollection, reproduction
for Microleadership Through Participatory Research,
significance of health communication in newspapers. In
through questionnaires before and after a 4 months pro-
mentioning that the study conducted included 4 patients
parallel, journalists were found to have a lack of aware-
gram targeting the above 5 factors which included yogic
between 9-17 years with Attention Deficit Disorder,
ness on yoga and philosophy. Consequently, it was also
remedy of obstacles for stability of body, blocked nasal
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Behavioural
found that there is a need to establish media cells. It is
passage, prana dharana, slow deep breathing, brahmari
issues and physical disability. The training happened
proposed that schools of yoga come together to form
pranayama, om chanting, techniques to convert short to
5 days weekly with progressive yoga modules. Overall,
a common platform for circulation and distribution of
long term memory, head and neck massage, etc. Results
span of attention, concentration, neuromotor coordina-
news related to yoga research and even to get the jour-
show a significant improvement in memory measured
tion, gross and fine motor skills and stability of posture
nalist involved right from the beginning of the research.
through cancellation tasks, passage memory, non-verbal
and balance were found to improve. R. Chapalgaonkars
Mr. Shrikrishnas research on yoga and education was
and figure tests. It is proposed to introduce this module
research involved the role of Media and yoga institutes
born from the rising number of suicides in Japan. This
in 8th standard onwards.
23
Day 2
Cultural Event
The day came to an end with a fabulous cultural evening

put together by Dr. Uma Rele and her students from
Nalanda Dance & Research Academy, Mumbai. They
brought together a special evening dedicated to various Indian Classical & Folk dances, blending Kathak,
Bharatnatyam & Mohini-attam into one splendid performance dedicated to the five elements - Fire (Agni), Air
(Vayu), Water (Jal), Earth (Prithvi) & Ether (Akasha). They
brought the stage to life with dedications to Ganapati
through traditional Maharashtrian folk dance and to Maa
Shakti through the lively Garba from Gujarat. Overall, it
was an education day ending with a lovely insight into
our heritage that spans from Yoga and goes into graceful
performing arts.
24
Day 3
Plenary Session
29.12.2015
1/2
Chair
Dr. Moorthy
Research on Yoga in Schools

Dr. S. Telles
Yoga in Schools: The Scientific

Rationale, Prevalence and
Research Evidence
S. B. Khalsa (USA)
25
Day 3 - Plenary Session
2/2
This session provided for a rich discussion on the scien-
positive thoughts formation in the brain. Dr. Khalsa took
from public schools in the United States reflected such
tific veracity of yoga in education systems worldwide.
the discussion one step further, probing into the scien-
self-transformation through practice of yoga vis--vis
Dr. Telles began the discussion by noting that surveys
tific angles of yoga practices and how they substantiate
awareness of their behaviour, control of their anger, and
conducted from 1980 to 2015 showed that the benefit
the need to implement it in the school system. Yoga, he
mindful eating. Perhaps one of the most striking points
of yoga for school children included coping with stress,
said, is scientifically proved to produce deep relaxation
was when Dr. Khalsa referenced a study done on men-
developing emotional strength, reducing aggressive-
of the autonomic nervous system and can determine
tal health on adults, which discovered that the majority
ness and the need for sensory stimuli, and improving
which genes will be turned on (reducing inflammation
of seriously impairing and persistent health conditions
short term memory. She cited an RCT done in Haridwar,
and stress response) or off. Neuro-imaging during med-
have child-adolescent onsets and high comorbidity.
which compared the effect of yoga practice in school
itation showed that we are changing brain activity and
The study showed that there is an alarming 80% prev-
children with that of physical exercise for 3 months. The
ultimately brain structure and that yoga practitioners
alence of psychiatric problems by 21 years. This study,
result was improved academic performance, improved
have a higher tolerance to pain and cold. Dr. Khalsas
he argued, indicates a great need for stabilizing the
attendance and improved punctuality in both groups
studies showed that yogic practices (postures, breathing,
child-adolescent stage of life through yoga, which is
but markedly an increase in personal self-esteem in
relaxation, etc) entail mind-body awareness, self-regu-
demonstrated to have a holistic benefit.
yoga. Dr. Telles also delineated that yoga improves
lation and physical fitness, which in turn lead to a bet-
motor skills, balances right and left brain functions and
ter functioning of human beings through an enhanced
converts emotions through rational thinking. Yoga also
behaviour, mental state, health and performance for a
reduces depression scores in children considered at
better quality of life and ultimately spiritual transfor-
risk for depression by forming positive pathways for
mation. In this light, several of his research subjects
26
Day 3
Panel Discussions
1. Yoga - Bridging the Gap

between Scientific Research and
Education
Chair
Dr. R. Bijlani
Panelists
Dr. A. Balayogi, Dr. V.V. Binoy, Dr. U.S. Ray, Dr. B. Patwardhan
Dr Bijlani laid the foundation of this talk by stat-
for eliminating doubts among our students brought
ing that education imparts knowledge, which is in
upon by these unreliable publications and provide
turn generated through research. Dr. Balayogi con-
them with trustworthy sources of information. Dr.
tinued the discussion by addressing the need to
U.S Ray carried the discussion into yoga in the pro-
keep yoga out of the box and preventing yogic
fessional setting and the need to introduce yoga
healing from becoming similar to prescriptive
among astronauts and deep sea divers. Due to the
medicine, which only addresses one issue at a time.
change in pressure and affects of gravity in these
Dr. V.V Binoy addressed the need of a third party
areas, the body also experiences different levels
to maintain the bridge between the scientific and
of stress, and yoga could work to bring the body
academic communities, which could include NGOs,
to a balance while remaining in these unconven-
governments and other similar organizations.
tional areas for long periods of time. Concluding
Also important was the issue of publishing yogic
the discussion, Dr. Patwardhan addressed the need
research in proper publications as the aim of the
to create a new language among scientists, which
research should not only be to get the work pub-
includes ayurveda and yoga and create a new class
lished, but get it published in a respectable journal.
of yogic scientists who would bridge the gap
This is a major issue among the scientific commu-
between tradition and modern science.
nity and as a result these studies lose their credibility and reliability. Dr. Binnoy emphasized the need
27
Panel Discussions
2. Continuity Versus Change:

Making Traditional Yoga
Relevant to Todays World
Chair
Ms. M. Verma IAS
Panelists
Dr. M. Penna, Ms. C Tantillo (USA), Swami Nirmalananda,
Dr. B. Upadhyay IPS
The panel members included Swami Nirmalananda

Saraswati from the Bihar School of Yoga, and Carla
Cantillo from the US. The session was chaired by M.
Verma. Swami Nirmalananda started off her presentation by explaining how the terms continuity and change
are in fact complementary to each other and not dichotomous. She stressed the need for a change in presentation while keeping the traditional tenets of yogic texts
untouched. She likened it to trimming the branches of
trees for better growth. Swami ji also urged for the unity
between head, heart and hands when it came to teaching methodologies. Carla Cantillo spoke at length about
her experiences in trying to imbibe yogic practises in
schools where the majority of the children are below
the poverty line in Chicago. She also described how her
practices have helped the students in combating their
own problems, which come up as a result of staying in a
highly volatile environment.
28
Panel Discussions
3. Standardization of Yoga
Education: Pros and Cons
This panel explored the feasibility of a one-size fits
Ahimsa and the importance to highlight this tenant
all model for yoga in the field of education. Starting
in education curriculums. Shri Krishnamurthy fin-
the discussion, Dr. Narayanan mentioned that there
ished the discussion by delineating the theoreti-
Chair
Dr. I. Basavaraddi, Director MDNIY
are many approaches in yoga but that one has to be
cal and practical approaches to standardization of
careful not to misinterpret yoga for today it is purely
yoga.
Panelists
Dr. R. Narayanan (USA)
Mr. G. Boll (Sweden)
Yogacharya Amrutsuryananda (Portugal)
Shri. S. Krishnamurthy NABCB QCI
associated with asanas. Traditionally, yoga was not

a part of life but a full time involvement in ones
life. Bridging on that, he said, one has to remember
that the yoga sutras of patanjali entail the holistic
aspects of yoga, which should be where the standardization should come from. Mr. Boll continued
the discussion by mentioning that in Sweden yoga
is included in health care and after three years of
research work, yoga for heart patients is seeing
increased interest. Building on these findings, they
are looking to implement yoga in Swedish schools
as well. Swami Suryananda spoke on the topic of
what unites us, commenting on the importance of
29
Day 3
Paper Presentations
1/2
1. Yoga in Schools
Chair
Dr. G. Ravindra
a. Yoga in Portuguese Schools: Effect on

Students Development and School Performance
- Devi G, et. al.
b. Effects of Yogic Practices on Children with

Autism
- Sudha, R et al.
c. Role of Yoga in Management of Foot

Deformity Associated Symptoms amon School
Children
- Wankhede, S et al.
d. Yoga as a Means for Improving the Lung

Functions of School Children
- Sharma, K, et al.
30
2/2
This session began with Ms. Ganga Devi who
brought about synchronization among their psy-
brought forward her work on introducing yoga in
chological, physical and physiological aspects. Mr.
Portuguese schools and her study on its effect on
Wankhede presented his study on the role of yoga
development and performance by implementing
in the management of foot deformities and associ-
her programme nationwide. Her study shows that
ated symptoms among school children, which later
yoga practices indeed calms the mind and prepares
leads to major personality disorders. His study
it well to. Also they compared the respective envi-
mainly focused on the clubfoot (talipes) syndrome.
ronments of ashrams and regular school lifestyle
His eight-week study constituted of scientific
both of which showed positive effect in managing
(bio-mechanical) tools to detect and examine such
the subjective abilities although practice in regu-
deformity. He observed significant improvement in
lar school environment was not as significant as
the condition of the foot deformity, body balance
that of the ashrams. She also reports that due to
and flexibility of the children. He also mentioned
yoga the attendance in the schools have increased
that there was subsequent decrease in the mus-
significantly. Ms Sudha Rao studied the effects of
cular-skeletal pain due to deformed condition by
yoga on autistic children, particularly on the sit-
observing through questionnaires.
ting tolerance of the subjects. Her research shows

that yoga practices have helped children calm
down, improved their body-mind coordination and
31
Paper Presentations
2. Yoga in Higher Learning

Institutions
Chair
Dr. Naresh Chandra
Dr. Kulkarni began the session with an apt point on how yoga was meant for spiritual purposes in ancient times
rather than for physical and mental purposes in the modern world. Fundamental nature of consciousness, he
argued, consists of no exact fixed sequences and that there are three altered states of normal behaviour of
human consciousness. Ms. J Walker continued the session explaining how the Sivayogadipika is often underplayed versus other Hatha Yoga texts and that it contains may beneficial yogic practices that can be adopted
by school curriculums. Unlike yogic texts, such as Hathapradipika and Gheranda Samhita, Sivayogadipika is
a. Understanding consciousness in the Context

of Yoga Education: A Synthetic View
- Kulkarni D et al.
not critically edited, adding to its value in an undiluted form. Ms. Gore also provided compelling evidence
on how chanting Gayatri Mantra and Om by school students led to positive changes in their concentration.
b. Sivayogadipika and its Relevance to School

and Higher Education
- Ms J. Walker
c. Effect of Yoga on Spiritual Quotient of

Students in Higher Education
- Gore, A et al.
32
Paper Presentations
1/2
3. Policies and Leadership Related

to Yoga in Education
Chair
Justice (Retd.) D.R. Dhanuka
a. Global Yoga Education: Meeting the United

Nations Sustainable Development Goals
- S. Nandedkar
b. Leadership in Yoga Education: Swami

Kuvalayanadas Vision
- Pathak, S, et al.
c. Research on Immune Response to

Examination Stress: A Review
- Rajbhoj, P et al.
33
2/2
The session began with Mr. Nandedkar who made
institutes and colleges, conferences, training yoga
a point on the need to integrate entrepreneurship
teachers, school children and teachers and parents
with yoga since it is the call of the hour that yoga
and setting up yoga hospitals. Mr. Rajbhoj went on
is disseminated more systematically to make for
to cite research on immune response to examina-
the gap between the householders and the yogi.
tion stress. For this review, three databases were
Yoga, he said, takes into consideration both the
studied. The common biochemical parameters
right and the left-brain activities so that a more
measured were found to be the level of salivary
holistic approach is given to the SDG (Sustainable
amylase, salivary cortisol, immunoglobulin A and
Development Goals). According to Mr. Nandedkar
cytokines. Stress during exams caused an increase
India can weave its techno-entrepreneurs and
on the first two substances while a reduction in
holistic educators together towards a global reach.
immunoglobulin A. Yoga on the other hand, mostly
The discussion continued forward with Dr. Pathak,
caused the opposite effect.
who spoke on Swami Kuvalayanandas vision to

take methods of research from the west for spirituality and to do fundamental yogic research based
on Indian philosophy. He outlined how Swamijis
vision has come to fruition vis--vis introducing
yoga in educational institutions, creating research
34
Paper Presentations
4. Experiential Paradigm of Yoga

in Education
Chair
Dr. Samprasad Vinod
a. Experiencing Deeper Relaxation Through

Gitananda Yoga
- Dr. A. B. Bhavanani
b. Yoga in School Education: Exploring the

Experiential Paradigm of Yoga
- Bhogal, R et al.
c. Holistic Practices for Children with Special

Needs
- Mrs. V. Dabhane
The session began with Mrs. Dabhane, who enriched
yoga has remarkable effects on its practitioners, viz.
the audience members by describing her experi-
heightened awareness, lack of negative thoughts,
ences while working with kids with special needs.
amongst others. Dr. Samprasad and Dr. Bijlani were
The way yogic practices were used to improve the
highly appreciative of the efforts of the paper pre-
quality of life of the kids from her school was really
senters. The session ended, but not before a couple
inspiring. Dr. Anand spoke eloquently about the
of questions by Dr. Bijlani which were answered by
specialized yogic practices being utilized in his
the presenters to the best of their expertise.
hospital for deep relaxation of patients. His active

demonstration of some relaxation techniques, with
the involvement from the audience, was appreciated by everyone present. He also stressed on the
importance of feeling the experience rather than
just mechanically being a part of it. Dr. Bhogal elucidated about the transcendental aspects of using
a form of Kriya Yoga, which includes anuloma
viloma pranayama as tapa, chanting of the omkara
as swadhyaya, and recitation of the gayatri mantra
as ishwarpranidhana. This innovative use of kriya
35
Day 3
Cultural Event
The day came to an end with a soulful rendition of Poet

Kabir & Meera bais Bhajans by Kaluram Bamaniya. Such
powerful messages from our history beckon us to awaken
and lead a fulfilling life, with the audience left mesmerized and inspired by the spirit of the Kalurams troupe!
36
Day 4
30.12.2015
Paper Presentation
As part of its efforts to promote active dialogue on yoga, education, and policy Kaivalyadhama held four parallel sessions for members of civil society to present their written research
work on relevant topics. Candidates were judged by a program committee on the depth of their work. Four prizes were awarded to the top candidates:
1. Effect of Yoga on Attitudes towards Violence and Positive-Negative Affect in School Children: A Randomized Controlled Study
Ms. Dipti Kale
2. Yoga in Dental Education

Dr. A.M. Deshpande
3. Medha Sanskara: A Model of Yoga Education

Yogacharya Srikrishna Vyavahare
4. Experiencing Deeper Meditation through Gitananda Yoga

Dr. Ananda Bhavanani
37
Day 4
Focus Group Report

1/6
The 8th International Conference on Yoga and Education created a unique opportunity to bring
together students, teachers, yoga enthusiasts, experts of yoga, leaders of the education arena,
and decision makers in the national government. This created a chance to identify the needs
and opportunities, as well as necessary feedback from stakeholders, for policy makers to use
when planning the implementation process of yoga in education. In light of this, focus groups
were created to address the various dimensions involved in introducing yoga in the education
system nationally.
Focus group is a proven tool to identify the opinions and issues that stakeholders may have
on any given subject. It is primarily used by marketers and politicians to gage the public opinion. In this case the process involved four discussion groups comprised of delegates (10-30
people in a group) and moderated by facilitator. Two or three neutral observers were noting
emerging issues, challenges and solutions, while observing the discussions.
A total of 110 delegates and invited guests participated in these discussions. The findings of
these various focus groups are divided into six coherent divisions, which must all be addressed
equally.
38
Day 4 - Focus Group Report
2/6
1. The role of governments and policy makers

The findings of the focus group suggested that in order for the implementation of yoga
f. Create a committee of yoga experts and educational specialists at national level who
in education to be successful, governments and policy makers must play an active role
must define a curriculum for yoga teachers where yoga philosophy is also included
in facilitating these efforts. The following suggestions were noted:

g. Create specific yoga modules based on the principles of yoga
Governments need to:
h. Provide scholarships for individuals to learn to live the discipline of yoga at a desiga. Develop comprehensive curriculum and compulsory policies throughout the whole
nated institute for three to five years and later serve as a teacher
chain of education with regard to yoga

i. Establish a yoga council at the national level
b. Provide a framework for effective implementation of policies related to yoga in
education
j. Provide resources for yoga therapy to address the needs of children with intellectual
and physical disabilities
c. Provide adequate grants to institutes of education to implement government policies

k. Relay that yoga is a secular science
d. Provide grants for research on yoga in education
l. Organize in service training programs for yoga teachers to sharpen their skills and
e. Set up a regulatory body to register yoga trained teachers
ensure that teachers are keeping up with their practices and living the principles of yoga
39
3/6
2. The status of yoga teacher profession

It was repeatedly brought to the attention during all discussions that the financial limita-
a. Introduce government authorized national and state eligibility tests (NET/SET) for
tions and low societal status inhibit many able people from going into the field of yogic
yoga teachers
teaching. Moreover it was recognized that the profession of yoga teacher is regarded as
a third class profession with no future in it. Historically communities or villagers sup-
b. Create government and private jobs akin in status to academician/nurse/physiother-
ported the yogis, sadhus and holy men. The image of spirituality and practicing yogis
apist/doctors, (i.e. yoga therapy in hospitals)
therefore is associated with living off charity and in austerity in Indian culture.
c. Redefine the standard of yoga qualification and expertise (including personal pracIn this light, it is obvious that the image of yogi as yoga teacher professional needs
tices) with clear parameters vis--vis the implementation of yoga in education
to change. In order to attract able individuals we must raise the recognition of social
and financial status of yoga teacher. However, the challenge of changing the image and
bringing up the status in society is a great one as it goes against the tradition. Therefore
it requires special attention and has to be addressed vis--vis the following:
40
4/6
3. The role of yoga in the classroom

It was recognized that in order for yoga in education to be effective it must be put into
f. Teaching content and methodology should be age appropriate
practice at the classroom level starting with primary and secondary education when
children are in their most fundamental stages of development. In doing so the following
g. Yoga educators need to have freedom for creative implementation
points should be considered:

h. There should be no exams for students and no sense of competition just
a. Regular class teachers should be one of the main providers of yoga, which means that
encouragement
each teacher of a subject should be a trained yoga teacher by a certification course

i. For students between the ages of eight and ten yoga should be a compulsory subject
b. A few very short (10min) yoga sessions throughout each day proved to be effective
for forty five minutes twice a week
strategy
j. Schools should create personality development through yoga science as an elective
c. A teacher training program for teachers at all levels should be introduced
subject
d. Ashtanga yoga classical elements, such as yamas and niyamas, should also be taught
k. Yoga education must include all students irrespective of economic caste, creed, gender, religion and color
e. Yoga should be integrated in all levels of teaching and not restricted to only an asana
class
l. Therefore schools should assist kids with psychological/mental disabilities through

providing methodology/content-appropriate yoga classes
41
5/6
4. The role of yoga in higher education
5. Yoga in family
The importance of yoga in education is not only relevant at the primary and secondary
Some of the most important elements in social life have strong family and community
school levels, but is also relevant for students as they mature and continue to pursue
ties. The findings of the focus group suggested that the goal to promote yoga in schools
their education at higher learning institutes. It is necessary therefore for yoga to be
would be greatly fortified through family encouragement and involvement by the fol-
actualized in higher education institutions with the following in mind:
lowing means:
a. There should be a comprehensive curriculum of yoga up to the PhD level
a. Host classes for parents and children together on the weekends
b. It would be beneficial to have yoga immersion program the first week of the first
b. Host individual classes for parents only
semester
c. Make schools into yoga hubs for local communities
c. It is being tried and proven that personality development through yoga science works
well as an elective subject but that it also requires a highly qualified teacher
d. Create awareness within the community, teachers and administrators
d. It would be beneficial to introduce yoga counseling in secondary and higher learning

institutions
e. Teaching yoga should be made a prestigious profession to encourage students to pursue it in higher learning institutions
42
6. Yoga in research, review, and continuous improvement
6/6
No great science is relevant without continuous research, critique, review and enhancement. Recognizing these points, the focus group indicated a greater need for the following with regard to yoga and education:
a. Increased research to monitor the effect of yoga on students at all levels
b. More long term studies with teacher-researcher collaboration of relevant universities,

research institutes, and yoga institutes
c. More clarity of purpose and anticipated outcomes is needed in the standardization

process of introducing yoga in schools
d. More long term research is needed on whether, and how, yoga education can address
problems in the education system such as stress, anxiety, drop-outs, behavior and addiction issues
43
Day 4
Poster Presentation
As part of the 8th international conference, Kaivalyadhama also

hosted a poster presentation competition to evaluate the best
aesthetic illustration of yogic practices. Participants submitted thirty-five posters, which were judged by a program committee. Three winners were selected:
Rank 1: The Effect of Two Ps Posture and

Pranayama
Mr. P. Girija Sankar
Rank 2: Effects of Yoga and Aerobic Exercise: A

Comparison of Biomechanical Parameters in
College Women
Dr. Govind Kadam
Rank 3: A Comparison in the Levels of SelfRated Physical and Mental Satisfaction

between Yoga Practitioners and Non-Yoga
Practitioners
Mr. Ram Kumar
44
Day 4
Valedictory Ceremony
The valedictory ceremony of the confer-
process. Within India, he said, the govern-
ence commenced with a closing address by
ment has been actively engaged to cre-
Secretary General, Shri Om Prakash Tiwari.
ate various organizing committees and
Presiding over the inaugural ceremony was
working groups for implementation of
key note speaker, Dr. B.M. Hegde, Retired
yoga in the global education curriculum.
Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy
Building on this, Dr. Hegde mentioned that
of Higher Education, guests of honor,
our efforts should be to transform soci-
Justice D.R. Dhanuka, former Honorable
ety into a tranquil society, which can only
Justice of the Bombay High Court, and
be achieved through yoga. What is edu-
Dr. D.R. Karthikeyan, Officer of the Indian
cation? he asked. Education is being a
Police Service and former Director of the
good human being, which is taught through
Central Bureau of Investigation, as well as
yoga. However, today, he said, when a child
Swami Maheshanandaji, spiritual leader
goes to school many physiological aspects
of Kaivalyadhama. In his address, Justice
change as a result of various stresses and
Dhanuka mentioned the difficulties in con-
deteriorate the body. With this in mind, he
structing a global curriculum on yoga and
argued, we should help implement yoga as
education and the necessity of national
a system of 24 hour education to remind
governments to involve themselves in the
the child of his true nature: blissful.
45
Day 4
Resolution of the Conference

1/2
After three days of intense deliberations at various plenary sessions and workshops the delegates of the 8th International Conference on Yoga and Education at Kaivalyadhama resolved
on nine key points. This resolution was proposed by Dr. Ananda Balyogi, seconded by Dr. B.M
Hegde, and unanimously supported by all the delegates of the conference.
The resolution was as follows:
1. Yoga is an ancient Indian cultural and spiritual heritage developed for self-improvement
leading to self-actualization and realization. The ancient wisdom of yoga should be preserved,
promoted and enriched to uplift humanity in all its dimensions.
2. Yoga shall be integrated in to the educational system at all levels through teaching, training
and research for holistic development of personality.
3. Yogic principle of wellness helps strengthen and develop positive health enabling students
and teachers to withstand stress. Wellness modules of Yoga shall be inculcated amongst all
stakeholders of educational institutions.
46
Day 4 - Resolution of the Conference
2/2
4. Yoga chairs should be established in recognized international institutions through Ministry of AYUSH and other Ministries of Government of India.
5. Specialized modules for teachers should be prepared and training given to improve their health, efficiency and self -awareness.
6. Yoga should be introduced in the medical education system during the undergraduate as well as postgraduate programs. Regular CMEs should be conducted to update practicing
professionals.
7. The contribution of Kaivalyadhama in the field of Yoga, Education and Research is commendable, considering this the central and state governments should promote the activities
of Kaivalyadhama further and recognize it as a center of excellence in the field of Yoga.
8. Consultative meetings should be called of academicians, practitioners and researchers to develop a strategy to preserve, promote and enrich Yoga.
9. Yoga should be included in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
47
Day 4
Prize Distribution
Focus Group Discussion
Support Staff Felicitation
48
Morning Workshops
1/3
Towards Dhyan
Advanced Yoga Asanas
Shri R.S. Bhogal
Shri Neeraj Singh
Giving the base of Patanjalis principles of Dhyana, Shri Bhogal slowly led the audience
Mr. Singhs three-day workshop on asanas focused on advanced postures designed for
through techniques for deep meditation. Over the course of three days he prepared the
long time practitioners. He taught those asanas which have been scientifically studied
practitioners for Dhyana with verses from Bhagwat Gita, Viveka Chudamani and Shrimat
for their impact and benefit by Swami Kuvalayanandaji.
Bhagwat, as well as, sutras from Patanjali. Additionally, he focused on Kriya Yoga, and
methods of Dhyana as per the Shiva Samhita.
49
Morning Workshops
2/3
Yoga Asanas
Classical Pranayama
Smt. Sandhya Dixit
Shri O.P Tiwari
This practical session on yoga asanas was a beginner level introductory class on the
This three-day overview of pranayama gave practitioners insight into the various differ-
postures taught as per the Hatha Yoga tradition at Kaivalyadhama. Mrs. Dixit also high-
ent practices of pranayama, as delineated by Hatha Yoga texts and scientifically stud-
lighted the various course structures on asanas that Swami Kuvalayananda describes in
ied by Swami Kuvalayanandaji. Tiwariji, the direct disciple of Swami Kuvalayanandaji,
his book Asanas.
introduced five preparatory practices to prepare the body for pranayama, kriyas, as well
as five ancient pranayama practices. Each session commenced with a lecture on the history, veracity, and importance behind pranayama.
50
Morning Workshops
3/3
Spiritual Discourse
Classical Yoga
Swami Anubhavananda
Dr. Ganesh Rao
Swami Anubhavanandas spiritual discourses focused on the questions of self-realiza-
Dr. Raos workshop began with an explanation as to what may be understood by clas-
tion and Patanjalis Yoga Sutras. He spoke on the phases of dharna, dhyana, and samadhi
sical yoga. Building on this concept, practices focused on the principles of classical
and also spoke on the value of discarding both body identification and the idea of one
yoga, and included kriyas, asanas, pranayama, mudras, bandhas, meditation, and man-
soul, one body. The discourses elucidated the importance of realizing that material
tra chanting. Over the three days, the practices were characterized by continuity and
value cannot bring true happiness in life and that the idea of meditation is not done, but
increasing intensity.
rather just happens.

51
Evening Workshops
28.12.2015
As part of the practical sessions offered during the conference, workshops were hosted on the second and third
evenings to provide participants with different experiential opportunities in asanas, pranayama, and meditation
techniques. The workshops offered included:
3. Aligning the body and mind through asana

- Dr. R. Mehta, Iyengar Yoga Centre
1. Yoga Smkhyas Mah Sdhan - Yogacharya Suryananda
2. Vipassana Meditation
- Dr. N. & H. Ganla, Vipassana Research Academy
4. Yoga for children - Ms. J. Bajaj
5. Yoga Nidra as Psychology - Yogacharya V. Mandlik, Yoga Vidya Dham
52
Evening Workshops
28.12.2015
1. Ananda Pranayama - Yogacharya S. Vyavahare
2. Yoga for Aging Reversal - Pandit R Mishra, Ujjain Life Society
4. Yoganidra - Sw. Nirmalananda, Bihar School of Yoga
5. Application of Yoga in Education for perfect personality

development, Hindi language
3. Power of Prana - Using Breath in Yoga Practices

- Shri. K. Desikacharya, KYH Foundation
53
Inauguration of the Ayurvedic garden
Kaivalyadhama was pleased to inaugurate its first ayurvedic garden in collaboration with Ayurvedacharya, Smt.
Nalini Gite, on December 28th, 2015. The garden (Harit
Vanam, Kamdhenu Vatika, Aushadhi Vanam) was inaugurated by Chief Guest, Shripad Naikji, Minister of AYUSH,
Key Note Speaker, Swami Adyatmanandaji, Guest of Honor,
S.C. Khuntia, Secretary, Ministry of HRD, and Chairman of
the Organizing Committee at Kaivalyadhama, Justice B.N.
Srikrishna. Swami Adyatmanandaji conferred the new
project with an auspicious Puja (prayer ritual). During
the conference, an ayurveda exposition was held to display the crops, plants and their various medicinal uses
that grow within the garden. The exhibition was a mechanism to education people on ayurvedic concepts, their
potency, and the prevalence of many of these resources
in local areas throughout India. The new garden will be
used to supply ayurvedic medicines and resources for
Kaivalyadhama.
54
Feedback
1/5
The following are written excerpts of feedback received from various attendees, delegates, and honorary participants of the conference.
Professor Sunil Saini

Director, Cancer Research Institute
Dear Subodh ji,

It was an honour and great pleasure to attend the recently concluded Yoga conference at Kaivalyadhama. This was my first interaction
with your Institute and participation in Yoga conference of such magnitude. I thoroughly enjoyed the scientific sessions and deliberations,
I could sense faculty and participants were learned yoga experts or accomplished in their field. I sincerely thank you for the kind
hospitality, serene environment of Institute and response of staff was very comforting.
Would like to make a recommendation - Nine Resolutions which were passed on the last day and the report of Focus group must be
disseminated to all stake holders - such as Yoga Institutions, medical colleges, various school boards and regulatory bodies and relevant
ministries in state and central government. Focus group report is a scientific document and it may be published in a journal as well, any
journal related with Yoga or Health or Education.
You are invited to visit us whenever possible. Swami Rama a yogi from Himalayas founded our organisation, you may find more
information on www.hihtindia.org www.srhu.edu.in
55
Feedback
2/5
Swami Anubhavananda
Spiritual Leader
Thanks dear Subodh.

You were best as usual and much more this year.
Your planning and coordination skills as superb.
I am always at your service.
Lots of love.
Micheline Flak, PhD

Pioneer of bringing yoga into the
education system in France
Dear Subodh Tiwari

Many thanks and congratulations for the fine event you have so wisely devised. I am feeling honored to have been invited to this
Conference thus tuning in my experience in France with the reports of those researchers and decision makers who are promoting the
world wide movement of yoga in education. It was for me a great pleasure to stay in the fine ambiance of your great ashram.
May this new year 2016 offer you many opportunities and happy returns. With warm regards and thanks.
56
Feedback
3/5
Swami Poornamurti (Philip Connor)

Satyananda Yoga Academy
Dear Subodh, Hari Om

Firstly I wanted to give my deepest thanks to you for conducting and giving me the opportunity to be at KD for the Yoga and Education
Convention: it was an inspiring event with some of the worlds great leaders in this area. There were so many great speakers and teachers
that I was unable to attend enough sessions! Nevertheless I did have true quality time with some great individuals, and each and every
one of them approached me with an open heart. The atmosphere was beautiful. It was especially fitting that you gave great honour to the
staff who served (and serve each day) each person visiting as an honored guest.
Swami Nirmalananda
Bihar School of Yoga
Dear Subodh Tiwari,

I wish you & all of the members of Kaivalyadham family very happy, healthy and a year full of achievements.
I also want to congratulate you all for making the 8th international yoga conference a grand success. I want to thank you for giving me an
opportunity to participate & meet the whole yoga community.
With Om & Prem
57
Feedback
4/5
Ramesh Bijlani
Aurobindo Ashram
Dear Subodh,
What an amazing feat of organization are your conferences, and each is better than the last one. Thank you for all the care you took
to look after me (and the other guests) individually in spite of such large numbers and so many issues that you were dealing with
simultaneously. Swami Anubhavanandas discourses are so much fun and yet so educative -- he is an expert at doing this difficult task so
well with a subject like spirituality. In the rest of the conference also I manage to find some gems, meet old friends, and get to know some
new stalwarts in the field. Thank you for making it all possible.
Wish the entire KDM family a new year full of Light, Love, Peace, Joy and Fulfillment.
Gran Boll
Founder, MediYoga
Dear all
I came back to a snowy and very cold Sweden a couple of days ago, trying to adjust back to normality again.
I had a fantastic time at magical Kdham and I would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for inviting me and Sara, letting us
stay the extra days, taking so very good care of us. The arrangements were all perfect, with Marie as the perfect guide, being there for us in
every way through the whole stay. Thank you!
Sara is still talking about the ayurvedic treatments she took, and Lees yoga program, Nabbi Kriya, that she is still doing every morning
that she is saying have transformed her, in the deepest sense.
You all made our trip to India a memory for life thank you!
58
Feedback
5/5
Jyoti Bajaj
Founder, TheYogaKids
I would like to thank everyone in the focus group for taking the time to come together and make Focus Group a big success. Small
intimate set up to discuss the 4 main ideas was ideal. It was great for the people to interact and allow their voice / thoughts to be heard.
.... ONE VOICE.
Also, I am grateful and honored to work with you all and most importantly, learn from you all. Thank you. I hope our paths will cross again
and will have the opportunity to work together in the future.
With warmest regards,
Jyoti Bajaj
http://theyogakids.com
59
Glimpses
60
Swami Kuvalyananda Marg, Lonavla 410403, India

+91 2114 276001 / 273001
www.kdham.com | info@kdham.com
Compiled by
Eela Dubey, Kartik Date, Manjusha Coonjan, Ipsita Mazumder, Varun Sampathkumar,
Tanvee Bhise, Raj Sambhawani, Shreen Dubey, Bhanu Pratap Singh Rana, Sandeep Hebbar
61

Conf 2015 Proceedings

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Proceedings

Yoga - Bridging the Gap between Scientific Research and Education.................................. 27

Day 1 - December 27th, 2015......................................................................................................... 05

Day 4 - December 30th, 2015......................................................................................................... 37

Day 2 - December 28th, 2015......................................................................................................... 10

Focus Group Report.......................................................................................................................... 38

Difficulties and Successes in Implementation of Yoga in School Education...................... 15

Resolution of the conference........................................................................................................ 46

Day 3 - December 29th, 2015......................................................................................................... 25

Inauguration of the ayurvedic garden......................................................................................... 54

The 8th International Conference on Yoga and Education at Kaivalyadhama

From December 27th to December 30th policy makers, academics, and

thought leaders in the field of yoga gathered at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala,

the field of education throughout the globe. We at Kaivalyadhama have

to investigate and debate the various challenges and benefits of inte-

grating yoga in the global educational curricula. Through these delib-

stakeholders, including national governments and multilateral institu-

cational systems. Our ultimate goal is to see yoga as an inherent part of

The Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Yoga and

confident and mindful of themselves and one another. The anecdotal

Education is a summary of the various different events of the confer-

ence, including topic-oriented discussions, practical and theoretical

curricula, find that the learning process is enhanced through reduced

workshops, presentations of various different research articles, and the

level of stress, improved focus and increased attention span.

final resolution of the conference itself.

(peace invocation) and a welcome address by Secretary

yogic science is one of the highest forms of value edu-

at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala, was initiated with an

General, Shri Om Prakash Tiwari. Presiding over the inau-

cation; it teaches you the value of focusing your mind

auspicious Puja (prayer ritual) in dedication to Rishi

gural ceremony was Chief Guest, Shripad Naikji, Minister

on that which you have to study. In a similar manner,

Patanjali, one of the worlds greatest yogic seers. The

of AYUSH, Key Note Speaker, Swami Adhyatmanandaji,

S.C. Khuntiaji indicated how the government is working

Puja was guided by Kaivalyadhamas spiritual leader,

Guest of Honor, S.C. Khuntia, Secretary, Ministry of

to implement yoga in the actual academic curricula of

Swami Maheshanandaji, and the institutes Secretary

HRD, and Chairman of the Organizing Committee

students throughout India. He indicated that the psy-

General, Shri Om Prakash Tiwari, amongst a large crowd

at Kaivalyadhama, Justice B.N. Srikrishna. Swami

cho-social benefits of the practice are of growing need

of students, staff, delegates, and guests of honor who all

Adyatmanandaji, in his speech, emphasized the need

than ever before in the school atmosphere. Sripad Naikji

engaged in the recitation of ancient Vedic mantras.

to main the purity of yoga and its experiential aspects

closed by making a firm point that yoga institutes every-

as well as the need for institutions to come together

where should come together and collectively promote

The inaugural ceremony of the conference commenced

and work towards the inculcation of yoga in the educa-

the cause of maintaining the qualify of yoga in educa-

in the late afternoon with the recitation of Shanti Path

tion system. Justice B.N. Srikrishna went on to note that

Day 1 - Inaugural Ceremony

The need to speak in one voice

The 8th International Conference on Yoga and

and insisted on a sophisticated research methodol-

Education was off to a flying start with a very