Coverage of Apeejay Stya University in India Education Diary

Yoga, an ancient practice originating from India, has garnered global recognition for its multifaceted benefits encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. In light of its growing relevance in contemporary society, Apeejay Stya University (ASU) in Gurugram recently hosted the National Conference on Research in Yogic and Allied Disciplines in hybrid mode.

Organised by the School of Education at ASU and sponsored by the Inter-University Centre for Yogic Sciences (IUCYS), Bengaluru, the Conference served as a pivotal platform for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to delve into the nuances of yoga research and its implications for individual and societal health.

Ceremonial Inauguration

The two-day National Conference commenced with a solemn ceremony, featuring the traditional lighting of the lamp followed by a recitation of Saraswati Vandana by Riya Sharma, an Apeejay  student, to invoke blessings from Goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of knowledge and wisdom

This was followed by a video tribute to Late Dr. Stya Paul, Founder-Chairman of Apeejay Education, featuring his visionary leadership and enduring legacy in education.

Following this, Dr. Vijay Vir Singh, Vice Chancellor of ASU, welcomed all the guests, delegates and staff members. In his welcome speech, he  emphasised the importance of yoga in students’ lives. Subsequently, Dr Anand Padhan, Professor & Head at the School of Education, ASU, presented an overview of the conference while describing yoga as “a philosophy and practice that helps individuals to better understand themselves.”

Further, the delegates released a souvenir that contains the extracts of research papers.

The two-day National Conference was also graced by Prof. Sudeep Kumar Jain, Head in the Department of Prakrit, Faculty of Sahitya & Sanskriti, Lal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit University. An eminent research scientist, Prof. Sudeep Kumar Jain in his keynote address touched upon the in-depth meaning of yoga and its physical, psychological and health benefits. He further highlighted the importance of different types of research in yoga.

The Chief Guest for the inaugural ceremony was Prof. (Dr.) D.P. Singh, Former Chairman, University Grants Commission (UGC).

A warm welcome was extended to Prof. D.P. Singh by honouring him with a portrait of his own, drawn by Mr. Abinash Patra, a student from Apeejay’s School of Design & Visual Arts. Prof. Singh expressed his delight at being present at such a magnificent event, and highlighted how yoga has been given importance in the NEP 2020. He also suggested expansion of research and opening of courses in the field of yoga. Dr. Singh mentioned, “It’s important to integrate yoga into the curriculum as a means to foster holistic well-being and personal development.”

Delighted to express her thoughts, Dr. Renu Batra, Advisor to Higher Education in Apeejay, offered a personal perspective on her journey with yoga, sharing reflections from her spiritual path and the lessons learned along the way. She underscored the transformative power of yoga in promoting self-awareness, inner peace, and spiritual growth. Dr. Batra encouraged attendees to embark on their own yoga journey, emphasising the importance of patience, introspection, and self-discovery in the pursuit of holistic well-being.

Cultural presentations 

The conference also featured a vibrant cultural programme, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions associated with yoga. Performances ranged from poetry recitations to yoga demonstrations, offering attendees a glimpse into the profound spiritual and aesthetic dimensions of yoga practice. Students from various disciplines presented their research projects, exploring diverse topics such as the therapeutic applications of yoga, the cultural significance of yogic rituals, and the integration of yoga into educational curricula. Their presentations underscored the interdisciplinary nature of yoga research and its potential to contribute to various fields, including healthcare, education, and cultural studies.