Ramkumar Rathi Patanjali Yoga Chair
Center for Complementary and Integrative Health | Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences Savitribai Phule Pune University
India's efforts leading to the declaration of International Yoga Day by the United Nations has substantially increased its global visibility. Yoga as darshana transcends physical, philosophical, biological, social, mental, behavioural, cultural and spiritual dimensions. Eminent thought leaders and scientists from several countries are involved in cutting-edge research on Yoga related to neurosciences, artificial intelligence, mind-body medicine, and consciousness especially in the context of health, wellness and happiness. In the current environment we need to critically review, revise and redefine Yoga research for global good.
The Savitribai Phule Pune University has established the 'Ramkumar Rathi Patanjali Yoga Chair' for promotion of scholarship, thought leadership, meta-research, education and practice of Yoga. One of the purposes of the Chair is to promote scholarship, scientific research, meta-research, education and practice of Yoga.
Activities:
The Chair conducted a series of academic activities with the aim of research capacity building. It organized a panel discussion, national workshop, conference, webinar and a training program. The Chair was instrumental to connect national and international institutions those are involved in Yoga research. Following are the main activities of the 'Ramkumar Rathi Patanjali Yoga Chair'.
The formal inauguration of the RRP Yoga Chair was conducted on 3rd October 2018 at Dnyaneshwar Hall, Main Building, SPPU. The SPPU has established RRP Yoga Chair to promote scholarship and thought-leadership, research, meta-research, education and practice of Yoga. Dr H. R Nagendra, Chancellor of S-VYASA University, Bengaluru was invited as chief guest for the inaugural session. Dr Bhushan Patwardhan discussed the genesis of Yoga Chair. This was followed by remarks by Shri. Ramkumar Rathi, renowned philanthropist and yoga sadhak. Prof. Nitin Karmalkar, Vice Chancellor, SPPU gave presidential remarks on this occasion and Dr Girish Tillu, Asst Prof, ISHS, SPPU gave the vote of thanks and concluded the session. Approximately 300 participants from SPPU campus, AYUSH colleges and research institutes were present for the program. The following Yoga experts were felicitated in recognition of their respective contributions to the field of Yoga education and research:
A workshop on ‘Recent Trends in Yoga Research’ was organized by the RRP Yoga Chair and AYUSH Center of Excellence, SPPU to commemorate fifth International Yoga Day. The workshop was organized on Friday and Saturday, 5th – 6th July 2019 at Shivaji hall, Main Building SPPU, Pune (Annexure 1a: Flyer of workshop on Recent Trends in Yoga Research).
The Workshop aimed at capacity building and networking of Yoga researchers and practitioners and focused on recent trends in Yoga research and opportunities for future prospect. It covered recent updates and trends in the yoga research, meditation, stress management; case studies; literature survey, documentation, formulating research question / statement along with hands-on activities. The sessions included interaction with renowned scientists, practical sessions on Yoga based techniques and group activities on research skills (Annexure 1b: Time table for program of workshop on Recent Trends in Yoga Research). The participants got the opportunity to interact with eminent speakers in the field of yoga research.
The Workshop was mainly organized for postgraduate faculty, practitioners and researchers from yoga, health sciences and AYUSH systems, and was limited to 40 participants. The applicants were selected on the basis of their SOPs and academic credentials. The selected participants were provided with a Workshop Pack consisting of various articles, websites, presentations, book chapters and flyers. Pre- and post-Workshop assessments were also carried out.
Annexure 1a: Flyer of Workshop on Recent Trends in Yoga Research
The RRP Yoga Chair organized a Yoga Conclave as part of the International Conference 2019 to address the needs of Yoga research and provide opportunities for interactions with researchers and experts(Annexure 2a: Flyer of Yoga Conclave). The theme of the Conclave was ‘Yoga research for addressing future health challenges’ and comprised of several structured lectures and a panel discussion. Several eminent researchers, academicians and practitioners of Yoga contributed to this Conclave (Annexure 2b: Details of Yoga Conclave).
Activities during Yoga Conclave
The Conclave commenced with a Yoga session conducted in Savitribai Phule Pune University under the supervision of an expert and was followed by a heritage walk in SPPU wherein the participants were exposed to history of the University and its heritage structures.
The Conclave was inaugurated by Prof Nitin Karmalkar, Vice Chancellor (VC), SPPU.
Members present during inauguration-
They discussed the importance of understanding the science of Yoga, its role in health promotion and strengthening Yoga's connections with Ayurveda while developing epistemology sensitive approaches for Yoga research.
Participants performing Chair Yoga in between sessions under the supervision of an expert to improve concentration and instil calmness.
Annexure 2a : Flyer of Yoga Conclave
Annexure 2b : Details of Yoga Conclave
Saturday, 30th November 2019 (3.00 pm) University Lawn, Main Building & PUMBA auditorium, SPPU Campus, Pune 411007
The COVID-19 pandemic affected people from all walks of life globally. Although it paralyzed daily activities, the pandemic also provided a perspective of leading a healthy life. Yoga is an ancient holistic science which unites both mind and body to achieve physical and mental health. The International Yoga Day (IYD) is celebrated globally to raise awareness about the benefits of Yoga practice. Yoga is an apt tool to counter various factors related to social distancing measures, viz., stress, anxiety, depression, uncertainty and isolation and also helps in maintaining physical health. The IYD theme for 2020 was ‘Yoga for Health - Yoga at Home’.
Keeping in mind the importance of Yoga and its benefits across all age groups, the RRP Yoga Chair Board of Sports and Physical Education and Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health, Interdisciplinary School of Health Science of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) organized a webinar series on ‘Yoga for Youth’ from 22nd-24th June 2020 (Annexure 3a-3b: Flyer of Yoga for Youth).
The series aimed at introducing various dimensions of Yoga especially for the students who are aspiring for academic excellence and future career. The topics and interaction with experts addressed the potentials of Yoga in development of personality, optimism, energy, and creativity. Dr Aarti Nagarkar, Director, ISHS, SPPU, Pune welcomed the audience and Prof Nitin Karmalkar, Vice Chancellor, SPPU, Pune spoke about the importance Yoga in achieving holistic health. Prof H R Nagendra, an extremely renowned yoga expert, was the Chief Guest of the series. Shri Ramdevji, Patanjali Yog Vidyapeeth, Haridwar spoke about the importance of practicing Yoga, especially by the youth. The series had talks by renowned speakers like Dr Manmath Gharote, Dr Raghavendra Rao, Dr Samprasad Vinod and Shri Ramkumar Rathi. Apart from informative talks, the webinar had practical sessions by Dr Sunanda Rathi, Dr Pallavi Kavhane and Dr Kiran Hendre. (Annexure 3e: Organizers and speakers for Yoga for Youth).
Annexure 3a: Flyer of Yoga for Youth
Annexure 3b: Flyer of Yoga for Youth
Annexure 3e: Organizers and speakers for Yoga for Youth
The RRP Yoga Chair along with Health Centre SPPU and Kaivalyadham Yoga Institute, Lonavala organized a webinar on ‘Documentation in Yoga Practice’ on 19th December 2020 (Annexure 4: Flyer for Documentation in Yoga). The webinar was intended for Yoga teachers/instructors and students and demonstrated techniques involved in measuring effects of Yoga practices. Dr Girish Tillu, Asst Prof, ISHS, SPPU, Pune conducted the webinar. He discussed the importance of documentation in research and imbibing the observational skills and methods in recording progress, and providing records of effective protocols and methods. The webinar helped the yoga instructors to develop and follow a structured method of giving yoga protocol but also provide feedback of progress to the practitioners.
Annexure 4: Flyer for Documentation in Yoga
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