Educative Souvenir of SBV IDY 2018 celebrations organised by CYTER

IDY National Seminar-cum-CME at SBV, Pondicherry 2018
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Chief Patron
Shri MK RAJAGOPALAN
Chairman SBECPT and Chancellor Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth
Dr PRASHANTH RAJAGOPALAN
ViceChairmanSBECPT
Patrons
Prof. KR SETHURAMAN Prof. N ANANTHAKRISHNAN
Vice-Chancellor, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth Dean, Research &Allied Health Sciences, SBV
Advisory Panel
Prof. AR Srinivasan Prof. M Ravishankar Prof. PF Kotur
Registrar, SBV Dean, MGMC&RI Dean, SSSMC&RI
Prof. V NirmalCoumare Prof. Saravana Kumar Prof. K Renuka
Medical Superintendent, MGMC&RI Principal, IGIDS Principal, KGNC
Prof J Anbalagan Prof.Madanmohan
Principal (In-charge), AHS Former Director & Hon Advisor, CYTER
Organizing Chairman Organizing Secretary
Dr.Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani Dr Meena Ramanathan
Prof & Director, CYTER Associate Prof & Dep Director, CYTER
Treasurer
Shri G Dayanidy
Lecturer, CYTER
Dr. Mahalakshmi, VP (Curriculum), MGMCRI
Dr. Partha Nandi, VP (Students), MGMCRI
Dr. AN Uma, VP, Allied Health Sciences, SBV
Smt. MB Josephine, Student Welfare Officer, SBV
Smt. Priya Philip, Student Counselor, SBV
Shri.Dhanushapnadeesh, CYTER
Smt. G Sarulatha, CYTER
Mrs Mangala Gowri, CYTER
Ms. Gayathri B, CYTER
SmtAsha, GM Administration, SBV
Sri Joseph Naresh, Deputy Registrar, SBV
Sri KannanIyer, GM Finance, SBV
Prof. BV Adkoli, MEU, SBV
Dr. A Sanguida, IGIDS
Dr. Balaji R, CYTER
Dr. Vasundhara VR, CYTER
Sri Anbazhagan V, CYTER
Smt Vidyasri R, CYTER
IDY Core Team

“Swastha Manas: Mental Health and Well-being through Yoga”
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Sl.no Content Page no.
1. Messages 4
2. From the desk of organizing chairman 15
3. From the desk of organizing secretary 16
4. Invitation and scientific programme 17
5. A brief introduction to our esteemed CME faculty 21
6.
Claiming One’s Birthright Through Yoga
by Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani
30
7.
Yoga for Health Lifestyle
by Dr W Selvamurthy &Ms. Sneha Nair
36
8.
Yogic Tools for Mental Health and Wellbeing
by Dr Chinmay Pandya
45
9.
Role of Yoga in Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders
by Dr Naveen G Halappa
47
10.
Transsexual Health Perspective
by Dr Sameera M J
54
11.
Understanding The Third Gender: A Yogic Perspective
by Dr Meena Ramanathan & Dr Ananda B Bhavanani
57
12.
Application of Yoga in Primary Health Care
by Dr Surekha A
63
13.
Take Control Over Your Health with Alkaline Diet
by Dr Vasundhara VR
65
14.
Mental Health & Personality Development through Yoga
by Sri Dayanidy G& Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani
67
15. Abstracts of Invited Presentations 71
16. Innovative aspects of CYTER 75

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M.K. Rajagopalan
Chancellor
Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth
(Deemed to be University –
Accredited by NAAC with “A” Grade)
Pondicherry.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHANCELLOR
The International Yoga Day is a great initiative of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India
Narendra Modi Ji at the Historic address to the UN General Assembly on 27/9/2014.
He emphatically highlighted the 5000yr old yoga tradition - a priceless gift served to
the comity of Nations by our Dear Mother India. Yoga and the Yogic way of life could
be considered as cardinal features of the very essence of life itself. Out Hon’ble Prime
Minister inaugurated the 1st International Day of Yoga on 21/6/2015 which witnessed
a phenomenal 35000 plus people practicing yoga at a single session and ata single
venue.
At Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV) I am proud to state that a dedicated Centre for Yoga
Therapy, Education and Research (CYTER) is in place which has been creating waves
in the frontiers of academics, patient care, research & Administration in the realms of
yoga in India. CYTER leaves no stone unturned in facilitating national initiatives such
as the IDY. IDY is also being highlighted by AYUSH, Ministry of Health & Family
Welfare, Govt. of India& the apex regulatory commission, namely University Grants
Commission. A detailed plan of significant events has been chalked out by CYTER
that is spread over a week, beginning on 19th June 2018.
While wishing IDY 2018, celebrations at SBV a hearty success, I deem it a privilege to
state that SBV will promote health & wellness in the years to come and that by
embracing complimentary medicine into the folds of Modern , Allopathic Medicine.

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Prof. K.R. Sethuraman
Vice Chancellor
MESSAGE FROM THE VICE CHANCELLOR
– Mother, Aurobindo Ashram
It is heart-warming to note that CYTER, Faculty of Allied Health Science, SBV, is once
again geared up to commemorate the International Day of Yoga 2018 in a fitting
manner, in tune with SBV’s mission to mainstream evidence-based complementary
and alternate systems of Medicine. Having successfully introduced Yoga to all the
medical, dental and nursing students of SBV, CYTER can offer evidence based
strategies to introduce Yoga in Health Professions Education.
It is equally note-worthy that CYTER plans to conduct a workshop on “Silver Yoga”
to take the health enriching benefits of Yoga to the doorsteps of the elderly. Given the
steady rise of the population of elderly in India, ‘silver yoga’ initiative is timely to
promote health and wellness among them. Given the past record of CYTER, we are
certain that the events planned for 2018 will once again be successful in reaching out
to various stake-holders. As Mother has said, may the ancient wisdom of Yoga
continue to promote harmony and union among the people of the World during 21st
Century and beyond.

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Prof. N. Ananthakrishnan
Dean- Research
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN – RESEARCH
In accordance with Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth traditions, CYTER is conducting week long
celebrations with a series of events to promote Salutogenesis in the population served
by our Institute, from 18th-26th June 2018. The focus this year is on Mental Health and
Psychological Health particularly of Senior citizens.
CYTER has been doing yeoman service in propagating Yoga amongst the public as a
measure of promoting good health, in addition to targeting specific interventions in
combination with modern medicine for enabling healing or palliation of the sick.
Over the years, the efforts of the department in this direction, has raised its profile at
the National level, besides bringing considerable laurels to SBV in publicizing SBV’s
unique contribution to holistic health. SBV in this respect stands out amongst Health
Science Universities.
I am sure, the team of CYTER would continue to take further giant steps forward and
bring greater distinction to themselves and SBV besides taking care of the health and
wellbeing of thousands of people.
I wish them all success for this year’s Yoga week and for their future endeavors.

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Prof.A.R.Srinivasan
Registrar
MESSAGE FROM THE REGISTRAR
It gives me immense pleasure to note that IDY 2018 is to be celebrated in a grand
manner, under the aegis of Centre for Yoga Therapy Education and Research
(CYTER), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth.
A host of well planned activities find place in the impressive schedule of events that is
being put forth. Mention must be made of the Regional level Yogasana competition,
programme for the transgender population, besides other endeavours.
CYTER has been striving to uphold Yoga and Yogic way of life at SBV, through
several activities in the frontal areasof academics, patient care and research. It has
been celebrating IDY, ever since its inception. Furthermore, CYTERcontinues to
embark on unique and value added extension services that lend credibility and
purpose to the activities.
Wishing IDY 18 at CYTER grand success!!!

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Prof. M Ravishankar
Dean
Mahatma Gandhi Medical College
&Research Institute
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
Our Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi urged the world community to
adopt an International Day of Yoga during United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA) on September 27, 2014 and as a result 21 June has become the International
Day of Yoga. He had said that Yoga is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition. It
embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment;
harmony between man and nature and a holistic approach to health and well-being.
It gives me great pleasure that International Day of Yoga Celebrations 2018 is being
organized by Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education & Research (CYTER) at MGMCRI
under auspices of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry from 18 to 26 June 2018.
I am happy that awareness programmes are being conducted for senior citizens,
Special children, Transgender, General public and corporate as well as Yogasana
competitions and demonstrations of faculty and students, and a National Seminar
cum CME on "Swastha Manas: Mental Health and Well-being through Yoga" are
being held during the above IDY 2018 celebrations.
I wish the function every success.

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Prof. V NirmalCoumare
Medical Superintendent
MGMC&RI
MESSAGE FROM THE MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT
It is a matter of immense pride and pleasure to witness the growth of CYTER in all
length and breadth by exploring its strength to contribute towards patient care,
academics and research.
The grand celebrations planned from 18 to 26 June for the International Day of Yoga
2018 is commendable and their National Seminar and CME on "Swastha
Manas: Mental Health and Well-being through Yoga" is very timely.
I wish the programme a great success and appreciate the team CYTER for their
relentless efforts in conducting this event

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AMMAJI,
YogachariniMeenakshi Devi Bhavanani
Director ICYER at Ananda Ashram and
YoganjaliNatyalayam,
Pondicherry. 10TUwww.icyer.comU10T
MESSAGE OF BLESSINGS
It recognized that Yoga “provides a holistic approach to health and well-being” and
that wider dissemination of information about benefits of practicing Yoga would be
beneficial for the health of the world population.
Even to hear the word “Yoga” is a blessing. Even a partial understanding of its depth
and scope is a dip in the wading pool of the ocean of consciousness. Everything must
start somewhere, and perhaps for millions, this is the start of a new beginning, on
awakening.
Our honourable Prime Minster Shri Narendra Modi has said, “Yoga can be a vital
factor in changing the lifestyle and creating consciousness with climate change” It is
only Shri Modiji, who is a fervent practitioner of Yoga himself as well as a devout
Hindu, could include the idea of “changing life style and creating consciousness”
which are the core values of Yoga. He seems to be “walking his talk” and “taking his
walk” … all marks of a true Yogic spirit.
The flag of Yoga and all it symbolizes now flies over the community of nations! May
those of us who adore this ancient wisdom keep it flying high!
I wish the CYTER team all the very best in their efforts to propagate this ancient art
and science of India within a modern framework for the benefit of society worldwide.

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Dr H R NAGENDRA, PhD
Chancellor S-VYASA & President –VYASA
Chairman, IDY Experts Committee, Task force of AYUSH,
and SAC of CCRYN, Ministry of AYUSH, GOI.
Chairman, Expert Committee on Yoga for Teacher
Educators, NCTE, Yoga for schools, NCERT
Chairperson, "Committee on Yoga Education in Universities"
& Member, Committee for Development of Vision and Road Map
for the development of Sanskrit, Ministry of HRD, GOI
Chancellor, S-VYASA Yoga University, Bengaluru.
MESSAGE OF BLESSINGS
I am happy to note that Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondichery is involved in promoting
education in areas related to health from under graduate level to Post Graduate level,
under the umbrella of its various institutes established by Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth.
The institute, apart from promoting formal traditional professional education, is also
promoting the traditional ancient Indian knowledge of Yoga Education and Research
under “Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (CYTER)”.
Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (CYTER) is engaged in spreading
awareness about traditional Yoga and its benefit for the welfare of the society, in
addition to carrying out research in yoga with a view to establish the scientific
validations of Yoga for health and mind and thus establishing the strong scientific
foundation for Yoga, which is the need of the hour.
As part of celebrating IDY, CYTER has envisaged a five day long program including
National Seminar-cum-CME on “Swastha Manas: Mental and Well-being through
Yoga” on the concluding day and thus give more emphasis to adopt traditional
ancient system of medicine specially Yoga.
I convey my best wishes to Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth and CYTER for their efforts in
promoting Yoga and I wish the Institute all the success in its endeavor.

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Smt HANSAJI JAYADEVA YOGENDRA
Director, The Yoga Institute,
Santacruz, Mumbai, India
MESSAGE
It is wonderful that the World Yoga Day is being celebrated. Since Yoga is a way of
life, every day and every, moment is a yoga day!
We are very happy that the Fourth International Day of Yoga is being celebrated all
over the country and the world and also at Pondicherry.
Yoga with its immense wisdom is useful for all human beings. The medical
professionals deal with humans at all levels and Yoga its philosophy, technology and
psychology would help heal and mitigate suffering.
Yoga basically is an 'education in living and introducing Yoga education in the
medical professionals syllabus would be wonderful as it is holistic and
comprehensive., The physician himself would benefit a great deal and the society
looks up to doctors and them becoming better human beings would enrich many
lives.
We appreciate the efforts of CYTER to spread the message of Yoga to the medical
community. We appreciate the splendid work of Ananda Ashram in Pondicherry that
has been done for all these years by Yogacharini Meenakshi Deviji and Dr. Ananda
Balayogiji who have dedicated their lives in teaching Yoga, art and culture and
making thousands of people’s lives beautiful.
We send our message of strength and dedication to fulfil this noble aim of Yoga,
leading to peace, harmony and happiness in the world.

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DR. W. Selvamurthy, Ph.D., D.Sc.
President
Amity Science, Technology and Innovation Foundation (ASTIF),
Director General, Amity Directorate of Science & Innovation
Chancellor, Amity University Chhattisgarh and
Chair Professor for Life Sciences
(Former Distinguished Scientist and Chief Controller R&D (LS), DRDO)
Tel: 91(0) 120 4392045 / 91-9871372441 / 91-9818801028
E-mail: wselvamurthy@amity.edu
MESSAGE
I am delighted to know Center for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (CYTER), is
planning to celebrate International Day of Yoga 2018 by organizing a week long
programme from 18th June, 2018 to 26th June, 2018.
Yoga is our ancient Indian wisdom which has promoted positive health for 100 of
years. Recently yoga has become global with formal acceptance of United Nation
accepting 21st June as International day of Yoga. This is a great recognition for our
Science of Yoga. It has tremendous potential to create new world order filled with
harmony, peace and prosperity.
The various sessions with CYTER has planned to organize on this occasion such as
Yoga for promoting Mental Health; physical, mental and emotional harmony for
Caregivers (parents and teachers), and children with special needs; importance of
Psychological health and wellbeing in Transgender population etc. will have great
positive impact on various cross section of the society. These sections will prove
beneficial to each and every participant and would propagate importance of Yogic
practice which is close to my heart.
Wishing you all the best for the success of the programme.

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Sri Subodh Tiwari
CEO,
Kaivalyadhama Yoga institute,
Lonavla, Maharashtra.
MESSAGE
The ultimate goal of human being is to attain the state of perfect freedom from the
shackles of ignorance, which is the generator of all the pangs and miseries of life. The
unavoidable afflictions of life naturally initiatea quest to know the cause of all
sufferings and to discover the means to overpower the same. The ancient seers of
India by way of intensive investigation discovered the royal science called Yoga, the
cultivation of which brings about a wonderful transformation in human being. This
profound transformation makes the man aware of the glory of his infinite nature
setting him free from the clutch of affliction and sorrow.
Though Yoga is primarily considered as the restraint of mind and senses, it is
nonetheless true that the physical body also partakes a vital role in actualizing the
coveted transformation. The ancient tradition of India therefore lays a great emphasis
on physical strength and well-being. The seers of the Upanishads exhort: 'Let my
limbs wax strong, Let my speech, vital force, eyes, ears, vitality and all the senses
increase in power.' The systems of Yoga and Ayurveda consequently devised
manifold techniques to strengthen the physical and mental faculties which in turn
bestow holistic health on human being. The message of the Upanishads also
reverberates in the voice of Swami Vivekananda in the modern times: 'Physical
strength, therefore, is absolutely necessary. It is the strong body alone that can bear the shock
of reaction resulting from the attempt to control the organs.' Inspired by the ancient Indian
wisdom, Swami Kuvalayananda, the illustrious founder of Kaivalyadhama, has
dedicated his whole life to build up a scientific framework and an effective machinery
to promote the system of Hatha Yoga coupled with the spirit of Patanjala system in
order to consolidate the 'Self Culture' in the world in its true spirit.
In the backdrop of the globally emerging scenario of the proliferation of the science of
Yoga, the organization of the workshop on the occasion of International Day of Yoga,
2018, by the Center for Yoga Therapy, Education & Research of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth
is really commendable. The workshop conceived by the CYTER team of the university
aims at nourishing both the physical and mental aspects of Yoga with equal
prominence. This workshop will certainly open up novel avenues of education,
therapy and research in Yoga contributing to the expansion of the horizon of
knowledge. I extend all my good wishes to the organizers of this conference for their
sincere endeavor to impress a substantial momentum to the world-wide Yoga
movement. May the event be crowned with a befitting grandeur and stupendous
success.

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FROM THE DESK OF THE ORGANIZING CHAIRMAN
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this intensive
programme planned by us to celebrate the International Day of
Yoga which is being celebrated not only in India but all over the
world on 21 June.
CYTER is organizing a public awareness programme on 18 June to
26 June with intense programs targeting different sets of
populations such as Corporate, Silver citizens, Special children and
their caregivers, General Public as well as Transgender Community,
in association with Dept. of Tourism, Govt., of Puducherry,
Yoganjali Natyalayam, Integra Software Solutions, Serene Pelican, Satya Special School and
Sahodaran Community Oriented Health Development (SCHOD) Society from Puducherry.
On Monday, 25 June we have organized a Regional Level Yogasana Competition for students
of Health Professions Educational institutions of the Puducherry region in association with
Pondicherry Yogasana Association with a special demonstration event by faculty and staff
members of SBV.
I am pleased to welcome you all especially for National Seminar cum CME on 'Swastha
Manas': Mental Health and Well-being through Yoga at SBVon 26 June.
I wish to express my heart-felt gratitude to our hon’ble Chairman, Shri MK Rajagoplan for his
encouragement and support for organizing this programme. Guidance and support of our
respected Vice-Chancellor, Prof. KR Sethuraman made planning of the programme a smooth
affair. Dean, Research, Prof. N Ananthakrishnan has been a source of inspiration and
motivation. I am grateful for the support of our Dean of Medicine Prof. M Ravishankar and
our Medical Superintendent, Dr Nirmal Coumare for their support.Logistic support by the
management of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University is gratefully acknowledged.
I thank my colleagues and students from CYTER for their unconditional support in
organizing this event. I am sure that the academic programme will be enlightening and
enjoyable experience for all and wish you all the best for the celebration.
Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani,
Director & Professor, CYTER, SBV

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FROM THE DESK OF THE ORGANIZING SECRETARY
Ever since United Nations declared June 21 as International Day of
Yoga, we at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth have been celebrating this event in a
grand scale with multifaceted activities including Yoga Fest, Regional
Yogasana Competitions and Seminars apart from the public awareness
programs for the School Children, Senior citizens and the students of
Health Professions Education in 2015, 2016 and 2017.
We have geared up to celebrate the 4th International Day of Yoga with
numerous events starting from 18th to 26th June 2018.
• 18.6.2018 - Alleviating stress and enhancing the general health and
wellbeing in Corporate of Integra Software Solutions.
• 19.6.2018 - Promoting Mental Health in Silver Citizens through Simplified Yoga Practices:
Awareness program at Serene Pelican
• 20.6.2018 - "Yoga for all", Awareness Program on Yoga for General public at MRD,
MGMCRI, SBV
• 21.6.2018 - Mass Yoga Demonstration at the Promenade of Pondicherry Beach along with
other programs in association with the Tourism Dept., Govt., of Puducherry.
• 22 & 23.6.2018 - Promotion of physical, mental and emotional harmony for Caregivers
(parents and teachers) and children with special needs through Yoga. Program for the
Satya Special School, Pondicherry.
• 24.6.2018 - Importance of Psychological health and well-being in Transgender population
in collaboration with the Sahodaran Community Oriented Health Development (SCHOD)
Society at Head Office of SCHOD Society
• 25.6.2018 - Regional Level Yogasana Competition for students of Health Professions
Educational institutions of the Puducherry region in association with Pondicherry
Yogasana Association
• 26.6.2018 - National Seminar cum CME on 'Swastha Manas': Mental Health and Well-
being through Yoga at SBV.
It is with great pleasure that we welcome the world renowned Ammaji Yogacharini
Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani of ICYER - Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry and the eminent Pro
Vice Chancellor of Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Resp. Dr. Chinmay Pandya, Haridwar.
Their very presence sanctifies this event by virtue of their noble lives and service for
humanity.
We are especially pleased to have the MoU signed between CYTER and the renowned
University of Dev Sanskriti Vishwa Vidyalay of Haridwar. I am much humbled that the book
on ‘Applied Yoga’,which has been compiled under the keen supervision of Dr Ananda
Balayogi Bhavanani, would be released by these eminent guests on this occasion.
We welcome all of you to enjoy the events and join us in paying tribute to the art and science
of Yoga has sprung for the benefit of humanity.
Dr Meena Ramanathan,
Deputy Director & Associate Professor, CYTER, SBV

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A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO OUR ESTEEMED SEMINAR FACULTY
AMMAJI, YOGACHARINI MEENAKSHI DEVI BHAVANANI
Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani popularly
known worldwide as Ammaji, is Director and
Resident Acharya of the world famous International
Centre for Yoga Education and Research (ICYER at
Ananda Ashram) and Yoganjali Natyalayam at
Pondicherry.
She is the Dharmapatni and senior most disciple of
the internationally acclaimed Yoga master,
Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri Guru
Maharaj and has devoted her life to his teachings and
to institutions founded by him. She is a prolific author
with 12 books, including two books of poetry to her
credit. She is Editor of Satya Press and her defining
book on “The History of Yoga from Ancient to
Modern Times” released in 2011 is a path breaking effort hailed as the “Defining
publication on the history of Yoga to date”. She has trained many thousands of
students in Yoga and Bharatanatyam in the past five decades and is considered a
pioneer in bringing the Performing Fine Arts and Yoga to the common people in
Pondicherry.
She has been recipient of many National and State Awards such as "Yogamani" in
1986 from the President of India Shri Zail Singh Ji and “Bhaskar Award” by Bharat
Nirman as one of 50 eminent Indians honoured during the 50th year of Indian
Independence for their contribution to Indian culture and spirituality. In 1999 she was
given the “Puduvai Kalaimamani” Award for her work in Bharata Natyam by the
Pondicherry Government. She has served on the Pondicherry University Academic
Council, the Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy as well as the
Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga under Ministry of Health, Government of
India. Ammaji is considered one of the major International leaders of the modern
Yoga movement. Though born in the USA in 1943, she came to India in 1967 and has
lived here ever since. She was awarded Indian Citizenship on November 30th, 1992, in
her own words “the proudest day of my life.”
Professor K R SETHURAMAN, MBBS, MD, PGDHE
Professor K.R. Sethuraman is currently Vice Chancellor of Sri
BalajiVidyapeeth, Pondicherry. He is a well-known clinician
and popular medical educationist who served with
distinction as Dean and Senior Professor of Faculty of
Medicine and Deputy VC – Academic and International
Affairs in the AIMST University, Malaysia from 2006 to 2013.
He retired as Director-Professor (Internal) Medicine at
JIPMER where he worked in various capacities from 1981 to 2006. During this period
he was the prime force behind the National Teacher Training Centre (NTTC) that he
headed as a Department of Medical Education & NTTC during 1996-2006.

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He was also lecturer in Cardiology at SreeChitraTirunal Institute for Medical Sciences
and Technology, Trivandrum from 1978 to 1981. He has been consultant in Taskforce
of JPT (MOHE) Panel on Medical Education in Malaysia, Training consultant for
Training of Trainers: World Bank aided Health Systems Project: Andhra Pradesh
(APVVP), Karnataka State (KHSDP) and Orissa State and Temporary advisor to WHO
– HRH meet at Cape town, South Africa (2004), Psycho-social Issues meet at Bangkok
(2005) and First South Asian Conference on PG medical education, Colombo (2005).
He has authored more than 30 Pubmed Referenced papers, 40 invited papers, and 60
presentations in conferences/workshops in India, South Africa, Srilanka & Thailand.
He has authored nine books including “Beyond Rational Therapy”, “Practical
Echography”,” Medical Education: Principles & Practice”, “Implementing Innovations
in Clinical Skill Training” and the well-known “Trick or Treat – a survival guide to
healthcare”, ”Doctor-Patient Communication and “Post Mortem”- a Book serialised as
65 Tamil articles in “Junior Vikatan”.
His video / computer-based educational units are very popular amonst clinicians and
students as they include "Push, Promote or Educate." - a WHO aided video, "Doctor-
Patient Dyads." - a video on common communication problems, "Patient Personality
Types." - a video on how to handle different patients, "Oral Examination" - part 4 of a
video on National Board Examination, "Album of Clinical Cases." - a collection of
interesting & unique cases and five Computer based educational programmes.
Dr. CHINMAY PANDYA, MBBS, PGDIPL, MRCPSYCH (LONDON)
Dr. Chinmay Pandya was born to a highly
accomplished religious family who were the direct
disciples of Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya (1911-
1990), a great yogi and seer who attained spiritual
eminence and wrote lucid commentaries on the
Vedas, Upanishads, Smritis, Yogavasisthas,
Darshanasand Puranas, in Hindi. Thus as a child,
Dr.Chinmay was raised in a spiritual setting at home
as well in the in spiritual academy (Ashram) of
Shantikunj, Haridwar. After completing his medical
studies at Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences at Dehradun, he proceeded to the
United Kingdom for post-graduation. There he completed the Membership of the
Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRC Psych). He became a Consultant and as an
Associate Specialist he managed patients with Alzheimer disease and other
neurological diseases gaining valuable insight in mental disorders. He returned to
India in 2010 and joined Dev Sanskriti Vishwa vidyalaya (DSVV) to answer his inner
call to serve the society and nation.
DSVV, a non-conventional centre of higher learning, education and research is an
exceptional creation, which has born out of a unique vision of the
groundbreakingscholar and visionary, PanditShriram Sharma Acharya. He was an
ardent pioneer of social, ethical and moral values. He sought to establish a University
devoted to the preservation and propagation of the forgotten Vedic Culture, which to
him was DevSanskriti. It would combine the precepts of practical knowledge
(shiksha) and spiritual principles (vidya) to propagate truly enlightened individuals.

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The University works with a primary focus of providing a confluence of modern
education with instillation of spiritual values in the students.
Today Dr.Chinmay Pandya plays several roles including that of a philosopher,
psychiatrist, writer, professor, and editor at the DSVV. Dr.Chinmay Pandya is the
Editor of the Interdisciplinary International Journal- DevSanskritiwhich provides the
researchers, innovators, scholars, experts, educators and students from across various
disciplines like Yoga, Psychology, Journalism and Mass Communication, Education,
Ayurveda, Indian culture, and Oriental studies an opportunity to share their views,
ideas, innovations and trends. He is also the Director for School of Yoga and Health at
DSVV that aims to develop, promote, and propagate the scientific and philosophical
aspects of Yoga. He is the Chairperson of the world renowned International Festival
of Yoga, Culture and Spirituality and has also served in the capacity of Convener,
Organizer of more than 30 National and International Seminars and Conferences. He
continues to use his spiritual and managerial perspicacity to help DSVV grow
progressively and hence become a much sought after model institution in India.
Dr. KAVIRAJA UDUPA, MD, PhD.,
Dr KavirajUdupa is the Additional Professor in the Department
of Neurophysiology of NIMHANS in Bangalore. He has
completed his Post-Doctoral Fellowship from the University of
Toronto, Canada, PhD from NIMHANS, MD Physiology from
JIPMER and MBBS from the Mysore University.
He has also worked as Scientific Associate II and Research
Analyst at Dr. Chen’s Clinical Neurophysiology research
laboratory, UHN, as Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Clinical
Neurophysiology, University of Toronto, as Senior Research Fellow at Dept. of
Neurophysiology, NIMHANS, as Senior Lecturer at AIMST, Malaysia and as Junior/
Senior Resident at Department of Physiology, JIPMER
He has 37 in PubMed and 71 in Research Gate Peer-reviewedpublications, 52
abstracts, 6 book chapters, 2 theses to his credit
He has 2 extramural grants as PI, 11 grants as co-investigator, 4 fellowship grants, 6
travel grants, 4 academic competitive awards, 16 invited talks at India, Canada and
US to his credit.
Dr. KAUSTHUB DESIKACHAR, PhD
Dr. KausthubDesikachar is an acclaimed yoga teacher and yoga therapist as well as a
teacher and therapist trainer. For more than fifteen years,
Kausthub has taught a multitude of students and teachers
around the globe and has conducted numerous teacher and
therapist training programs.
Kausthub began studying yoga when he was 9 years old
under the guidance of his teacher and father TKV
Desikachar and started teaching at the age of 13. 0T
After completing his dual Masters degree from the
renowned Birla Institute of Technology & Sciences, Pilani,

24
he committed himself to becoming a full-time student and teacher of Yoga. Later in
2011, he concluded his doctoral studies from the University of Madras, where his
topic of research was “Effect of Individualized Yoga Training on Quality of Life.”
Besides teaching, Kausthub also works as a yoga therapist and offers clients astute
and effective solutions for all sorts of physical, mental and emotional imbalances and
problems. He has also authored and co-authored numerous books on yoga, such as
"The Heart of Asana: A comprehensive manual on Classical Yoga Postures” and a
biography on his grandfather, the great yoga acharya T. Krishnamacharya, called "The
Yoga of the Yogi".
Kausthub is known for his remarkable, deep and well versed knowledge and his
ability to present the ancient teachings in a way that is profound as well as applicable
for modern day practitioners. His teachings are especially beneficial for yoga teachers
as he helps them grasp the fullness and deep insights of the ancient teachings so that
they are able to apply them in a competent and sincere way.
Apart from Yoga Teaching, Kausthub is also an avid photographer, who never leaves
his camera behind on his travels. He is also an inspiring poet who has published a
collection of his poems through the book "Footsteps in the Heart."
PROF S. AMBUJAM SREEDEVI, MBBS, MD
Prof S. Ambujam is theProfessor and Unit Chief, Dept of
DVL, MGMC&RI. She has also served as Professor &
Head (DVL) at SreeGokulam Medical College,
Trivandrum, Indira Gandhi Medical College & Research
Institute, Puducherry.
She has published 4 papers in International and 14 in
National level journals. She has presented many papers at
various conferences and seminars too. She is the Peer
reviewer-Indian Dermatology Online Journal.
She has been instrumental in making MGMC&RI an HIV
sentinel Surveillance Centre; has helped establish the Transgender Clinic of the
Institute& was its Co-ordinator since inception, was ProgrammeOrganiser of Red
Ribbon Club organizing awareness programmes on HIV/AIDS & Safe Blood
Donation , was resource person for Pondicherry AIDS Control Society(PACS )in
training programme for medical officers of Puducherry. She has officiated as member
of inspection team of PACS of STI clinics in Puducherry, has established high index
of suspicion for diagnosis of HIV disease by early detection of Dermatological co-
morbidity. She has done CommunityBased Work with NGO on Commercial Sex
Workers(CSW) in Kerala.
Prof Ambujam is the appointed Guide for Post Graduate Dissertations and hasthree
ongoing Research Projects. She has developed PG syllabus for Dermatology at
MGMCRI, has implemented the system of Feed-back from students in assessing
teachers, has established Dermato-Surgery &Leprosy clinics in the Department. She
has been Post Graduate Examiner & Question Paper Setter for other Universities.
Conceived and started a Transgender Clinic under the Dept of DVL. Student Related

25
Activities in MGMC&RI. She was Member, Cultural Committee of the Institute and
also the Staff Editor of College Magazine “PRISM”
A simple, down-to-earth empathetic medical professional striving for the welfare of
patients and students, Ambujam mam is a role-model for many women and other
junior medical professionals.
Dr. SAMEERA M JAHAGIRDAR, MBBS, D.A, DNB (Anaesthesiology)
Dr. Sameera M Jahagirdar is the Senior Resident, Department
of Critical Care Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College
& Research Institute, Pondicherry.
Her objectives include: Postgraduate teaching & training in
Critical Care, Critical Care Unit administration, Nursing
Critical care teaching & training, Critical Care research,
Transgender Health Policy Advocacy, Transgender Medicine
Inclusiveness to Current Medical Curriculum, Transgender
work empowerment, Workplace sensitization of Medical
Institutions to Trans specific issues.
She is the “Gender Team” Leader and is involved in
organization of protocol for Gender Team to help surgical transitioning of
Transgender.
She shares her experiences and guides and counsels people who are undergoing
similar gender identity issues. She is the walking example of ‘Transitioning
Transgender Employee’ for the medical institution.
She has been the resource person for SAATHII (Solidarity and Action against the HIV
infection in India. She is actively involved in Sensitization of local Transgender
community of cross hormone therapy: effects & side effects. She is the resource person
for the Project “Vistaara: Medical & Health Domain”: Ending Discrimination and
Expanding Access to Inclusive and Stigma-free services for LGBTI communities in
India: a four-state initiative”.
DR. G. H. NAVEEN, BNYS, Ph.D (Yoga and Psychiatry)
Dr GH Naveen is currently working as the Senior Assistant
Professor, Department of Health and Yoga therapy, Chettinad
Academy of Research and Education. He has also worked as
Assistant Professor/Medical officer at S.D.M. Naturopathy and
Yoga College Hospital, Karnataka and as Senior Research
Fellow/Yoga therapy consultant, Advanced Centre for Yoga
Therapy and Research, NIMHANS, Bangalore. he has been granted Fellowship:
Fellow of Academy of General Education (FAGE), Manipal, Karnataka.
He has visited abroad many times as Guest Professor/Visiting Scientist to Germanny,
Sponsored by Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Government of India.
He has an extensive experience in Research since 2008 and is a Ph.D Guide. He has
presented in many conferences and also published papers in national journals. He is

26
the author of two books and has made his contributions by writing four chapters in
books.
His special Skills include Consultation and advice related to Natural therapeutics and
Yoga therapy, Guiding UG and PG students, Writing Research proposal, Teaching
skills in Yoga, College administrative skills, Conducting health awareness programs,
workshops and seminars
DR. VANAJA VAITHIANATHAN, MBBS, DO
Dr. Vanaja Vaithianathan is the Founder & Medical Director
of Jothi Eye Care Centre, which is celebrating 20 years of eye
care services, since 1998. She is the School topper and State
rank holder in 10th and 12th Standards. She has completed
her M.B.B.S & D.O. from Madras Medical College and is a
Gold Medalist in Ophthalmology. She has presented more
than 100 papers, poster & videos and has chaired sessions in
State/National conferences. She is the Member of Editorial
Board, TNOA journals. She has won more than 70 awards for
community works. She ia an Active Rotarian and first woman Assistant Governor,
and presently District Chair. She has 40 Rotary Awards - District Championship and
Presidential citation Award (RI) to her credit. She is the Vice Chair, Indian Women
Network, Puducherry Chapter. Dr Vanaja has cared for nearly 3 lakh eye patients, of
which 1 lakh are totally free of cost.She is instumental in giving sight to more than
30,000 people through major eye surgeries. She has conducted more than 600 free
general and school screening eye camps and eye donation awareness programmes
through Jothi Eye Bank and Jothi Eye Care Foundation.
Her Special interests lie in the field of Women empowerment and Holistic Health &
Yoga She has been a Student of Yoganjali Natyalayam & practising for nearly two
decades. She has Completed the yoga online course by Yoganjali Natyalayam &
ICYER.
Smt. CHITRA SHAH, Director, Satya Special School
She is a Gold Medallist in Master’s degree in Social Work,
specialising in Family & Child Welfare and has completed
her degree in Nutrition & Dietetics.
She has been working with and for the cause of Children
with Special Needs, Status of women in India, Women in
the workforce, Health & medical aspects of CWSNs, Rights
advocacy & Inclusion, Social Entrepreneurship, and HIV /
AIDS rehabilitation
She has published papers on 'Prevention of Abandonment of Children with Special
Needs through Community-based Programs and Intervention' and 'Causes of Female
infanticide in Uslampathi, Tamilnadu as part of the Master’s degree'.
The Current Professional Activities include her work as the Director of Satya Special
School which is the largest rehabilitation programme for CWSNs in Pondicherry

27
providing services to over 600 children and New born high risk clinic in association
with JIPMER - the first ever Early Intervention Programme in Puducherry .
She is the recipient of PuduvaiSakthi Award, Women of Puducherry, Spandan Social
Creative Award, Life time achievement award, Child Friendly School Award, The
Early Childhood Education Unique Learner Project Puducherryin Real Heroes.
Chitra shah is a representative of National Action and Coordination Group (NACG)
Puducherry UT – Regional Board - thematic representative (children with disability) –
Child Rights & Abuse , Member of State Advisory Council – RTE act (Right for
Education) Implementation Group - District level Committee for all the 4 regions of
Puducherry UT and NGO representative for Puducherry UT – PM’S
betibachaobetipadao programme.
Yogacharya Dr. ANANDA BALAYOGI BHAVANANI
MBBS, ADY, DPC, DSM, PGDFH, PGDY, FIAY, MD (Alt.Med)
YogacharyaDr.AnandaBalayogiBhavanani is Director of the
Centre for Yoga Therapy Education and Research (CYTER),
and Professor of Yoga therapy at the Sri BalajiVidyapeeth
University, Pondicherry (www.sbvu.ac.in).
He is also Chairman of the International Centre for Yoga
Education and Research at Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry,
India (www.icyer.com) and YoganjaliNatyalayam, the
premier institute of Yoga and Carnatic Music and
Bharatanatyam in Pondicherry (www.rishiculture.in). He is
son and successor of the internationally acclaimed Yoga team of YogamaharishiDr.
Swami GitanandaGiri Guru Maharaj and YogachariniKalaimamaniAmmaji,
SmtMeenakshi Devi Bhavanani.
He is a Gold Medallist in Medical Studies (MBBS) with postgraduate diplomas in both
Family Health (PGDFH) as well as Yoga (PGDY) and the Advanced Diploma in Yoga
under his illustrious parents in 1991-93. A Fellow of the Indian Academy of Yoga, he
has authored 19 DVDs and 23 books on Yoga as well as published more than two
hundred papers, compilations and abstracts on Yoga and Yoga research in National
and International Journals. His literary works have more than 1500 Citations, with
anh-Index of 19 and an i10-Index of 33. In addition, he is a Classical Indian Vocalist,
Percussionist, Music Composer and Choreographer of Indian Classical Dance.
In recent years he has travelled abroad 17 times and conducted invited talks, public
events, workshops and retreats and been major presenter at Yoga conferences in the
UK, USA, Italy, South Africa, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Australia and New
Zealand.
He is an Honorary International Advisor to the International Association of Yoga
Therapists (www.iayt.org), the Australasian Association of Yoga Therapists
(www.yogatherapy.org.au), the World Yoga Foundation
(www.worldyogafoundation.in) and Gitananda Yoga Associations worldwide
(www.rishiculture.in).

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A recognized PhD guide for Yoga Therapy he was recognized as an IAYT Certified
Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) by the International Association of Yoga Therapists, USA in
September 2016. It is notable that he is the first Indian to receive this honour.
He is currently member of numerous expert committees of the Ministry of AYUSH
including its National Board for Promotion of Yoga and Naturopathy, Scientific
Advisory Committee of CCRYN, Expert Committees for Celebration of International
Yoga Day and the Yoga & Diabetes program. He is Consultant Resource Person for
the WHO Collaborative Centre in Traditional Medicine (Yoga) at MDNIY, New Delhi.
He is also EC member and Director Publications Committee of the Indian Yoga
Association (www.yogaiya.in) and Board of Directors of the Council for Yoga
Accreditation International (www.cyai.org).
Yogachemmal Dr. MEENA RAMANATHAN
BSc., M.A., C.Y.T., D.N.Y.S., P.G.D.Y., M.Sc. (Yoga) M.Phil and Ph.D (Yoga).
Yogachemmal Dr. Meena Ramanathan is the Associate
Professor and Deputy Director of CYTER, the Centre for Yoga
Therapy Education and Research at MGMC&RI (Mahatma
Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute), SBV (Sri
BalajiVidyapeeth) University. She has completed numerous
undergraduate and post graduate degrees and diplomas in
Yoga, Science and English has completed her PhD in Yoga
through Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University.
She is a recognized IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist by the
International Association ofYoga Therapists, USA in February
2017
She has been recognized as PhD Guide (Yoga Therapy and
Inter Disciplinary Research) by Sri BalajiVidyapeeth, Pondicherry in March 2016,
appointed as Examiner for Quality Council of India (QCI) through Indian Yoga
Association, recognised by AYUSH, Central Ministry of Health, and New Delhi in Sep
2016. She has been nominated as “Subject Expert” in the Selection Committee of the
Govt of Puducherry, Directorate of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy;
under National Health Mission. She recently received the Achiever’s Award for “Best
Yoga Therapist 2016”.
A student of the RishicultureAshtanga Yoga Paramparya, Meena has been an integral
part of the Tradition for over a decade. She has admirably trained thousands of
students under the auspices of Pondicherry University as Coordinator of the Yoga
courses in the Community College as well as faculty of Annamalai University,
Manonmaniyam University, MGR University and YoganjaliNatyalayam. She is
Coordinator; Outreach Programmes of YoganjaliNatyalayam and was Guest Faculty
at ACYTER, JIPMER. She has been giving practical Yoga training to Staff, Students of
Pondicherry University for the past 8 years.
She has authored and co-authored a dozen books and more than two dozen papers on
Yoga in English and Tamil in various journals. She is currently carrying on many
Research/Pilot Studies at CYTER, MGMCRI, and has also published 30 scientific
papers and abstracts in leading Scientific Journals. Her books on Thirukkural and
Yoga, Applied Yoga, GherandaSamhita and Primer of Yoga Theory are best sellers.

29
She has received many awards such as Yoga Chemmal, Yoga Rathna, Yoga
SevaMaamani, Bangalore Sundaram Award, Yoga Jyothi, Chellammal Award and
AnnaiSivakami Award, Sri Aurobindo Award (Mahan ArvindarVirudu),
“MozhiPeyarppuTharagai” to name a few. She was honoured with the best Yoga
Teacher Award on the International Day of Yoga by Nehru Yuva Kendra and
Ministry of Tourism, Puducherry.
Yogachemmal DAYANIDY G
CYT., DRAY., PGDYE., MCA., M.Sc., PGDYT., PhD
Shri G Dayanidy is Lecturer of CYTER, the Centre for Yoga
Therapy Education and Research, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth
University. He has completed his M.Sc in Yoga through Tamil
Nadu Physical Education and Sports University and has
completed post graduate degrees and diplomas in Yoga
Therapy, Yoga and Science. He is currently doing his Ph.D. in
Yoga Therapy also.
He has been appointed as Examiner for Quality Council of India
(QCI) through Indian Yoga Association & APM Group Limited recognised by
AYUSH, Central Ministry of Health, New Delhi in Sep 2016 & Nov 2017. He has also
cleared the CBSC National Eligibility Test exam in Yoga for the assistant professor
grade conducted by UGC on Jan 2017.
A student of the RishicultureAshtanga Yoga Paramparya, Dayanidy has been an
integral part of the Tradition for over a decade. He has trained hundreds of students
under the auspices of Pondicherry University as Yoga Instructor cum Lecturer of the
Yoga courses in the Community College and YoganjaliNatyalayam. He Worked as a
Yoga Instructor at Advanced Center for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research
(ACYTER), JIPMER, Pondicherry from June 2009 – March 2016. He is the Organizing
member for Swami Gitananda Best Youth and Child Award competition and
Pondicherry State Level Yogasana Competition conducted yearly once by
Pondicherry Yogasana Association for the past 12 years.He is currently carrying on
many Research/Pilot Studies at CYTER, MGMCRI, and has also published scientific
papers and abstracts in leading Scientific Journals. He has received many awards such
as Yoga Chemmal, Yoga Sudar, Champion of Champions, Swami Gitananda Best
Youth, Dynamic Yoga Award, Best Yoga Asana Demonstration Award and Best
Karma Yogi Award.

30
CLAIMING ONE’S BIRTHRIGHT THROUGH YOGA
Ammaji, YogachariniMeenakshi Devi Bhavanani1
“Health and happiness are your birthright! Claim them!” thundered the “Lion of
Modern Yoga” Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami GitanandaGiri Guru Maharaj. “You are
born to be healthy and happy. But, the goal of life is Moksha – Freedom!”
We live in “Topsy – Turvy Times”, when ancient values have been flipped onto their
heads. One rarely meets a truly “healthy” or “happy” person. In fact, for the vast
majority of the human race, health and happiness are distant dreams. Illness,
depression, conflict, sorrow, stress, tension and frustration are the “birthright” even of
young children in modern times. Billions of dollars are expended by the health
industry. Medical science can put pig valves into human hearts and transplant vital
organs. Super Specialty Hospitals abound. The pharmaceutical industry produces a
huge amount of life-saving drugs. Why, then, is a truly healthy, happy person such a
rarity?
Modern man, like the Biblical Essau, has sold his birthright for a “mess of porridge”.
Like Judas, he has betrayed his Christ Consciousness, his Cosmic Consciousness, for
less than “30 pieces of silver”.
Yogamaharishi Dr Swami Gitananda Giri has put before us a simple reason for this
sad state of affairs. He advised. “If you want to be healthy, do healthy things. If you
want to be happy, do happy things.” People cry, “I want to be healthy.” Then, they
indulge in bad habits like tobacco and alcohol, spend late-hours watching television,
do not exercise properly, and do not drink enough water. Others moan, “I want to be
happy!” but they fight, they gossip, they quarrel, they criticize, they delight in conflict,
in violence, in defeating others, and crushing competition under their feet. It is
irrational to expect that by doing unhealthy things, one can be healthy. It is irrational
to believe that by doing unhappy things, one can be happy. Yes, man is an irrational
animal indeed!
Yoga is the ancient science of India which shows man not only how to claim his
birthright of health and happiness, but also how to obtain the goal of life – Moksha.
Any scientist worth his salt begins his career by studying the laws of nature and the
basic theorems and tenets of his science. The Yogic scientist is no exception to this
rule. The physicist studies the physical laws of nature – gravity, momentum etc, the
chemist studies the chemical properties of matter, the biologist studies life forms, and
the doctors, the anatomy of the human body. This is the “field” within which they will
work, observing the laws of action and reaction, the laws of cause – effect relationship,
within that limited spectrum.
For the Yogi, the entire Universe and everything in it is his “field of research.” He
studies the Universal Laws, which operate within this field. The Law of Karma, the
Law of Cause – Effect, is an important Law for him. The Yogi knows that the Laws
which govern the microcosm also govern the macrocosm, and so, he understands that
by studying himself, his “small self,” his “own self”, his own body, mind and
emotions, he can understand the “Big Self”, the Atman, Brahman, This process in
Director and Ashram Acharya, International Center for Yoga Education and Research at Ananda Ashram,
Pondicherry.www.icyer.com

31
Yoga is called “Swadhyaya” or “Self Study” and it is the fourth Niyama of
Patanjali’sAshtanga Yoga. The Rishis, Cosmic Scientists, have taught, “Without
moving out of one’s own cave, one can comprehend the mighty Universe.” They
realised that Universal Truths lay within one’s very own heart. “Man, know thyself”
is the admonition which was written on the entrance to the Greek Temple at Delphi.
This is the starting point of all endeavours. This is the starting point in the long
journey to claim one’s birthright. Alexander Pope, the great 18th century English poet,
wrote, “Man, know thy self / Presume not God to scan / The proper study of
Mankind / is man.”
Through this “Self Study” the Yogi discovers that human nature is governed by an
inexorable Law – and the very Law which governs his nature – is the very Law which
governs the Universe. This Law is called “Sanathana Dharma” or “The Eternal Law” –
This Law is unbreakable. One has no choice but to discover it, and then, live in
harmony with that Eternal Law. Only then will one be entitled to enjoy one’s
birthright – health and happiness. The Christian Bible teaches, “The wages of sin is
death.” “Sin” is nothing more than defiance, rebellion and disobedience to the Eternal
Law. Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami GitanandaGiri taught his students: “You cannot
break The Law. You can only break yourself over The Law.” How do we know if we
are “breaking the Law”? The results are there for all to see: sickness, suffering,
unhappiness, conflict, stress, and tension.
One might retort – “But I am unhealthy! I am unhappy! I am not breaking Law! I am
not an outlaw!” Look again! Indeed, such a person must be breaking the Law,
whether knowingly or unknowingly. Remember! Even in human jurisprudence,
“Ignorance of the Law is no excuse.” No court on earth will excuse a law – breaker
who pleads “ignorance of the law”. All citizens are expected to not only know the
Law, but also, to abide by it, so that the society may flourish in a harmonious manner.
But, who wants to be unhealthy? Who wants to be unhappy? If these are the result of
breaking Natural Law, then why do people do it?
The answer is pure and simple: Ignorance. The Sanskrit word for “ignorance” is
“Avidya”. Maharishi Patanjali, the sage who codified the principles of Yoga 2500
years ago in 196 magnificently concise Sutras, calls “Avidya” or “Ignorance” as the
“Mother Klesha”. A Klesha is a hindrance, an obstacle to spiritual growth. Basically,
Kleshas are the root cause of all human problems. There are the PanchaKlesha or
“Five Hindrances”. Sometimes “Klesha” is translated as “A Knot of the Heart”. It
prevents the human being from further spiritual advancement and drags the human
into the mire of misery. The other four Kleshas are Asmita (egoism, the sense of
separation, the sense of I-ness), Raga (attraction, pleasure), Dwesha (aversion and
pain) and Abinivesha (clinging to life, the survival instinct). These are the “obstacles’,
which stand between man and his desire to claim his birthright of health and
happiness. But, the root of all obstacles is Avidya – ignorance - ignorance of the Law,
and hence, the constant attempt to “break the Law.”
What is ignorance? Look at the word. It is composed mostly of the word “ignore”.
“Ignore” implies “a refusal to see”. If we “ignore” someone, it implies a deliberate
attempt to cut this person out of the field of our awareness. If we attend a gathering
and find someone we have aversion towards (Dwesha) present, we usually “ignore”

32
him or her, literally, turning “our back on him or her” so that we do not have to “see
him or her” or “acknowledge him or her.”
But, if ignorance of the Universal Law causes us to break The Law, and hence, results
in disease and unhappiness, why do we as humans continue on this path to death and
destruction? Because we are taught, and we willingly accept this falsehood, that we
are not responsible for our own health and happiness. We have given over the
responsibility for our own health to the doctor, and have asked him to find us a pill,
or cut something out of our body, or stick something into it, and make us healthy
again. We have given the responsibility of our happiness to the government, the
society, to the media, to the entertainment industry, to anti-depressant medicines -
and ask them to “please us, to give us what we want, to make us happy.”
We have sold the most precious quality we possess as humans – “Manas” or
conscious awareness – and its twin virtues, independence and self – initiative to the
various powerful lobbies, which govern our lives. And, they turn, most benevolently
“put us to sleep”, sedate us, put us under anesthesia, so we no longer feel the pain
inherent in breaking The Law. We are hypnotized into a fitful sleep from our
childhood to our old age, and into the funeral pyre itself. We are lulled into a
somnolent state in order to make our life’s journey bearable, with a minimum of pain
– we are neither healthy nor happy, but blissfully numb and anesthetized.
Why should our entire social, political, educational, business, commercial, media,
entertainment structure be geared to keeping us numb and dumb? For a simple
reason – there’s plenty of money and power in unhappiness and disease. But, there’s
no money in health and happiness. How would doctors and the huge drug industry
support themselves if all were healthy? Would we watch mindless violence and sex
and vulgarity in cinemas and television if we were truly happy? Would the
manufacturers of weapons of mass destruction flourish financially if all were happy
and healthy? It is beneficial to all the world’s commercial interests that the five billion
people on the planet are kept sick and unhappy, in a state of unfulfilled desire and
thus, in constant frustration.
As an example close to home, look at the field of dentistry. When I came to Pondy in
1968, there was one dentist in town. I did not know anyone who had problems with
their teeth. Cavities were rare. On the contrary, I was struck by the beautiful, white
healthy teeth of our Indian people. Even villagers had dazzling smiles! Life was
simple. Processed foods were a luxury. Natural food was the norm.
Cut to the present scenario. The number of dentists in Pondicherry numbers in the
thousands! Children as young as four years of age have cavities and dental problems.
I don’t have to tell you professionals where the problem lies. It is obvious! The
abundance of refined foods, sugars, sweets, soft drinks, ice creams, lack of oral
hygiene have destroyed the nation’s teeth! The good old neem stick has been
discarded as “old fashioned” and we now spend Rs.20 on a toothbrush and Rs.50 on
toothpaste, which is not one-hundredth as effective as the old neem twig! Is this
progress? Is this obedience to Natural Law? Is this health? Is this happiness? The
villager cannot afford to buy toothbrush and toothpaste – this would cost him one
day’s wages – this “progress” has not only taken his health, but also his happiness. He
will “become unhappy “because he does not have the money to buy such items!”
Should not the emphasis in social dentistry be on spreading awareness of the

33
horrendous damage caused to the teeth by these modern junk foods and drink? But,
emphasis seems to be more focused on cure, rather than prevention. Lip service is
given to these ideas but the powerful commercial lobbies are quick to squelch any
effective activism on these subjects. This is not only in the field of dentistry. It is the
fact in every single aspect of life. There is no money or glory or power in prevention,
but plenty of it in cure! Instead of educating people to “obey Natural Law”, the
modern trend is to repair people who have “broken themselves over that Law.”
Avidya, ignorance! It is a disease, which is more deadly than an atomic bomb. It has
already burst upon the earth and is enveloping all mankind in its black, poisonous
mushroom cloud. It is the root cause of all unhappiness and disease.
“Vidya” – wisdom, knowledge – is the opposite of “Avidya” or ignorance. It basically
means, “to see”. The Rishis were “men who saw Reality as it is.” If we wish to claim
our birthright of health and happiness, we must “arise and awake.” We must open
our eyes to see and our ears to hear. When this “awakening” occurs, one will be
drawn to the Yogic science. It is the start of the long spiritual journey.
The “core concept” in accepting Yoga as a way of life is embedded in the word
“Responsibility.” One must be prepared to accept “total responsibility” for one’s own
life, total responsibility for one’s thoughts, words and deeds, total responsibility for
one’s own health and happiness. This is, in essence, obedience to the “Eternal Law”
which states, “All Karma – all action – has its reaction – and that re-action will always
rebound on the one who committed the action.” Just as the Sudarshan (discus) of Lord
Vishnu followed the sage Durvasa wherever he ran as he tried to hide, until he made
amends to King Ambarishi for harming him, so also the “reaction” of our “action”
will follow us wherever we go, until we “pay out” the Karma in consciousness. In
short, if we do unhappy things, we will be unhappy. If we do unhealthy things, we
will be unhealthy. There is no “breaking” this Law and even the best doctor, the best
dentist, the best entertainer cannot keep our Karma forever at bay. The sign on the
Yogi’s door (whether the door leads to his palace or the door leads to his cave) reads.
“The buck stops here.” That is, the Yogi takes total and complete responsibility for
himself and everything which happens him and makes a conscious choice to “live
within the Law”, rather than choosing to be an “out law.”
The word “responsibility” also has another aspect. Broken into two parts it reads
“respond – ability”, or “the ability to respond”. The Yogic way of life cultivates and
values consciousness and awareness. Hence the Yogi develops the “ability to
respond” correctly to any given situation. The correct “response” will produce a
“positive effect” and the result of such a positive action – choice is overall health,
harmony and happiness.
Yoga is the Science of Consciousness, becoming aware of Universal Laws and obeying
those Laws in thought, word and deed. Obedience to the Law produces health and
happiness. Disobedience produces disease and suffering. As a scientist, the Yogi
employs all the tools of any great science: he possesses an elaborate terminology
which helps him define and understand the problem; he possesses equipment and
tools for his research – Asanas, Pranayama, Concentration Practices, Mantras,
Cleansing techniques etc.

34
He / she enjoys access to a great body of theoretical concepts, accumulated through
hundreds of generations of “spiritual experiments” conducted by the great Rishis who
have preceded him. This “theory” is recorded in the Vedas, the Upanishads, the
Bhagavad Gita, the Yoga Sutras, the GherandaSamhita, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and
other ancient scriptures. His laboratory, his field of research, is his own body,
emotions and mind and his relationship and correspondence to the Universe. The
Yogi is a detached observer who carefully records his data and comes to his own
conclusions based on his own direct observation and experiences.
He begins with this primary hypothesis – the Universe is Cosmos, it is not Chaos.
“Cosmos” implies “Order”, and “Order” Implies “Laws”. He sets out to discover
those Laws and to observe the working of those Laws in his own life and in the lives
of others. The Yogi then attempts to “apply” his findings in a practical manner – in his
own life, coming to the same “realisations” as those enjoyed by the Rishis of old.
Health and happiness manifest automatically in such a life, which attunes itself to
Cosmic Law. Health and happiness are automatic by – products when Avidya or
ignorance is dispelled and Vidya – seeing reality for what it is – develops. The Yogi
follows the “Great Law of Virtue” which is elaborated in the Yogic tradition as the
Yamas or Moral Restraints and the Niyamas, the Ethical Observances. The
MahaVratas, the Mighty Vows of Virtue, which the Yamas and Niyamas are
sometimes called, reflect the Sanathana Dharma or the Eternal Law. The Yogi
develops a love for virtue, a love for the Law. He realises “Virtue is its own reward.”
He attunes his own microcosm to the rhythm of the macrocosm. He moves with
Nature, not against it. Nature is his friend, with whom he lives in harmony, and not
an enemy to be conquered or exploited.
“Sanathana Dharma” is difficult to translate. It can be called “The Eternal Law”, “The
Cosmic Law”, even “The Structure of the Universe As It Is”. “Sanathana” means
“eternal” – That which was, which is, and which shall always be – unchanging, self-
created, unborn, undying. “Dharma” takes its root meaning from “Dhar” which
means “stability, even-ness, balance.” The English word “durable” has come from
“Dhar” – “that which endures. “Dharma” is hence that which gives stability. Stability
is an essential component of health. As any good doctor knows, the best news he can
give anxious relatives is that the patient has “stabilized.” Stability is also an essential
component of happiness. Nothing creates more misery than an unstable family,
unstable romantic relationships, unstable work or social environments. Sanathana
Dharma sometimes is more loosely defined as “The Law of Virtue”. Virtue creates
stability. Clean, pure, restrained, controlled, conscious aware living is the basis of all
virtue. Such qualities create personal, interpersonal and intrapersonal stability. Hence,
one becomes aware of the necessity of obeying “The Law of Virtue”, if one wishes to
be qualified to claim one’s birthright as health and happiness. As Yogamaharishi Dr.
Swami Gitananda put it so succinctly – “Following Yama – Niyama, obeying The
Cosmic Law, is “No-option Yoga” for those who wish to spiritually evolve themselves
in health and happiness.
Our ancients linked particular diseases to certain lapses in character. These linkages
can be found in many Puranas. Arthritis is linked to greed, refusal to let go, or to
share. Digestive problems were linked to hoarding, excessive, selfish accumulation.
The old idea that diseases were caused by a moral lapse had much truth. Interestingly
enough, modern medicine is also coming to a similar conclusion, though by a

35
different route. Research findings have enabled medical men to draw up “personality
profiles” for cancer patients, heart attack patients, diabetics, AIDS patients and so on.
Character creates circumstances. Character is composed mostly of the word “act”. The
manner in which we habitually “act” forms our “character.” Our actions determine
whether we are healthy or unhealthy, happy or unhappy. This is the essence of
Sanathana Dharma. We create our own destiny by our thoughts, our words and our
actions. There is no such thing as an “innocent victim” in the Universal Scheme of
Things.
The Yogi grows in consciousness and spirit till he becomes an “Adhikarin” a “Fit
Person” for “Realising Reality”. He becomes competent to “claim his birthright of
health and happiness.” But, that is only the beginning of his journey. He has arisen!
He has been awakened! And now it is his duty to “stop not till the goal of Moksha” is
reached. But, though the pilgrimage is long and arduous, the Universe (Herself /
Himself / Itself ) grants him his birthright – health and happiness as the reward for
obeying Natural Law. He has the health, strength and good cheer to make his Cosmic
Journey and he has the happiness to enjoy his travels in space and consciousness.
Buoyed by this spiritual legacy, the Yogi now has a raft to cross the ocean of
Samskara. “Avidya” – ignorance of Universal Law – is banished by “Vidya”, the Light
of Conscious Awareness. His eyes are opened. He sees! He sees! He sees! Happily and
healthily he realizes that he lives not on a small planet, in a small galaxy, tiny as a
grain of sand. He is a Universal Being, a Universal Citizen obeying the Laws of the
Cosmos. And the Universe is his own, his native land!

36
YOGA FOR HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Dr. W.Selvamurthy12&Ms. Sneha Nair23
The United Nations General Assembly has declared 21st June every year as
“International Day of Yoga”, recognizing the holistic advantages of this ancient
wisdom. The importance of celebrating Yoga Day Internationally has been
highlighted by Hon’ble Prime Minister NarendraModi in his address of the 69th
session of the General Assembly, during which he said: “Yoga is an invaluable gift
from our ancient tradition”. Yoga embodies union of mind and body, thought and
action that provides a holistic approach which is effective to our health and our well-
being. Yoga is not merely an exercise; it's a way of life to find sense of oneness with
yourself, the world and the nature.
Yoga is an ancient way of life which leads to unification of body and mind. An art
which has origin in India 5000 years ago leads to union of consciousness of soul with
the Universal Consciousness. Yoga is a profound science of unfolding the infinite
potentials of the human mind and soul which bestows perfect physical, mental,
emotional and spiritual health to an individual. It is certainly remarkable that the
perfection of yoga was taught in the middle of a battlefield to Arjuna, the warrior, just
before Arjuna was to engage in a fratricidal battle.
Yoga was first put into written form
as the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali who
defined Yoga as “that restrains the
thought process and makes the
mind serene.” The eight different
parts of yoga enunciated by
Patanjali includes Yama, Niyama,
Asana, Pranayama, Pratiyahara,
Dhama, Dhyana& Samadhi which
lead to attainment of super-
conscious state.
Experiments which were conducted
in early 1985 by Dr. W.
Selvamurthyin the Defence
Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO), Government of India wherein the Physiological effects of Yogic
practice through well-controlled studies on Young & Middle aged soldiers both at the
plains & high altitudes were evaluated. It was systematically demonstrated that Yoga
has beneficial effects on the Armed Forces personnel & based on these scientific
studies yoga is nowadays getting promoted in a very big way in the defence sector.’
1President - Amity Science, Technology & Innovation Foundation (ASTIF), Director General - Amity Directorate of
Science & Innovation, Chancellor - Amity University, Chhattisgarh and Chair Professor for Life Sciences (Former
Distinguished Scientist and Chief Controller R&D(LS), DRDO)
2 Senior Scientific Officer, Amity Science, Technology & Innovation Foundation (ASTIF), Amity University, Uttar
Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida, U.P

37
Yoga creates a toned, flexible, and strong body through improvement in respiration,
energy, and vitality. It helps to maintain a balanced metabolism and promotes cardio
vascular health. It helps an individual to relax and handle stressful situations more
easily and teaches us how to quieten the mind so that we can focus our energy to
combat stress effectively. It also encourages positive thoughts and self-acceptance and
builds awareness of our body, feelings, the world around as well as the needs of
others. It promotes interdependence between mind, body, and spirit and helps to live
the concept of “oneness”.
EXPERIMENTS ON YOGA:-
Yoga practices increase physical fitness;
discipline the mind; make you more
focused and confident; cure health
disorders and give you calmed and relaxed
mind. The same was proved through a
series of experiments whichdemonstrated
the physical health benefits of yoga, such as
optimizing physiological functions. In yet
another test, measurement was conducted
to study the increase in mental tranquillity
as a result of performing agnihotra, a Vedic
fire ritual. There is no doubt that the
normal PT schedule improves flexibility,
endurance, etc. but one hour Yoga program
consisting of Asanas, Pranayamas, Prayer
(Omkar&Gayatri Mantra Chanting) and Yoga-nidra practice profound beneficial
effects on the autonomic equilibrium between the sympathetic and parasympathetic
nervous systems which modulates and optimizes sympathetic activity in the stressful
situations and quickly restores the equilibrium. According to the research conducted
by DIPAS, the oxygen demands during yogic exercises are much less compared to
Figure 1: Final postures of yogasanas:
1. Matsyasana
2. Halasan
3. Pawanmukhtasana
4. SuptaVajrasana
5. Bhujangasana
6. Paschimotanasana
7. Yoga Mudra
8. Sarvangasana

38
other form of conventional physical exercises, which increases the lethality,
survivability, efficiency and sustainability of our soldiers even at high altitude.
EFFECTS OF YOGIC PRACTICE: SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVE
• Performance Improvement through Yoga
 Yogic practice helps to improve the exercise performance at submaximal level.
 Improves physical performance, body flexibility
 Perceived exertion to exercise reduces
 Yogic breathing maneuvers help to increase tidal volume & Reduce breathing
rate,Altered ventilatory response to CO₂
 Yoga practice enhances heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity , Slows
respiration
 Improves learning ability, concentration, reaction time, reduces anxiety &
depression
• Prophylactic effects
Yoga endows a state of mental tranquility as shown in the figure 2 which is revealed
from increase in alpha index of electroencephalogram (EEG) after 6 months of regular
yogic practice. The alpha activity (8-13 Hz) increases which is indicative of relaxed
mental state. In case of deep meditation, theta frequency (4-8 Hz) dominates. The
increase in alpha content of EEG is a common observation in Yogis and helps to keep
his/ her mind cool in adverse conditions or situations.
Figure 2: Alpha index EEG showing significant enhancement in Yoga group
Our study had demonstrated that the practice of Yoga for 6 months can lead to a state
of reduced sympathetic activity and increase in parasympathetic activity as reflected
in heart rate, blood pressure as well as several other autonomic indices such as
ventilation, oxygen consumption, cortisol etc with a trend of gradual shift towards
para-sympathodominance which leads to minimize the ill effects of stress.

39
Figure 4: Graphical Representation of Basal EEG pattern and HRV Spectrum before & after
Lifestyle Intervention
Figure 5:EEG Activity Before and After Yogic Exercises
Figure 3: Changes in heart rate (HR) &BP and respiratory rate during 6 months practice
as compared to control group practicing PT Exercise

40
It has been observed that higher cognitive functions are activated during meditation
which can be precisely mapped by fMRI. The Activation pattern seems to be related to
the experience and dedication.
Figure 6:Heart rate variation
The functional MRI (fMRI) studies conducted on Brahma Kumaris who practiced Raja
Yoga Meditation showed Right prefrontal lobe activation in three volunteers (3-5 yrs
experience) during meditation, Bilateral prefrontal lobe activation in four volunteers
(5-15 yrs) and Occipital lobe activation in two most experienced volunteers ( >15 yrs).
A Significant increase in the heart rate during meditation session was observed with
localised activation in right prefrontal lobe which corresponds to sustained attention,
motivation and alertness. . Bilateral activation in prefrontal lobe extending laterally in
the left hemisphere are suggestive of higher order of attention, perception or intuition.
Activation in the occipital lobe due to visual imagery on attaining the “pure
consciousness state” was observed. The results showed an increase in heart rate
during Rajayoga meditation and decrease during control session agrees well with
previous study, which is unique for BK Rajayoga
Figure 6:fMRI during meditation

41
PROMOTIVE EFFECTS
Regular practice of Yoga helps in improving body flexibility as depicted in Figure 7.
Figure 7: Body flexibility as observed in middle aged men after 6 months of regular
yoga practice
Yogic practice helps to tone up the non- shivering thermogenesis thereby enhancing
cold tolerance. Even six months of regular practice has shown a trend of improvement
in cold tolerance. Several years of rigorous Yogic practice may lead to metabolic
adaption as the study conducted has shown improvement in cold tolerance due to the
practice of yoga asanas.
(a) (b)
(c)
Figure 8: (a) Changes in skin & oral temperature during 120 min of cold exposure at 10°C with
only shorts on(b) Heart rate, Ventilation & oxygen consumption during cold exposure
(c) Psychological Responses
There was also a significant decrease in the blood glucose, cholesterol and dopamine
B- Hydroxylase while monoamine oxidase, lactic dehydrogenase, plasma

42
cholinesterase and urinary excretion of 17- hydroxyl & 17- keto steroids increased
significantly after 6 months of regular yogic practice. The results have been depicted
in figure 9 and Table 1.
Figure 9
Table 1: BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES DUE TO YOGIC PRACTICE
PARAMETER BEFORE AFTER
BLOOD GLUCOSE (mg%)
BLOOD CHOLESTEROL (mg%)
TOTAL PROTEINS (mg%)
LACTIC DEHYDROGENASE (IU)
LIPOPROTEIN (B/L RATIO)
DOPAMINE β-HYDROXYLASE (IU)
MONOAMINE OXIDASE (IU)
PLASMA CHOLINESTERASE (IU)
URINARY 17 KETOSTEROID (mg/24h)
URINARY 17 HYDROXY STEROID (mg/24h)
75 + 2.8
170 + 5.2
7.6 + 0.2
52 + 4.0
2.34 + 0.21
10.6 + 1.1
38.7 + 2.7
4.87 + 0.12
9.8 + 0.7
10.6 + 0.8
69 + 2.5*
154 + 4.2***
7.9 + 4.2 *
63 + 2.9*
1.86 + 0.11 ***
6.4 + 0.3*
73.4 + 7.3**
5.07 + 0.13**
13.4 + 1.2**
11.4 + 0.8**
VALUES ARE MEAN + SEM
.*P < 0.05 **P < 0.01 ***P < 0.001
• CURATIVE EFFECTS
 Life Style Intervention for Regression of Coronary Artery Disease
A life style intervention paradigm consisting of low fat high fiber vegetarian diet,
aerobic exercise of walking and stress management through Rajyoga meditation has
been developed for regression of atherosclerotic plaques. The healthy life style
programme developed motivates patients in taking up responsibility of their own
health. Adoption and maintenance of the unique user friendly lifestyle is useful for
prevention and management of coronary artery disease. Our study demonstrated
regression of coronary artery disease through Lifestyle intervention in which Rajyoga
Meditation played a significant role.

43
Conclusion:
In modern way of life, Yogic practice and healthy lifestyle can make significant
beneficial impact by promoting positive health mainly through its influence on Mind
& Body. It needs to be propagated among all cross section of our society particularly
among the youth for developing them as future healthy global citizens.
Based on the research findings, Yoga training is now given regularly to the soldiers
deployed at high altitudes. DRDO has developed different packages for soldiers
serving at high altitudes in Siachen area, low intensity conflict zones in the North East
and Jammu and Kashmir. Soldiers in peace-time locations are imparted different
exercises. Similarly, there are different packages for air force personnel serving in high
altitude areas, peace-time locations and pilots flying combat and transport aircraft.
For the Navy, packages for those serving onboard warships and submariners are
different. DGMT has accepted inclusion of yoga for training of army soldiers
particularly those inducted to High Altitude over Himalayas.

44
Recently, Navy has also accepted & started imparting training for submariners, Divers
& other Naval personnel. The soldiers have benefitted immensely from amelioration
of the Acute Mountain Sickness, High Altitude maladies & improve the efficiency &
positive mental health profile through yoga. Yoga is going to play a very important
role in the emerging battlefield by building their psychological resilience, cognitive
abilities and military motivation.
The salient finding of our research demonstrated that yoga is a conservation process
bringing all the physiological functions to the lower side of the normal range. It also
builds parasympathetic system thereby optimizing physiological arousal to stress. It
also restores autonomic equilibrium back to normal after combating stress. There is
improvement in physical efficiency at sub maximal level of work, enhancement in
thermo-regulatory efficiency thereby improving cold and heat tolerance, improve the
body flexibility even in middle aged persons, improve the cognitive ability including
concentration, memory, learning efficiency and psychomotor performance. It was
observed that one hour Yoga program consisting of Asanas, Pranayamas, and
Meditation has profound beneficial effects on the autonomic equilibrium between the
sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems which modulates and optimizes
sympathetic activity in the stressful situations and quickly restores the equilibrium.
According to the research conducted, the oxygen demands during yogic exercises are
much less compared to other form of conventional physical exercises.
Yoga needs to be propagated across the globe for creating a new world order filled
with harmony, peace, happiness and prosperity.

45
YOGIC TOOLS FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Dr Chinmay Pandya4
Yoga conceptualizes the human being as a multi layered, conscious being, possessing
three bodies or sharira (sthula-gross, sukshma -subtle and kaarana -causal) and
having a five layered existence (panchakosha) consisting of our anatomical,
physiological, psychological, intellectual and universal existential layers (Giri, 1976;
Bhavanani, 2008). Yoga as a way of conscious living, enables the individual to attain
and maintain a dynamic sukhasthanam that may be defined as a dynamic sense of
physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.
Tools to induce psycho-physical harmony: Asana-s (static postures), kriya-
s (systematic and rationale movements), mudra-s (seals of neuromuscular energy)
and bandha-s (locks for neuromuscular energy) gently stretch and strengthen the
musculoskeletal system in a healthy manner. They improve mobility and flexibility of
the different joints and groups of muscles. There is also concomitant improvement in
the systemic function such as respiration, circulation, metabolism, digestion and
elimination. A general sense of health and wellbeing is also promoted by these aspects
of Yoga that help release feel good hormones like endorphins and encephalins
(Bhavanani, 2008; 2013).
Tools to balance emotional volatility: Swadhyaya (introspectionalself-analysis),
pranayama(breathing techniques for control of vital energy), pratyahara (sensory
withdrawal), dharana(intense concentration), dhyana(meditational oneness)
and bhajana (devotional music) stabilize emotional turmoil and relieve stress and
mental fatigue. They bring about an excellent sense of emotional balance that is vital
for good health. Group work also enables achievement of emotional balance essential
for good health.
Development of appropriate psychological attitudes: Yoga encourages us to step back
and take an meta-cognitive, objective view of our habitual patterns of behavior and
thoughts. This enables us to cope better with situations that normally put our bodies
and minds under strain. Patanjali emphasizes the need to develop following qualities
in order to become mentally balanced humane beings (Bhavanani, 2011). He
emphasizes abhyasa (relentless positive self-effort) and vairagya (dispassionate
attitude) along with ishwarapranidhana (acceptance and humility of the universal
plan). He provides an antidote to the stress pandemic by suggesting change in our
inner perspective through pratipakshabhavanam (adoption of the contrary attitudes
in the face of negativities). He advises us to develop clarity of mind
(chittaprasadanam) through adoption of four conscious attitudes:
namely maitri (friendliness towards those who are at peace with
themselves), karuna (compassion for the suffering), mudita (cheerfulness towards the
virtuous) and upekshanam (indifference and avoidance of the evil) (Bhavanani, 2008;
2011).
Contemplation, relaxation and meditation: There are a great many Jnana
Yoga and Raja Yogatechniques of relaxation and visualization that are useful (Giri,
1976; Bhavanani, 2008). Other practices such as trataka (concentrated
Pro Vice Chancellor – DevSankritiVishwavidyalaya, Haridwar

46
gaze), pranayama, pratyahara, dharana as well as dhyanamay also be utilized.
Relaxation is a central element in Yoga as it is the body’s own way of recharging its
cells and helps to ease physical, emotional and mental tensions. We can facilitate our
own healing when we are relaxed. In fact, we often unintentionally retard our
inherent healing mechanisms when we are tense and uptight. Choice is ours to make!
Enhancing spiritual awareness: Yoga is the best way for us to consciously evolve out
of our lower, sub-human nature, into our elevated human and humane nature (Giri,
1995). Ultimately, this life giving, life enhancing and life sustaining science of
humanity allows us to achieve in full measure the Divinity that resides within each of
us. Swadhyaya, satsanga (spiritual gathering), bhajana sessions and Yogic counselling
are important aspects of Yogic living We need to realise that “Oneness” is health
whereas “Duality” is disease. We cannot remain lonely, depressed and diseased if we
realize that we are part of a wonderful, joyful and harmonious Universe. Spirituality
is the personal connection we feel with our own inner being. This can be strengthened
greatly through conscious introspection and self inquiry. When we begin to
understand the oneness manifest through all forms of life, we manifest gratitude,
respect and love. Our life becomes one of selfless service (nishkamaseva) for
humanity. At that point, we start to radiate joy, love and wellbeing (tejasvi).
Relieving suffering and pain: In the Bhagavad Gita (VI:23), Yoga is also defined as
“dukkhasamyogaviyogam yoga samjnitham”, the conscious disassociation from
union with suffering (Chidbhavananda, 1984; Bhavanani, 2013). Yoga improves pain
tolerance and provides an improved quality of life. It can be safely said that Yoga
helps us endure conditions that it may not be able to cure. This is vital in end life
situations where it is important that the patient has a sense of improved quality of life
during their final days and moments on earth. Yoga can also benefit caretakers of such
terminal patients who are under great stress themselves as it enables them to realise
that we fulfil ourselves best as human beings when we help others.

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ROLE OF YOGA IN MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHIATRIC
DISORDERS
Dr Naveen G Halappa 5
Introduction to Mental health and Psychiatric disorders
Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his
or her own potentiality, able to cope up with the normal stresses of life, can work
productively and fruitfully and is able to make a significant contribution to the
community (WHO., 2005). Psychiatric disorders cause a significant disability among
the people worldwide. According to WHO estimation, 37% of the loss of healthy years
among non-communicable diseases are from psychiatric disorders (WHO 2011).
Despite psychotropic drugs, electroconvulsive therapy and psychosocial therapies are
available, the larger proportion of patients continue to be symptomatic and fail to
achieve remission. It was observed that most of these patients required to take these
medicines for longer duration which causes many side effects and complications.
Also, several comorbid medical conditions are associated particularly with the long-
term use of antipsychotic drugs.
The etiology of psychiatric disorders are multifactorial, which includes biological,
psychological and social factors. These causes are similar in most of the psychiatric
disorders. Biological changes mainly include alterations in the levels of
neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine and Gamma-
AminoButyric Acid (GABA), decreased Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)
levels, neuroplastic changes in the hippocampus, lower oxytocin levels, higher cortisol
levels, sympathetic nervous system activation, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis
dysfunction and increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Stress plays a very
important role in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. In addition, early life
experiences, poor child-parent relationships, marital discord/divorce, previous
history and family history of psychiatric disorders, poor parenting skills, financial
loss, work stress, poor housing and social isolation could influence the development
of common mental health disorders. Yoga has been shown to be a promising mind-
body therapy in promoting mental health and in the management of psychiatric
disorders.
Yoga and Mental Health
Yoga is a way of life and has a history of more than 5000 years. A foundation of Yoga
lies in Vedas and Upanishads. Puranas, Smritis, Bhagavad-Gita and Pathanjali Yoga
sutras are the essence of Vedas and Upanishads. In all these texts, the importance of
yoga on positive mental health is given utmost importance. For eg: Yoga is the skill to
calm down the mind (Yoga Vashishta), Yoga is the process of cessation of mental
modifications (Patanjali Yoga Sutras) and equilibrium state of mind is Yoga
(Bhagavadgita). These definitions show Yoga has a role in modifying brain
functions. Health depends on equanimity in all these 5 levels i.eAhara (Food), Sat-
Vichara (Right Thinking), Vyayama (Yoga/Exercise), Vihara (Lifestyle) and Virama
Assistant Professor (Senior Scale) in Health and Yoga Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad
Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, Chennai.

48
(Relaxation). This equanimity could be achieved with the practice of Yoga. In brief,
health depends on all-round personality development at physical, mental, emotional,
intellectual and spiritual levels as described by Shri Aurobindo. Therefore the main
objective of Yoga is to integrate personality of an individual at all these dimensions of
all round personality development. This objective is similar to the WHO definition of
Health.
Sage AdiShankaracharya describes six enemies of mind called avishadvargas, they
are kama (lust/craze/desire), krodha (anger/hatredness), lobha (greed/miserliness/
narrow-minded), moha (delusory emotional attachment), Mada (Self-pride)
and matsarya (jealousy). These are obstacles for athma Jnana/spiritual wisdom.
According to Yoga vashista, the cause of sorrow is an only attachment to worldly life.
Sage Patanjali describes the obstacles (ChittaVikshepas) in the path of attaining a state
of sound mental health. These obstacles are disease, lack of interest, doubt, indecision,
carelessness, sensual gratification, living under an illusion, wrong perception, sorrow,
despair, unsteadiness of the body and irregular breathing. Also, he explains about five
types of Kleshas (afflictions) which disturb the equilibrium state of consciousness.
They are Avidya (ignorance), Asmita (ego), Raga (attachment), Dvesa (Anger), and
Abhinivesa (fear of death). To get rid of these kleshas and vikshepas, Patanjali
prescribed the following eight sadhanas (Eight limbed yoga/Ashtanga Yoga). Practice
and detachment are the means for control of mental disturbances. Abhyasa means
repeated practices such as Yama (restraints), Niyama (observances), Asana (postures),
Pranayama (breathing practices), Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses). Vairagya means
freedom from desires and passions that could be attained by the practice of
Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and
Samadhi (realization of the true Self or Atman).Furthermore, Pathanjali suggested
vitarka badhane pratipakshabhavanam means to obstruct thoughts which are inimical
to yoga, contrary thoughts should be brought (PYS II: 33) and also emphasized to
develop friendship, gladness & indifference being thought of in regard to subjects,
happy, unhappy, good and evil respectively which pacify the Chitta (PYS I:33).
Quality of a mentally healthy person (Sthitha Prajna) according to Bhagavad-Gita
The mentally healthy person is free from the attachment, fear and anger. He will have
love and compassion towards all the living entities with a complete satisfaction
towards life. He will be devoid of ego, possessiveness, dualities, mind distraction and
expectation towards the result of work. He dedicates himself devotionally with a
service attitude. He will have better understanding skills and involved in good deeds
for the benefit of all living entities.
How can stress be managed according to Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita?
Stress is nothing but the speed at all the levels of human existence
from annamaya kosha to manomaya kosha (Taitireya Upanishad). The basic
requirement is to reduce the speed at all these levels. This could be achieved by
slowing down the breath with the practice of slow breathing exercises and
meditation. Bhagavad-Gita suggests, stress can be overcome by practicing these three
qualities. a) Action in relaxation (work without stress) b) Developing happiness
within and c) Maintaining Balance: One who is not disturbed in mind even amidst the
threefold miseries or elated when there is happiness & who is free from attachment,
fear & anger is called a sage of mind.

49
Scientific studies across the globe have shown that, Yoga is beneficial to reduce the
stress levels (decreased perceived stress and cortisol levels, which is a stress marker),
enhance sleep quality, neuropsychological functions (Memory, attention and
executive functions) and Gamma-AminoButyric Acid (GABA) levels (it is an
inhibitory neurotransmitter, its reduction is attributed to the mood disorders). In
addition, OM chanting shown to deactivate the limbic regions which are activated in
psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, six months of yoga practice lead to small increases
in hippocampal volume in the elderly subjects, which suggest an enhancement in
cognitive functions, which is a measure of neuroplasticity.
Yoga therapy and mental disorders
Yoga therapy has been tried in Major Depressive Disorder & dysthymia,
Schizophrenia, Anxiety disorders (Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder), Alcohol dependence syndrome, Psychiatric disorders in
childhood (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder -ADHD), Eating disorders and
Sleep disorders. The level of evidence grading is done according to Oxford center for
evidence-based medicine (Grade 1: high-quality RCTs; Grade 2: low-quality RCTs;
Grade 3: Case-control studies).
1. Major Depressive Disorder & dysthymia
Decreased level of serotonin, melatonin, GABA, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
(BDNF) levels, neuropsychological functions (attention, memory and executive
functions) and increased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines/cortisol levels are
observed in depression. Yoga has been shown to improve these above objective
parameters along with the reduction of depression scores. There is a developed and
validated generic Yoga module derived from the traditional yoga texts for depression
which indicates loosening exercises, sun salutation, back bending postures, inverted
postures, fast and slow breathing exercises, OM chanting and yogic counseling are
useful in these patients. These patients mainly have symptoms of low mood/interest,
here activation practices are very important and sequence of the practices could be
changed to avoid boredom to the patients. Duration of Yoga practice could be 10 days
of initial supervised Yoga practice followed by at least 3 days in a week at home up to
3 months to achieve the maximum benefits. Grade 2 level evidence exists supporting
Yoga could be used as a sole treatment for mild depression and as an add-on
treatment for moderate and severe depression.
2. Schizophrenia
Positive symptoms like delusions and hallucinations and negative symptoms
(Blunting of feeling, poverty of speech and thought, lack of interest, lack of social
drive, loss of motivation and inattention to cognitive or social input), disorganized
behavior & disorganized speech, anxiety and depression are the common clinical
features observed in patients with schizophrenia. Decreased oxytocin levels are
implicated for decreased social cognition. Though Yoga cannot be applied during the
acute psychotic episode, it can be used in the treatment stabilized schizophrenia
patients. Yoga has been shown to be useful in reducing the negative symptoms,

Educative Souvenir of SBV IDY 2018 celebrations organised by CYTER

Educative Souvenir of SBV IDY 2018 celebrations organised by CYTER

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