Conference to mark the International Day of Yoga in 2024: “Yoga for the Universe”

The Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy in collaboration with Svyasa University has organised a conference on ‘Yoga for the Universe’ at S-Vyasa University, Bangalore on the theme ‘Yoga for Self and Society’ to mark International Day of Yoga 2024.

The focus of the conference was to bring together experts from various fields for the betterment of society, including astronauts. The conference outlined the activities and challenges of IDY 2024, including the “Yoga with Family” global video contest organized by the Ministry of Health for the society, Yoga Tech Challenge, a competition for innovative yoga ideas by Indian startups, Yoga Quiz and Yoga Jingle. These initiatives, as declared in the theme of IDY 2024, aim to raise awareness and promote active yoga practice in society, recognising that healthy individuals foster healthy societies, the release said.

The conference featured speeches from institutions like Centre for Human Space Flight, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Institute of Aerospace Medicine etc. The inaugural session began with a welcome address for all the keynote speakers by Dr Manjunath NK, Vice Chancellor, Subhyasa University.

Dr Manjunath also spoke about Yoga-related activities for IDY 2024 and highlighted the importance of Yoga in fostering a healthy society, quoting classical literary quotations such as “Vasudaiva Kutumbhakam”. He recounted the journey of Dr HR Nagendra, founder of S-Vyasa, from NASA to developing Vyasa (S-Vyasa).

Dr. Raghavendra Rao, Director, Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy, Delhi, highlighted the inclusiveness and diversity inherent in the IDY journey, showcasing yoga practices on land, at sea and in extreme conditions throughout a day from Japan to California, culminating in the exploration of yoga in space at the conference.

Dr. BR Ramakrishnan, Vice Chancellor, S-Vyasa University, clarified the objective of the conference with the term “Gyanam Vigyanam Sahitam,” which means the amalgamation of ancient wisdom and cosmic science and highlights the convergence of the best of East and West. He further emphasised the importance of Yoga.

The scientific session began with a talk on “Gaganyaan – Mission and Crew Safety” by Dr. C. Geethaikrishnan, Deputy Director (SRQ), Human Space Flight Centre, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), moderated by Dr. Satyaprabha TN, Head, Department of Neurophysiology, NIMHANS, Bangalore.

The post-lunch session began with a talk by Dr. Biswajit Sinha from the Department of Physiology at the Institute of Aerospace Medical Sciences, Bengaluru. The topic discussed was “Beyond Earth: Understanding the impact of microgravity on physiology and Earth-based simulations,” in which Dr. Sinha explained the physiological effects of the space environment on the human body.

Next, Lt. Col. Saveena George, PhD, from the Department of Physiology at the Institute of Aerospace Medical Sciences, Bengaluru, delivered a session titled, “Investigating the Effects of Microgravity on the Neurovestibular System.” Lt. Col. George elaborated on the significant physiological issues faced in space, where imbalances in the neurovestibular system can cause problems with posture, orientation and vision, contributing to the health problems for which astronauts are trained.

There were also sessions by TSYNM Principal and S-vyasa of Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma and Yoga teacher Dr. Appal Soaji and Shri NV Raghuram, Founder of Yoga Bharati, who offered insights based on their extensive knowledge and practical experience.