IIT Ropar Launches Yogic Sciences Centre and Scholarships for Underprivileged Students

In a move highlighting the importance of holistic development and student well-being, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar has laid the foundation stone for a Centre for Yogic Sciences and Holistic Development and announced a new scholarship program for underprivileged students. The initiatives aim to integrate ancient yogic practices with modern scientific approaches, promote mental and physical wellness, and support talented students who face financial constraints.

Foundation of the Dr Ishan Avdhoot Shivanand Centre for Yogic Sciences

The foundation stone of the new centre was laid on Tuesday at IIT Ropar, marking a significant step toward the institute’s focus on overall student and faculty development. The centre has been named after Dr Ishan Shivanand, founder of Yoga of Immortals, who was present at the ceremony.

The event was presided over by IIT Ropar Director Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, with notable attendees including Dr Atharva Poundarik, Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, and cardiologist Dr Bindukumar Kansupada. The ceremony underscored the institute’s commitment to promoting wellness, mindfulness, and mental health alongside academic excellence.

Integrating Yoga with Modern Science

The new centre is designed to blend traditional yogic practices with contemporary scientific research. It will provide facilities for a wide range of wellness activities, including:

• Yoga and meditation sessions to enhance flexibility, concentration, and relaxation.
• Mindfulness training to help students and faculty manage stress, improve focus, and develop emotional resilience.
• Aerobics and fitness programs to promote physical health alongside mental well-being.
• Research in holistic health practices, examining the scientific benefits of yoga and meditation.

Prof. Rajeev Ahuja highlighted the importance of mental and physical well-being in modern academic environments. “Mental health and physical wellness are essential in today’s demanding academic environment. The centre will help our community achieve balance and resilience,” he said.

Expert Endorsements and Goals

Dr Ishan Shivanand emphasized the potential impact of scientifically validated yogic practices on student life. According to him, yoga and meditation can play a critical role in helping students manage stress, anxiety, and burnout, which are common in high-pressure academic settings.

The centre aims not only to benefit IIT Ropar’s immediate community but also to serve as a model for other educational institutions seeking to integrate wellness programs into their curricula. Daily activities will include:

• Morning yoga and meditation sessions.
• Stress management and resilience-building programs.
• Faculty wellness initiatives to support educators and researchers.
• Ongoing research into holistic approaches to mental and physical health.

By promoting a culture of balance, mindfulness, and wellness, the centre seeks to create a healthier learning environment where both students and faculty can thrive academically and personally.

Dr Ishan Shivanand Scholarship for Gifted Youth

Alongside the new centre, IIT Ropar announced the Dr Ishan Shivanand Scholarship for Gifted Youth, which will provide 10 fully funded scholarships for talented students from underprivileged backgrounds.

The scholarships are divided equally between undergraduate and postgraduate students:

• Five scholarships for undergraduate students.
• Five scholarships for postgraduate students.

Prof. Ahuja emphasized that the scholarships are designed to ensure financial barriers do not prevent talented students from achieving academic success. By alleviating economic pressures, recipients can focus fully on their studies and personal development.

This initiative reflects IIT Ropar’s broader commitment to inclusive education, making opportunities accessible to students who demonstrate exceptional potential but may lack the resources to pursue higher education.

Supporting Student Well-Being in Academic Institutions

The establishment of the yogic sciences centre and scholarship program is part of a growing recognition that academic success must be paired with mental and physical wellness initiatives. Increasingly, universities in India and globally are adopting holistic development programs to address stress, burnout, and other mental health challenges faced by students.

IIT Ropar’s approach combines practical wellness activities with scientific research, creating a dual focus on:

1. Wellness promotion – through yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and fitness activities.
2. Research and evidence – validating the effectiveness of holistic health practices for academic and personal growth.

By integrating these strategies into campus life, IIT Ropar is taking proactive steps to enhance resilience, focus, and overall well-being for its academic community.

Future Plans and Broader Impact

The Dr Ishan Avdhoot Shivanand Centre for Yogic Sciences and Holistic Development is envisioned as a long-term initiative. Once fully operational, the centre will:

• Host regular workshops, seminars, and training programs for students, faculty, and staff.
• Conduct studies on the effectiveness of yoga and mindfulness interventions in academic settings.
• Serve as a blueprint for other institutions in India and abroad, promoting the integration of wellness programs into higher education.

Similarly, the scholarship program is expected to transform the academic journey of underprivileged students, allowing them to access world-class education without financial constraints. These programs collectively reflect IIT Ropar’s mission to foster both intellectual and personal growth.

Conclusion

IIT Ropar’s new initiatives mark a milestone in combining academic excellence with holistic well-being. The launch of the Dr Ishan Avdhoot Shivanand Centre for Yogic Sciences and Holistic Development, alongside the fully-funded scholarships for gifted youth, demonstrates a commitment to:

• Promoting mental and physical wellness through evidence-based yogic practices.
• Supporting talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Encouraging a balanced, resilient, and inclusive campus environment.