Conf 2015 Proceedings

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Proceedings of the 8thInternational Conference, on Yoga & Education: Principles and Practice | Kaivalyadhama (27-30 Dec 2015) | Lonavala, India

Proceedings


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P L A T I N U M S P O N S O R S

C O L L A B O R A T O R S


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Introduction ......................................................................................................................................04

Day 1 - December 27th, 2015........................................................................................................05

Inaugural Ceremony ........................................................................................................................05

Panel Discussion ..............................................................................................................................07

Cultural Event ...................................................................................................................................09

Day 2 - December 28th, 2015........................................................................................................10

Plenary Sessions ..............................................................................................................................10

Panel Discussions ............................................................................................................................12

Diculties and Successes in Implementation of Yoga in School Education..................... 15

Paper Presentations ........................................................................................................................17

Cultural Event ...................................................................................................................................24

Day 3 - December 29th, 2015........................................................................................................25

Plenary Session ................................................................................................................................25

Panel Discussions ............................................................................................................................27

Table of Contents

Yoga - Bridging the Gap between Scientic Research and Education..................

Paper Presentations .......................................................................................................

Cultural Event ...................................................................................................................

Day 4 - December 30th, 2015........................................................................................

Paper Presentation .........................................................................................................

Focus Group Report ........................................................................................................

Poster Presentation ........................................................................................................

Valedictory Ceremony ...................................................................................................

Resolution of the conference........................................................................................

Morning Workshops ........................................................................................................

Evening Workshops ........................................................................................................

Inauguration of the ayurvedic garden ........................................................................

Feedback ...........................................................................................................................


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Introduction

The 8thInternational Conference on Yoga and Education at Kaivalyadhama

was organized to explore the profound inuence that yoga can have in

the eld of education throughout the globe. We at Kaivalyadhama have

come to see yoga as the science which aims to harmonize or unite vir-

tually all aspects of life - the physical, mental, social and spiritual. The

most direct and abiding way to achieve this is to integrate yoga into edu-

cational systems. Our ultimate goal is to see yoga as an inherent part of

every curriculum all over the world. We believe that such integrationwould result in populations of students who are more empathetic, self

condent and mindful of themselves and one another. The anecdotal

and empirical evidence is that schools, which incorporate yoga into their

curricula, nd that the learning process is enhanced through reduced

level of stress, improved focus and increased attention span.

From December 27th to December 30thpolicy makers, acad

thought leaders in the eld of yoga gathered at Kaivalyadham

to investigate and debate the various challenges and bene

grating yoga in the global educational curricula. Through t

erations, they also created various roadmaps for which vario

stakeholders, including national governments and multilate

tions, can help to bring yoga to the forefront of the educatio

The Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on

Education is a summary of the various dierent events of t

ence, including topic-oriented discussions, practical and

workshops, presentations of various dierent research artic

nal resolution of the conference itself.


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Day 127.1

Inaugural Ceremony

The 8th International Conference on Yoga and Education

at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala, was initiated with an

auspicious Puja (prayer ritual) in dedication to RishiPatanjali, one of the worlds greatest yogic seers. The

Puja was guided by Kaivalyadhamas spiritual leader,

Swami Maheshanandaji, and the institutes Secretary

General, Shri Om Prakash Tiwari, amongst a large crowd

of students, sta, delegates, and guests of honor who all

engaged in the recitation of ancient Vedic mantras.

The inaugural ceremony of the conference commenced

in the late afternoon with the recitation of Shanti Path

(peace invocation) and a welcome address by Secretary

General, Shri Om Prakash Tiwari. Presiding over the inau-

gural ceremony was Chief Guest, Shripad Naikji, Ministerof AYUSH, Key Note Speaker, Swami Adhyatmanandaji,

Guest of Honor, S.C. Khuntia, Secretary, Ministry of

HRD, and Chairman of the Organizing Committee

at Kaivalyadhama, Justice B.N. Srikrishna. Swami

Adyatmanandaji, in his speech, emphasized the need

to main the purity of yoga and its experiential aspects

as well as the need for institutions to come together

and work towards the inculcation of yoga in the educa-

tion system. Justice B.N. Srikrishna went on to note that

yogic science is one of the highest forms of

cation; it teaches you the value of focusing

on that which you have to study. In a similS.C. Khuntiaji indicated how the governmen

to implement yoga in the actual academic

students throughout India. He indicated th

cho-social benets of the practice are of gro

than ever before in the school atmosphere. S

closed by making a rm point that yoga instit

where should come together and collective

the cause of maintaining the qualify of yog

tional settings.


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Day 1 - Inaugu


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Panel Discussion

Te need to speak in one voiceabout weaving yoga intoeducational systems

Chair

Dr. R. Welukar

Panelists

P. Connor - BSYDr. L. Sathish - KYM

Dr. R. Bijlani - Aurobindo Ashram

Dr. B.R. Sharma - Kaivalyadhama

The 8th International Conference on Yoga and

Education was o to a ying start with a very

enthusiastic panel discussion. Mr. Connor began

the discussion by emphasizing the true meaning

of the term education, which is actually drawing

out knowledge, and not a process of condition-

ing, which it has now unfortunately become. He

also mentioned the importance of bringing aboutbalance between the ida and the pingala, which is

important for bringing out the intrinsic potential of

the human mind, thereby aiding technological prog-

ress as well. His eorts of trying to bring Yoga into

mainstream education systems in Australia have

been quite successful. L. Sathish raised the issue of

bridging the gap between Yoga as an esoteric sci-

ence, and yoga being introduced in schools at the

grassroot levels. She raised pertinent points about

the lacunae of long-term evidence of yoga research

and insisted on a sophisticated research

ogy so as to convince the policy maker

yoga in a more serious light. Her point o

teachers, students and parents from the

of any yoga program was well received

audience members and the panelists t

Dr. Bijlani spoke about the necessity of

yoga in educational systems to just asanayama. He stressed on the importance o

limbs of Ashtanga Yoga, to bring abou

samatvam. Dr. Bijlani mentioned the c

yama and niyama being as important, i

for instilling a positive mindset in the st

making them think beyond the rat race

lives usually turn into. His thoughts of n

tion of any single school or guru were

important as well. Dr. Bijlani also men

importance of mentoring teachers the


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that they would be able to inculcate yogic values better. Dr. Sharma, being a man of tradition, tried

the lack of a One size ts all nature of yoga. Although he was all for a common system of yoga, a s

dardized system of teaching yoga, according to him, was a dicult proposition, but he was denit

suggestions. He mentioned that the students inclination towards the particular type of yoga is

Hence the choice of practicing dierent schools of yoga according to the students inclination

Rajan Welukar, highly appreciative of the points raised by all the panel members, urged for a he

eration between the dierent schools of yoga, adhering by the age-old adage of Vasudhaiva Ku

His emphasis to maintain scientic rigour throughout the Yoga researches was welcomed by evWelukar also insisted on delinking yoga from any particular religion.

Day 1 - Pan


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Cultural Event

The evening was met by the melodic musical

classical sitarist, Ustad Usman Khan and his di

unrelenting love for pure music and an uninc

tion to the discipline of riyaz shown through

compositions, which were performed that eve


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Day 2 28.1

Plenary Session

Chair

Dr. H.R. Nagendra, Chancellor SVYASA

Yoga in Schools: Process, Effortsand Implementation

Dr. M. Flak (France)

Yoga in Higher Education: A Wayand a View of Life

Dr. G. Rao


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This panel discussion focused on the mechanisms, ben-

ets, and challenges in implementing yoga within the

primary, secondary, and higher education school sys-

tems. One of the pioneers of implementing yoga in the

education system in France, Dr. Micheline Flak spoke of

specic measures that needed to be considered in intro-

ducing yoga at the primary and secondary school sys-

tems throughout the globe. Specically, she spoke of the

importance of training and qualifying teachers in a thor-

ough manner before giving them the liberty to introduce

yoga into schools. Equally important was her emphasis

on the necessity to trace every yogic practice back to its

tradition and substantiate it vis--vis the correct yogic

text so that authentic yogic practices are not diluted.

Through her own personal experience of over forty years

in the teaching profession, Dr. Flak also highlighted the

hurdles involved in intertwining yoga in a regulated

education system, which often include the question of

whether yoga is a religious or secular practice. Dr. Ganesh

Rao spoke on a similar footing, declaring that when we

are introducing yoga in higher education all yogic prac-

tices must be introduced so that yoga gets the air of a

holistic discipline. A challenge, he mention

introduce only the physical element of yoga

and pranayama, are we not sacricing the ph

its practices? In this light, Dr. Rao indicated t

is universally accepted that yoga facilitates

cation, nourishing the physical and intellect

of people, it is a disservice to its very valu

on just its physical components. With this i

should lay down the proper framework to co

problems while implementing yoga and mai

philosophy in all levels of education systems

Day 2 - Ple


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Panel Discussions

1. Yoga in Institutes of HigherLearning - Delivery of AcademicPrograms, Research andCommunity Services

Chair

Dr. W. N. GadeVice Chancellor, Savitribahi Phule Pune University

Panelists

Prof. S. Saini

Mr. H. Aikata (Japan)

Dr. S. B. Khalsa (USA)

Dr. S.P. Mishra


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Dr. Sunil Saini began the discussion by introducing

the Yoga programs they have in the Swami Rama

Himalayan University. These were specialized pro-

grams aimed at doctors, nurses and paramedical

sta to improve the quality of patient care thereby

yielding better results. He also urged the policy

makers to make yoga more lucrative by creating

regulatory bodies which can create specic jobs in

the healthcare sector. Hiroshi Aikata talked about

his experiences and the hardships he had to face

in introducing yogic philosophy at his institute in

Thailand, due to the strong inuence of Buddhist

ideology. He insisted on not cherry picking the con-

cepts in yogic philosophy, but trying to inculcate

the wholesomeness of the authentic yogic texts.

Dr. Khalsa emphasized the importance of yoga not

being a part-time practice but a full-tim

also enumerated the schools in Europe

the US which have started oering cour

to yoga as an optional credit. He quoted

of a study done showing the decrease

levels of a musician while performing

Dr. S. P. Mishra warned that the structur

research was still a work in progress a

shouldnt go overboard with the praise

N. Gade, after listening to the views of th

stressed on the need of a specialized p

teachers so that the teachers of all facu

taught the fundamental principles there

ing their own awareness. He urged all t

cal scientists, neurologists and the like,

yogic practices and verify the claims sci

Day 2 - Pane


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2. Yoga as Secular Discipline

Chair

Dr. Welukar

Panelists

Bishop T. Dabre

Dr. U. Natu

Dr. S.N. Pathan

This panel addressed the widely debated issue on

the categorization of yoga as a secular discipline

versus yoga as a religious practice. With a panel

comprised of members from various religious ori-

entations, this panel provided deep insights on the

value of yoga as a science for all people, despite

their race, caste, or creed. Bishop Thomas Dabre

of Pune, India, highlighted his own experience as

a Christian and how yoga has pushed him closer

to his own faith towards god. He articulated that

despite the fact that yoga has religious links there

is no need to be stigmatized or apologetic towards

this historical fact. Yet, the real power of yoga is

that it accepts people of all denominations while

propelling them towards their true self. In fact,

in such a modernized world where technological

advancements are causes of a growing loss in com-

munication and interrelationships between people,

yoga is needed to restore peoples conn

themselves and others. Dr. Ulka Natu

note that yoga is a spiritual discipline th

restrict itself to any religion. She point

yoga is nothing but ones dharma, or du

the perfection of ones self. In this light,

discriminate against any religion and in

a person closer towards their true identi

on this idea, Dr. Pathan spoke on Islam a

act of Namaz is nothing but the yoga of

it charges the battery of ones life and u

son in a way similar to yoga. He went

that the various postures performed du

are, in fact, similar to asanas such as vaj

shashank asana.

Panel Discussions

Day 2 - Pane


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3. Difficulties and Successes inImplementation of Yoga in SchoolEducation

Chair

Dr. S. Panda, Chairman NCTE

Panelists

Ms. J. Bajaj (Canada), Dr. S. Yadav, Dr. A.M. Moorthy

Panel Discussions

Day 2 - Pane


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Dr. S. Panda being the chairperson for the session started

o by stating that the government needs to introduce

yoga teachers as a separate cadre ranging from ele-

mentary, primary, secondary up to senior secondary in

the education system. This is presently missing in our

education system. He also said that we are not bringing

yoga teachers but rather teachers who practice yoga and

encourage the students to practice yoga.

Ms. Jyothi Bajaj who was the rst speaker talked about

the challenges and successes she had in her experi-

ence in teaching yoga to children in Canada through

her organization Yoga Kids. She said that relating yoga

to the kids in a way in which they can connect to is the

biggest challenge. She could overcome this problem by

teaching it to them in a form in which the children can

identify themselves more easily like instead of giving

the dicult Sanskrit names, she would give names from

a movie character for the asanas. The Sanskrit name and

the meaning, however, would be introduced eventually.

Prof. B. P. Bhardwaj talked about how introducing yoga

education in the schools with diverse institutional and

cultural backgrounds is a challenge. The schools can be

government run, they could be private run, some of them

well funded, some of them lack the most bas

This being the case, introducing a common

and setting a standard for the teachers is chal

A. M. Moorthy started by saying that in the e

system, the student is the taker, teacher is th

parent is the administrator. This being the ca

essential that the teachers should have eno

edge to share the wisdom. He stressed on t

educate the parents about the practical bene

such as the improvement in concentration, be

mance in academics etc. so that they are rea

their children for yoga education.

Day 2 - Pane


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Paper Presentations

1. Experiential Paradigm of Yogain Education

Chair

Dr. Samprasad Vinod

a. ranscendental Meditation Program:Applying Consciousness Based Education

- Dr. Hankey

b. Cognitive Behaviour and ParkinsonsDisease: Some Insights from Yoga Philosophy forMedical Education- Maddela, S et al.

c. Lifestyle ransformation Trough Yoga- Dr. D. Bagadia

d. Garbha Sanskar: A Form of Yoga Education

of the Child in the Womb- Dr. G. Kelkar

Maddela S, described his study of trying to link

yogic practices and improvements in Parkinsons

patients. He conjectured that apart from Gene

mutations, consistently irregular thought patterns

might be a cause for Parkinsons. He was of the

opinion that Voluntary control of the neurological

pathways could be a preventive practice, which

included basic movements of the hands and legs.

Dr. Bagadia spoke about his experience while deal-

ing with management students and how he tried

to introduce the concepts of a balanced lifestyle

through means of yoga, to alleviate their stress

and make their personalities more harmonious. Dr.

Kelkar described his research in the eld of prena-

tal yoga and the impact of yogic practises on the

baby while its in the womb. The video of a an infant

who stopped crying the moment his father started

chanting the Omkar was appreciated by everyone in

the hall. He also spoke at length about

publications by the Manashakti institute

His suggestion to parents to change the

the kids and not just trying to bring abo

in the kids was well received by the au

Bijlani, who was chairing the paper pr

then had a few questions for the presen

they answered very thoroughly.

D 2 P P


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Paper Presentations

2. Yoga in Higher LearningInstitutions

Chair

Dr. Naresh Chandra

a. Yoga as a Complementary Modality inMedical Education: An Evidence Based Review

- Dr. S. Agarwal

b. Yoga in Dental Education- Dr. A. M. Deshpande

c. Yoga Modules of Swami Kuvalayananda forthe Physical Education Curriculum- Dr. Y. Kumar

d. Education and Yoga: Insights from theaittiriya Upanishad

- S. Bashyam

Day 2 - Paper P

Day 2 Paper P


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Dr. Agarwal started the discussion in mentioning

that yoga is a complementary practice in medical

education. He cited four specic examples - hyper-

tension, COPD, depression, and lower back pain-

and how yogic practices could work to counter

these medical ailments as an alternate form of

therapy. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder,

for example, kills more than 3 million people a year

from smoking and pollution. However, yogic breath-

ing for ones respiratory function can be aided to

prevent such premature deaths. Additionally, with

specic regard to depression, yogic practices can

reduce pathological diseases that often result in

suicide. Dr. A.M. Deshpande furthered the discus-

sion on yoga in the sphere of medical learning

institutions by delineating the specic therapeutic

benets of yoga for oral health problems. Probing

further into the issue of yoga in dental education,

Dr. Deshpande mentioned how the rise

and stress leads to muscular skeleton

and also leads to negative oral health

application of yoga in dentistry seems

relevant as it works to directly counter a

stress levels of doctors, students, and p

further works to rid individuals of poor

as smoking. Dr. Yogesh Kumar went on t

Swami Kuvalayanandas module for th

education curriculum, which, he expla

ultimate practice for the college going

in terms of physical, mental and emotio

Day 2 - Paper P

Day 2 - Paper P


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Paper Presentations

3. Yoga in Schools

Chair

Dr. G. Ravindran

a. Effect of Combining Yoga Practices withVedic Chanting Practices on Lung Function andCognitive Performance- Subbulakshmi, V et al

b. Kaya Sthairyam: Its Relevance andSuitability as a Practice for School Children- Shankari, S. V.

c. Yama-Niyama in Saint Ramdass Writings: AModel of Value Education for School Children- Chaudhari, M. et. al.

d. Effect of Yoga on Attitude towards Violenceand Positive-Negative Affect in School Children:A Randomized Controlled Study- Kale, D.

Day 2 - Paper P

Day 2 - Paper P


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This paper presentation session was chaired by Dr. G.

Ravindran and Ms. Sara Emilionie. The rst paper was

presented by Vidhya Shankari who talked about Kaya

Sthairyam Its relevance and suitability as a practice for

school children. Kaya Sthairyam aims at the withdrawal

of senses in order to look inwards and aids to improve

the concentration as well. This practice involves visual-

izing oneself in a three dimensional view as sitting in a

still posture and focusing on the body sensations. The

stillness of the body brings about stillness of mind and

aids in spiritual progress. Some of the ways in which this

can be introduced in the school involves ways such as

graphic narration, elaborate imagery, games that helps to

develop stillness. This can be practiced after a session of

asana and pranayama. The second paper was presented

by Mrudula Chaudhari the topic being Yama-Niyamas

in education for school children with the help of Saint

Ramdas writings. She said the literature of Sant Ramdas

such as Dasbodh helps in practically understanding the

yama and niyama of Patajali by giving clear instructions

as to what to do and what not to do in our daily lives.

Chanting the verses of Sant Ramdas with their mean-

ing could be a way to introduce in the schools. The third

paper was The eect of Yoga Practice on Positive-

Negative eects and attitude towards violence in school

children presented by Dipti Kale. This involved a exper-

imental study done using randomized control method.

Children were taught yoga for a month and evaluated

for changes in their behaviour using standar

naires to see the changes in their behaviou

tude. The experiment showed positive result

A.K. Sharma introduced his paper Improvin

functions of school children through yoga tr

started o by saying that the traditional text

the need to strengthen the respiratory syste

to control the mind and the body. Also resp

nesses have increased in school children due

reasons. This being the case yoga is an eec

improve the function of lungs and which also

therapeutic tool for lung disorders.

Day 2 Paper P

Day 2 - Paper P


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Paper Presentations

4. Policies and Leadership Relatedto Yoga in Education

Chair

Justice (Retd.) D.R. Dhanuka

a. Yogas Potential with Intellectually DisabledChildren: Te Need for Micro Leadership

Trough Participatory Research- Dr. P. Menon

b. Popularization of Yoga: Te Role of Mediaand Yoga Institutes- R. Chapalgaonkar

c. Medha Sanskara: A Model of Yoga Education- Shrikrishna Y, et al.

y p

Day 2 - Paper P


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Dr. P. Menon began the session with a denotation of

intellectual disability, which is popularly known as

mental retardation. She elaborated on the paper Yogas

Potential with Intellectually Disabled Children: The Need

for Microleadership Through Participatory Research,

mentioning that the study conducted included 4 patients

between 9-17 years with Attention Decit Disorder,

Attention Decit Hyperactive Disorder, Behavioural

issues and physical disability. The training happened

5 days weekly with progressive yoga modules. Overall,

span of attention, concentration, neuromotor coordina-

tion, gross and ne motor skills and stability of posture

and balance were found to improve. R. Chapalgaonkars

research involved the role of Media and yoga institutes

vis--vis news tracking on yoga and philosophy in news-

papers over the course of one month. As a result, it was

found that there is a huge scope to publish news on

yoga and philosophy especially as there is a growing

signicance of health communication in newspapers. In

parallel, journalists were found to have a lack of aware-

ness on yoga and philosophy. Consequently, it was also

found that there is a need to establish media cells. It is

proposed that schools of yoga come together to form

a common platform for circulation and distribution of

news related to yoga research and even to get the jour-

nalist involved right from the beginning of the research.

Mr. Shrikrishnas research on yoga and education was

born from the rising number of suicides in Japan. This

initiated the plan of Medha (memory) Sanska

polish) so as to reduce educational stress o

The following parameters were measured:

tion, reception, retention, recollection, re

through questionnaires before and after a 4 m

gram targeting the above 5 factors which inc

remedy of obstacles for stability of body, blo

passage, prana dharana, slow deep breathin

pranayama, om chanting, techniques to conv

long term memory, head and neck massage,

show a signicant improvement in memory

through cancellation tasks, passage memory,

and gure tests. It is proposed to introduce t

in 8thstandard onwards.

y p


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Cultural Event

The day came to an end with a fabulous cultu

put together by Dr. Uma Rele and her stu

Nalanda Dance & Research Academy, Mum

brought together a special evening dedicat

ious Indian Classical & Folk dances, blendi

Bharatnatyam & Mohini-attam into one splen

mance dedicated to the ve elements - Fire

(Vayu), Water (Jal), Earth (Prithvi) & Ether (Ak

brought the stage to life with dedications t

through traditional Maharashtrian folk dance

Shakti through the lively Garba from Gujarat

was an education day ending with a lovely i

our heritage that spans from Yoga and goes in

performing arts.


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Day 3 29.1

Plenary Session

Chair

Dr. Moorthy

Research on Yoga in SchoolsDr. S. Telles

Yoga in Schools: Te ScientificRationale, Prevalence andResearch Evidence

S. B. Khalsa (USA)

Day 3 - Ple


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This session provided for a rich discussion on the scien-

tic veracity of yoga in education systems worldwide.

Dr. Telles began the discussion by noting that surveys

conducted from 1980 to 2015 showed that the benet

of yoga for school children included coping with stress,

developing emotional strength, reducing aggressive-

ness and the need for sensory stimuli, and improving

short term memory. She cited an RCT done in Haridwar,

which compared the eect of yoga practice in school

children with that of physical exercise for 3 months. The

result was improved academic performance, improved

attendance and improved punctuality in both groups

but markedly an increase in personal self-esteem in

yoga. Dr. Telles also delineated that yoga improves

motor skills, balances right and left brain functions and

converts emotions through rational thinking. Yoga also

reduces depression scores in children considered at

risk for depression by forming positive pathways for

positive thoughts formation in the brain. Dr. Khalsa took

the discussion one step further, probing into the scien-

tic angles of yoga practices and how they substantiate

the need to implement it in the school system. Yoga, he

said, is scientically proved to produce deep relaxation

of the autonomic nervous system and can determine

which genes will be turned on (reducing inammation

and stress response) or o. Neuro-imaging during med-

itation showed that we are changing brain activity and

ultimately brain structure and that yoga practitioners

have a higher tolerance to pain and cold. Dr. Khalsas

studies showed that yogic practices (postures, breathing,

relaxation, etc) entail mind-body awareness, self-regu-

lation and physical tness, which in turn lead to a bet-

ter functioning of human beings through an enhanced

behaviour, mental state, health and performance for a

better quality of life and ultimately spiritual transfor-

mation. In this light, several of his research subjects

from public schools in the United States re

self-transformation through practice of yog

awareness of their behaviour, control of thei

mindful eating. Perhaps one of the most stri

was when Dr. Khalsa referenced a study do

tal health on adults, which discovered that t

of seriously impairing and persistent health

have child-adolescent onsets and high co

The study showed that there is an alarming

alence of psychiatric problems by 21 years.

he argued, indicates a great need for stab

child-adolescent stage of life through yog

demonstrated to have a holistic benet.


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Panel Discussions

1. Yoga - Bridging the Gapbetween Scientific Research andEducation

Chair

Dr. R. Bijlani

Panelists

Dr. A. Balayogi, Dr. V.V. Binoy, Dr. U.S. Ray, Dr. B. Patwardhan

Dr Bijlani laid the foundation of this talk by stat-

ing that education imparts knowledge, which is in

turn generated through research. Dr. Balayogi con-

tinued the discussion by addressing the need to

keep yoga out of the box and preventing yogic

healing from becoming similar to prescriptive

medicine, which only addresses one issue at a time.

Dr. V.V Binoy addressed the need of a third party

to maintain the bridge between the scientic and

academic communities, which could include NGOs,

governments and other similar organizations.

Also important was the issue of publishing yogic

research in proper publications as the aim of the

research should not only be to get the work pub-

lished, but get it published in a respectable journal.

This is a major issue among the scientic commu-

nity and as a result these studies lose their credibil-

ity and reliability. Dr. Binnoy emphasized the need

for eliminating doubts among our stude

upon by these unreliable publications a

them with trustworthy sources of infor

U.S Ray carried the discussion into yoga

fessional setting and the need to intro

among astronauts and deep sea divers.

change in pressure and aects of gravi

areas, the body also experiences die

of stress, and yoga could work to brin

to a balance while remaining in these

tional areas for long periods of time.

the discussion, Dr. Patwardhan addresse

to create a new language among scien

includes ayurveda and yoga and create

of yogic scientists who would bridg

between tradition and modern science.

Day 3 - Pane


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2. Continuity Versus Change:Making raditional YogaRelevant to odays World

Chair

Ms. M. Verma IAS

Panelists

Dr. M. Penna, Ms. C Tantillo(USA), Swami Nirmalananda,

Dr. B. Upadhyay IPS

The panel members included Swami Nirmalananda

Saraswati from the Bihar School of Yoga, and Carla

Cantillo from the US. The session was chaired by M.

Verma. Swami Nirmalananda started o her presenta-

tion by explaining how the terms continuity and change

are in fact complementary to each other and not dichot-

omous. She stressed the need for a change in presenta-

tion while keeping the traditional tenets of yogic texts

untouched. She likened it to trimming the branches of

trees for better growth. Swami ji also urged for the unity

between head, heart and hands when it came to teach-

ing methodologies. Carla Cantillo spoke at length about

her experiences in trying to imbibe yogic practises in

schools where the majority of the children are below

the poverty line in Chicago. She also described how her

practices have helped the students in combating their

own problems, which come up as a result of staying in a

highly volatile environment.

Panel Discussions

Day 3 - Pane


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3. Standardization of YogaEducation: Pros and Cons

Chair

Dr. I. Basavaraddi, Director MDNIY

Panelists

Dr. R. Narayanan (USA)

Mr. G. Boll (Sweden)

Yogacharya Amrutsuryananda (Portugal)Shri. S. Krishnamurthy NABCB QCI

This panel explored the feasibility of a one-size ts

all model for yoga in the eld of education. Starting

the discussion, Dr. Narayanan mentioned that there

are many approaches in yoga but that one has to be

careful not to misinterpret yoga for today it is purely

associated with asanas. Traditionally, yoga was not

a part of life but a full time involvement in ones

life. Bridging on that, he said, one has to remember

that the yoga sutras of patanjali entail the holistic

aspects of yoga, which should be where the stan-

dardization should come from. Mr. Boll continued

the discussion by mentioning that in Sweden yoga

is included in health care and after three years of

research work, yoga for heart patients is seeing

increased interest. Building on these ndings, they

are looking to implement yoga in Swedish schools

as well. Swami Suryananda spoke on the topic of

what unites us, commenting on the importance of

Ahimsa and the importance to highlight

in education curriculums. Shri Krishna

ished the discussion by delineating th

cal and practical approaches to standa

yoga.

Panel Discussions


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Paper Presentations

1. Yoga in Schools

Chair

Dr. G. Ravindra

a. Yoga in Portuguese Schools: Effect onStudents Development and School Performance- Devi G, et. al.

b. Effects of Yogic Practices on Children withAutism- Sudha, R et al.

c. Role of Yoga in Management of FootDeformity Associated Symptoms amon SchoolChildren- Wankhede, S et al.

d. Yoga as a Means for Improving the LungFunctions of School Children

- Sharma, K, et al.

Day 3 - Paper P


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This session began with Ms. Ganga Devi who

brought forward her work on introducing yoga in

Portuguese schools and her study on its eect on

development and performance by implementing

her programme nationwide. Her study shows that

yoga practices indeed calms the mind and prepares

it well to. Also they compared the respective envi-

ronments of ashrams and regular school lifestyle

both of which showed positive eect in managing

the subjective abilities although practice in regu-

lar school environment was not as signicant as

that of the ashrams. She also reports that due to

yoga the attendance in the schools have increased

signicantly. Ms Sudha Rao studied the eects of

yoga on autistic children, particularly on the sit-

ting tolerance of the subjects. Her research shows

that yoga practices have helped children calm

down, improved their body-mind coordination and

brought about synchronization among

chological, physical and physiological a

Wankhede presented his study on the r

in the management of foot deformities

ated symptoms among school children,

leads to major personality disorders

mainly focused on the clubfoot (talipes

His eight-week study constituted o

(bio-mechanical) tools to detect and ex

deformity. He observed signicant impr

the condition of the foot deformity, bo

and exibility of the children. He also

that there was subsequent decrease i

cular-skeletal pain due to deformed co

observing through questionnaires.

Day 3 - Paper P


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Paper Presentations

2. Yoga in Higher LearningInstitutions

Chair

Dr. Naresh Chandra

a. Understanding consciousness in the Contextof Yoga Education: A Synthetic View

- Kulkarni D et al.

b. Sivayogadipika and its Relevance to Schooland Higher Education- Ms J. Walker

c. Effect of Yoga on Spiritual Quotient ofStudents in Higher Education- Gore, A et al.

Dr. Kulkarni began the session with an apt point on how yoga was meant for spiritual purposes in an

rather than for physical and mental purposes in the modern world. Fundamental nature of consci

argued, consists of no exact xed sequences and that there are three altered states of normal b

human consciousness. Ms. J Walker continued the session explaining how the Sivayogadipika is o

played versus other Hatha Yoga texts and that it contains may benecial yogic practices that can

by school curriculums. Unlike yogic texts, such as Hathapradipika and Gheranda Samhita, Sivayo

not critically edited, adding to its value in an undiluted form. Ms. Gore also provided compellin

on how chanting Gayatri Mantra and Om by school students led to positive changes in their con

Day 3 - Paper P


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Paper Presentations

3. Policies and Leadership Relatedto Yoga in Education

Chair

Justice (Retd.) D.R. Dhanuka

a. Global Yoga Education: Meeting the UnitedNations Sustainable Development Goals

- S. Nandedkar

b. Leadership in Yoga Education: SwamiKuvalayanadas Vision- Pathak, S, et al.

c. Research on Immune Response toExamination Stress: A Review- Rajbhoj, P et al.

Day 3 - Paper P


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The session began with Mr. Nandedkar who made

a point on the need to integrate entrepreneurship

with yoga since it is the call of the hour that yoga

is disseminated more systematically to make for

the gap between the householders and the yogi.

Yoga, he said, takes into consideration both the

right and the left-brain activities so that a more

holistic approach is given to the SDG (Sustainable

Development Goals). According to Mr. Nandedkar

India can weave its techno-entrepreneurs and

holistic educators together towards a g lobal reach.

The discussion continued forward with Dr. Pathak,

who spoke on Swami Kuvalayanandas vision to

take methods of research from the west for spiritu-

ality and to do fundamental yogic research based

on Indian philosophy. He outlined how Swamijis

vision has come to fruition vis--vis introducingyoga in educational institutions, creating research

institutes and colleges, conferences, tra

teachers, school children and teachers a

and setting up yoga hospitals. Mr. Rajbh

to cite research on immune response t

tion stress. For this review, three data

studied. The common biochemical

measured were found to be the level

amylase, salivary cortisol, immunoglob

cytokines. Stress during exams caused

on the rst two substances while a re

immunoglobulin A. Yoga on the other h

caused the opposite eect.

Day 3 - Paper P


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The session began with Mrs. Dabhane, who enriched

the audience members by describing her experi-

ences while working with kids with special needs.

The way yogic practices were used to improve the

quality of life of the kids from her school was really

inspiring. Dr. Anand spoke eloquently about the

specialized yogic practices being utilized in his

hospital for deep relaxation of patients. His active

demonstration of some relaxation techniques, with

the involvement from the audience, was appreci-

ated by everyone present. He also stressed on the

importance of feeling the experience rather than

just mechanically being a part of it. Dr. Bhogal elu-

cidated about the transcendental aspects of using

a form of Kriya Yoga, which includes anuloma

viloma pranayama as tapa, chanting of the omkara

as swadhyaya, and recitation of the gayatri mantraas ishwarpranidhana. This innovative use of kriya

yoga has remarkable eects on its practi

heightened awareness, lack of negativ

amongst others. Dr. Samprasad and Dr. B

highly appreciative of the eorts of the

senters. The session ended, but not befo

of questions by Dr. Bijlani which were a

the presenters to the best of their expe

Paper Presentations

4. Experiential Paradigm of Yogain Education

Chair

Dr. Samprasad Vinod

a. Experiencing Deeper Relaxation TroughGitananda Yoga- Dr. A. B. Bhavanani

b. Yoga in School Education: Exploring theExperiential Paradigm of Yoga- Bhogal, R et al.

c. Holistic Practices for Children with SpecialNeeds- Mrs. V. Dabhane


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Cultural Event

The day came to an end with a soulful rendit

Kabir & Meera bais Bhajans by Kaluram Bam

powerful messages from our history beckon us

and lead a fullling life, with the audience le

ized and inspired by the spirit of the Kaluram


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Day 4 30.1

Paper Presentation

As part of its eorts to promote active dialogue on yoga, education, and policy Kaivalyadhama held four parallel sessions for members of civil society to present their writt

work on relevant topics. Candidates were judged by a program committee on the depth of their work. Four pr izes were awarded to the top candidates:

1. Effect of Yoga on Attitudes towards Violence and Positive-Negative Affect in School Children: A Randomized Controlled StudyMs. Dipti Kale

2. Yoga in Dental EducationDr. A.M. Deshpande

3. Medha Sanskara: A Model of Yoga EducationYogacharya Srikrishna Vyavahare

4. Experiencing Deeper Meditation through Gitananda YogaDr. Ananda Bhavanani


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Focus Group Report

The 8thInternational Conference on Yoga and Education created a unique opportun

together students, teachers, yoga enthusiasts, experts of yoga, leaders of the educ

and decision makers in the national government. This created a chance to identif

and opportunities, as well as necessary feedback from stakeholders, for policy ma

when planning the implementation process of yoga in education. In light of this, fo

were created to address the various dimensions involved in introducing yoga in the

system nationally.

Focus group is a proven tool to identify the opinions and issues that stakeholder

on any given subject. It is primarily used by marketers and politicians to gage the p

ion. In this case the process involved four discussion groups comprised of deleg

people in a group) and moderated by facilitator. Two or three neutral observers w

emerging issues, challenges and solutions, while observing the discussions.

A total of 110 delegates and invited guests participated in these discussions. The

these various focus groups are divided into six coherent divisions, which must all be

equally.

Day 4 - Focus


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The ndings of the focus group suggested that in order for the implementation of yoga

in education to be successful, governments and policy makers must play an active role

in facilitating these eorts. The following suggestions were noted:

Governments need to:

a. Develop comprehensive curriculum and compulsory policies throughout the whole

chain of education with regard to yoga

b. Provide a framework for eective implementation of policies related to yoga in

education

c. Provide adequate grants to institutes of education to implement government policies

d. Provide grants for research on yoga in education

e. Set up a regulatory body to register yoga trained teachers

f. Create a committee of yoga experts and educational specialists at nationa

must dene a curriculum for yoga teachers where yoga philosophy is also in

g. Create specic yoga modules based on the principles of yoga

h. Provide scholarships for individuals to learn to live the discipline of yoga

nated institute for three to ve years and later serve as a teacher

i. Establish a yoga council at the national level

j. Provide resources for yoga therapy to address the needs of children with

and physical disabilities

k. Relay that yoga is a secular science

l. Organize in service training programs for yoga teachers to sharpen thei

ensure that teachers are keeping up with their practices and living the princip

1. The role of governments and policy makers

Day 4 - Focus


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It was repeatedly brought to the attention during all discussions that the nancial limita-

tions and low societal status inhibit many able people f rom going into the eld of yogic

teaching. Moreover it was recognized that the profession of yoga teacher is regarded as

a third class profession with no future in it. Historically communities or villagers sup-

ported the yogis, sadhus and holy men. The image of spirituality and practicing yogis

therefore is associated with living o charity and in austerity in Indian culture.

In this light, it is obvious that the image of yogi as yoga teacher professional needs

to change. In order to attract able individuals we must raise the recognition of social

and nancial status of yoga teacher. However, the challenge of changing the image and

bringing up the status in society is a great one as it goes against the tradition. Therefore

it requires special attention and has to be addressed vis--vis the following:

a. Introduce government authorized national and state eligibility tests (N

yoga teachers

b. Create government and private jobs akin in status to academician/nurse/

apist/doctors, (i.e. yoga therapy in hospitals)

c. Redene the standard of yoga qualication and expertise (including per

tices) with clear parameters vis--vis the implementation of yoga in educati

2. The status of yoga teacher profession

Day 4 - Focus


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It was recognized that in order for yoga in education to be eective it must be put into

practice at the classroom level starting with primary and secondary education when

children are in their most fundamental stages of development. In doing so the following

points should be considered:

a. Regular class teachers should be one of the main providers of yoga, which means that

each teacher of a subject should be a trained yoga teacher by a certication course

b. A few very short (10min) yoga sessions throughout each day proved to be eective

strategy

c. A teacher training program for teachers at all levels should be introduced

d. Ashtanga yoga classical elements, such as yamas and niyamas, should also be taught

e. Yoga should be integrated in all levels of teaching and not restricted to only an asana

class

f. Teaching content and methodology should be age appropriate

g. Yoga educators need to have freedom for creative implementation

h. There should be no exams for students and no sense of competit

encouragement

i. For students between the ages of eight and ten yoga should be a compuls

for forty ve minutes twice a week

j. Schools should create personality development through yoga science as

subject

k. Yoga education must include all students ir respective of economic caste,

der, religion and color

l. Therefore schools should assist kids with psychological/mental disabilit

providing methodology/content-appropriate yoga classes

3. The role of yoga in the classroom

Day 4 - Focus


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The importance of yoga in education is not only relevant at the primary and secondary

school levels, but is also relevant for students as they mature and continue to pursue

their education at higher learning institutes. It is necessary therefore for yoga to be

actualized in higher education institutions with the following in mind:

a. There should be a comprehensive curriculum of yoga up to the PhD level

b. It would be benecial to have yoga immersion program the rst week of the rst

semester

c. It is being tried and proven that personality development through yoga science works

well as an elective subject but that it also requires a highly qualied teacher

d. It would be benecial to introduce yoga counseling in secondary and higher learning

institutions

e. Teaching yoga should be made a prestigious profession to encourage students to pur-

sue it in higher learning institutions

4. The role of yoga in higher education

Some of the most important elements in social life have strong family and

ties. The ndings of the focus group suggested that the goal to promote yog

would be greatly fortied through family encouragement and involvement

lowing means:

a. Host classes for parents and children together on the weekends

b. Host individual classes for parents only

c. Make schools into yoga hubs for local communities

d. Create awareness within the community, teachers and administrators

5. Yoga in family

Day 4 - Focus


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No great science is relevant without continuous research, critique, review and enhance-

ment. Recognizing these points, the focus group indicated a greater need for the follow-

ing with regard to yoga and education:

a. Increased research to monitor the eect of yoga on students at all levels

b. More long term studies with teacher-researcher collaboration of relevant universities,

research institutes, and yoga institutes

c. More clarity of purpose and anticipated outcomes is needed in the standardization

process of introducing yoga in schools

d. More long term research is needed on whether, and how, yoga education can address

problems in the education system such as stress, anxiety, drop-outs, behavior and addic-

tion issues

6. Yoga in research, review, and continuous improvement

Poster Presentation


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Poster Presentation

As part of the 8thinternational conference, Kaivalyadhama also

hosted a poster presentation competition to evaluate the best

aesthetic illustration of yogic practices. Participants submit-

ted thirty-ve posters, which were judged by a program com-

mittee. Three winners were selected:

Rank 1: Te Effect of wo Ps Posture andPranayamaMr. P. Girija Sankar

Rank 2: Effects of Yoga and Aerobic Exercise: AComparison of Biomechanical Parameters inCollege WomenDr. Govind Kadam

Rank 3: A Comparison in the Levels of Self-Rated Physical and Mental Satisfactionbetween Yoga Practitioners and Non-YogaPractitioners

Mr. Ram Kumar

Valedictory Ceremony


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Valedictory Ceremony

The valedictory ceremony of the confer-

ence commenced with a closing address by

Secretary General, Shri Om Prakash Tiwari.

Presiding over the inaugural ceremony was

key note speaker, Dr. B.M. Hegde, Retired

Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy

of Higher Education, guests of honor,

Justice D.R. Dhanuka, former Honorable

Justice of the Bombay High Court, and

Dr. D.R. Karthikeyan, Ocer of the Indian

Police Service and former Director of the

Central Bureau of Investigation, as well as

Swami Maheshanandaji, spiritual leader

of Kaivalyadhama. In his address, Justice

Dhanuka mentioned the diculties in con-

structing a global curriculum on yoga and

education and the necessity of national

governments to involve themselves in the

process. Within India, he said, t

ment has been actively engag

ate various organizing comm

working groups for impleme

yoga in the global education

Building on this, Dr. Hegde men

our eorts should be to trans

ety into a tranquil society, whic

be achieved through yoga. W

cation? he asked. Education

good human being, which is taug

yoga. However, today, he said, w

goes to school many physiologi

change as a result of various st

deteriorate the body. With this

argued, we should help implem

a system of 24 hour education

the child of his true nature: bliss

Resolution of the Conference


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Resolution of the Conference

After three days of intense deliberations at various plenary sessions and worksho

egates of the 8thInternational Conference on Yoga and Education at Kaivalyadham

on nine key points. This resolution was proposed by Dr. Ananda Balyogi, seconded

Hegde, and unanimously supported by all the delegates of the conference.

The resolution was as follows:

1. Yoga is an ancient Indian cultural and spiritual heritage developed for self-im

leading to self-actualization and realization. The ancient wisdom of yoga should be

promoted and enriched to uplift humanity in all its dimensions.

2. Yoga shall be integrated in to the educational system at all levels through teachi

and research for holistic development of personality.

3. Yogic principle of wellness helps strengthen and develop positive health enabli

and teachers to withstand stress. Wellness modules of Yoga shall be inculcated a

stakeholders of educational institutions.

Day 4 - Resolution of th


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4. Yoga chairs should be established in recognized international institutions through Ministry of AYUSH and other Ministries of Government of India.

5. Specialized modules for teachers should be prepared and training given to improve their health, eciency and self -awareness.

6. Yoga should be introduced in the medical education system during the undergraduate as well as postgraduate programs. Regular CMEs should be conducted to update

professionals.

7. The contribution of Kaivalyadhama in the eld of Yoga, Education and Research is commendable, considering this the central and state governments should promote th

of Kaivalyadhama further and recognize it as a center of excellence in the eld of Yoga.

8. Consultative meetings should be called of academicians, practitioners and researchers to develop a strategy to preserve, promote and enrich Yoga.

9. Yoga should be included in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.


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Focus Group Discussion Support Staf FelicitationPrize Distribution

Morning Workshops


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Morning Workshops

owards DhyanShri R.S. Bhogal

Giving the base of Patanjalis principles of Dhyana, Shri Bhogal slowly led the audience

through techniques for deep meditation. Over the course of three days he prepared the

practitioners for Dhyana with verses from Bhagwat Gi ta, Viveka Chudamani and Shrimat

Bhagwat, as well as, sutras from Patanjali. Additionally, he focused on Kriya Yoga, and

methods of Dhyana as per the Shiva Samhita.

Advanced Yoga AsanasShri Neeraj Singh

Mr. Singhs three-day workshop on asanas focused on advanced postures d

long time practitioners. He taught those asanas which have been scientica

for their impact and benet by Swami Kuvalayanandaji.

Mornin


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Yoga AsanasSmt. Sandhya Dixit

This practical session on yoga asanas was a beginner level introductory class on the

postures taught as per the Hatha Yoga tradition at Kaivalyadhama. Mrs. Dixit also high-

lighted the various course structures on asanas that Swami Kuvalayananda describes in

his book Asanas.

Classical PranayamaShri O.P Tiwari

This three-day overview of pranayama gave practitioners insight into the var

ent practices of pranayama, as delineated by Hatha Yoga texts and scienti

ied by Swami Kuvalayanandaji. Tiwariji, the direct disciple of Swami Kuval

introduced ve preparatory practices to prepare the body for pranayama, kri

as ve ancient pranayama practices. Each session commenced with a lecture

tory, veracity, and importance behind pranayama.

Mornin


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Spiritual DiscourseSwami Anubhavananda

Swami Anubhavanandas spiritual discourses focused on the questions of self-realiza-

tion and Patanjalis Yoga Sutras. He spoke on the phases of dharna, dhyana, and samadhi

and also spoke on the value of discarding both body identication and the idea of one

soul, one body. The discourses elucidated the importance of realizing that material

value cannot bring true happiness in life and that the idea of meditation is not done, but

rather just happens.

Classical YogaDr. Ganesh Rao

Dr. Raos workshop began with an explanation as to what may be understo

sical yoga. Building on this concept, practices focused on the principles o

yoga, and included kriyas, asanas, pranayama, mudras, bandhas, meditatio

tra chanting. Over the three days, the practices were characterized by con

increasing intensity.

Evening Workshops 28.1


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v g W p

As part of the practical sessions oered during the con-

ference, workshops were hosted on the second and third

evenings to provide participants with dierent experien-

tial opportunities in asanas, pranayama, and meditation

techniques. The workshops oered included:

1. Yoga Smkhyas Mah Sdhan - Yogacharya Suryananda

3. Aligning the body and mind through asana

- Dr. R. Mehta, Iyengar Yoga Centre

2. Vipassana Meditation

- Dr. N. & H. Ganla, Vipassana Research Academy

4. Yoga for children - Ms. J. Bajaj 5. Yoga Nidra as Psychology - Yogacharya V. Mandlik, Yoga

Evening Workshops 28.1


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g p

2. Yoga for Aging Reversal - Pandit R Mishra, Ujjain Life Society

4. Yoganidra - Sw. Nirmalananda, Bihar School of Yoga

3. Power of Prana - Using B reath in Yoga Practices

- Shri. K. Desikacharya, KYH Foundation

5. Application of Yoga in Education for perfect personality

development, Hindi language

1. Ananda Pranayama - Yogacharya S. Vyavahare

Inauguration of the Ayurvedic garden


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g y g

Kaivalyadhama was pleased to inaugurate its

dic garden in collaboration with Ayurvedac

Nalini Gite, on December 28th, 2015. The ga

Vanam, Kamdhenu Vatika, Aushadhi Vanam) w

rated by Chief Guest, Shripad Naikji, Ministe

Key Note Speaker, Swami Adyatmanandaji, Gue

S.C. Khuntia, Secretary, Ministry of HRD, and C

the Organizing Committee at Kaivalyadhama,

Srikrishna. Swami Adyatmanandaji conferreproject with an auspicious Puja (prayer ritu

the conference, an ayurveda exposition was

play the crops, plants and their various med

that grow within the garden. The exhibition w

anism to education people on ayurvedic con

potency, and the prevalence of many of these

in local areas throughout India. The new gar

used to supply ayurvedic medicines and re

Kaivalyadhama.

Feedback


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The following are written excerpts of feedback received from various attendees, delegates, and honorary participants of the conference.

Dear Subodh ji,

It was an honour a nd great pleasure to at tend the recently concluded Yoga conference at Kaivalyadhama. This was my rst int

with your Institute and participation in Yoga conference of such magnitude. I thoroughly enjoyed the scientic sessions and de

I could sense faculty and participants were learned yoga experts or accomplished in their eld. I sincerely thank you for the kin

hospitality, serene environment of Institute and response of sta was very comforting.

Would like to make a recommendation - Nine Resolutions which were passed on the last day and the report of Focus group mudisseminated to all stake holders - such as Yoga Institutions, medical colleges, various school boards and regulatory bodies an

ministries in state and central government. Focus group report is a scientic document and it may be published in a journal as

journal related with Yoga or Health or Education.

You are invited to visit us whenever possible. Swami Rama a yogi from Himalayas founded our organisation, you may nd mor

information on www.hihtindia.org www.srhu.edu.in

Professor Sunil Saini

Director, Cancer Research Institute


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Thanks dear Subodh.

You were best as usual and much more this year.

Your planning and coordination skills as superb.

I am always at your service.

Lots of love.

Dear Subodh Tiwari

Many thanks and congratulations for the ne event you have so wisely devised. I am feeling honored to have been invited to thConference thus tuning in my experience in France with the reports of those researchers and decision makers who are promo

world wide movement of yoga in education. It was for me a great pleasure to stay in the ne ambiance of your great ashram.

May this new year 2016 oer you many opportunities and happy returns. With warm regards and thanks.

Swami AnubhavanandaSpiritual Leader

Micheline Flak, PhD

Pioneer of bringing yoga into the

education system in France


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Dear Subodh, Hari Om

Firstly I wanted to give my deepest thanks to you for conducting and giving me the opportunity to be at KD for the Yoga and Ed

Convention: it was an inspiring event with some of the worlds great leaders in this area. There were so many great speakers an

that I was unable to attend enough sessions! Nevertheless I did have true quality time with some great individuals, and each an

one of them approached me with an open heart. The atmosphere was beautiful. It was especially tting that you gave great ho

sta who served (and serve each day) each person visiting as an honored guest.

Dear Subodh Tiwari,

I wish you & all of the members of Kaivalyadham family very happy, healthy and a year full of achievements.

I also want to congratulate you all for making the 8th international yoga conference a grand success. I want to thank you for g

opportunity to participate & meet the whole yoga community.

With Om & Prem

Swami Poornamurti (Philip Connor)Satyananda Yoga Academy

Swami Nirmalananda

Bihar School of Yoga


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Dear Subodh,

What an amazing feat of organization are your conferences, and each is better than the last one. Thank you for all the care you

to look after me (and the other guests) individually in spite of such large numbers and so many issues that you were dealing w

simultaneously. Swami Anubhavanandas discourses are so much fun and yet so educative -- he is an expert at doing this dic

well with a subject like spirituality. In the rest of the conference also I manage to nd some gems, meet old friends, and get to k

new stalwarts in the eld. Thank you for making it all possible.

Wish the entire KDM family a new year full of Light, Love, Peace, Joy and Fulllment.

Dear all

I came back to a snowy and very cold Sweden a couple of days ago, trying to adjust back to normality again.

I had a fantastic time at magical Kdham and I would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for inviting me and Sa ra

stay the extra days, taking so very good care of us. The arrangements were all perfect, with Marie as the perfect guide, being th

every way through the whole stay. Thank you!

Sara is still talking about the ayurvedic treatments she took, and Lees yoga program, Nabbi Kriya, that she is still doing every

that she is saying have transformed her, in the deepest sense.

You all made our trip to India a memory for life thank you!

Ramesh BijlaniAurobindo Ashram

Gran Boll

Founder, MediYoga


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I would like to thank everyone in the focus group for taking the time to come together and make Focus Group a big success. S

intimate set up to discuss the 4 main ideas was ideal. It was great for the people to interact and allow their voice / thoughts to b

.... ONE VOICE.

Also, I am grateful and honored to work with you all and most importantly, learn from you all. Thank you. I hope our paths will

and will have the opportunity to work together in the future.

With warmest regards,

Jyoti Bajaj

http://theyogakids.com

Jyoti BajajFounder, TheYogaKids

Glimpses


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Swami Kuvalyananda Marg, Lonavla 410403, India

+91 2114 276001 / 273001

www.kdham.com | [email protected]

Compiled by

Eela Dubey, Kartik Date, Manjusha Coonjan, Ipsita Mazumder, Varun Sampathkumar,

Tanvee Bhise, Raj Sambhawani, Shreen Dubey, Bhanu Pratap Singh Rana, Sandeep Hebbar

Documents

Conf 2015 Proceedings