The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar has laid the foundation stone of a new centre dedicated to yogic sciences and holistic development on its campus, marking a significant step towards promoting mental health, physical well-being, and overall wellness among students and faculty. The facility has been named the Dr Ishan Avdhoot Shivanand Centre for Yogic Sciences and Holistic Development, after Yoga of Immortals founder Dr Ishan Shivanand, who attended the foundation stone-laying ceremony.
The ceremony was held in the presence of IIT Ropar Director Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, along with Dr Atharva Poundarik, Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, and renowned cardiologist Dr Bindukumar Kansupada. The initiative reflects IIT Ropar’s growing emphasis on integrating traditional wisdom with modern scientific research in higher education.
Centre to Integrate Yogic Sciences with Modern Research
According to IIT Ropar, the newly established centre will combine traditional yogic practices with contemporary scientific approaches. The facility will house dedicated spaces for:
- Yoga and meditation
- Mindfulness practices
- Aerobics and physical fitness activities
- Stress management and wellness programmes
The centre will also encourage research in holistic health practices, positioning IIT Ropar as a leading institute in the scientific exploration of wellness and mind–body integration.
Focus on Mental Health and Student Well-being
Speaking at the event, Prof. Rajeev Ahuja highlighted the importance of holistic development in academic institutions.
“Mental health and physical well-being are essential in today’s demanding academic environment. The centre will help our community achieve balance and resilience,” he said.
Dr Ishan Shivanand emphasised that scientifically validated yogic practices can help students effectively manage stress, anxiety, and burnout, adding that the centre could serve as a model for other educational institutions across India.
Programmes and Activities at the New Centre
As per the institute, the Dr Ishan Avdhoot Shivanand Centre for Yogic Sciences and Holistic Development will offer:
- Daily yoga and meditation sessions
- Stress and anxiety management programmes
- Faculty and staff wellness initiatives
- Research projects in holistic and preventive healthcare
These initiatives aim to foster a culture of well-being, mindfulness, and resilience within the IIT Ropar campus.
Dr Ishan Shivanand Scholarship for Gifted Youth Announced
Alongside the centre’s launch, IIT Ropar also announced the Dr Ishan Shivanand Scholarship for Gifted Youth. Under this initiative, 10 fully funded scholarships will be awarded to students from underprivileged backgrounds.
- 5 scholarships for undergraduate students
- 5 scholarships for postgraduate students
Prof. Ahuja stated that the scholarships are designed to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder talented students from achieving academic excellence and personal growth.
Quick Reference Summary
| Aspect | Details |
| Institute | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar |
| Centre Name | Dr Ishan Avdhoot Shivanand Centre for Yogic Sciences and Holistic Development |
| Focus Areas | Yoga, meditation, mindfulness, wellness research |
| Key Personalities | Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Dr Ishan Shivanand |
| Scholarships Announced | 10 fully funded (UG & PG) |
| Objective | Student well-being, holistic education |
Significance of the Initiative
The establishment of this centre aligns with India’s growing recognition of mental health and holistic education as integral components of academic success. By blending ancient yogic traditions with scientific inquiry, IIT Ropar aims to create a sustainable model for wellness in higher education institutions.
With the foundation of the Dr Ishan Avdhoot Shivanand Centre for Yogic Sciences and Holistic Development, IIT Ropar reinforces its commitment to holistic education and student well-being. The integration of yogic sciences, wellness research, and inclusive scholarship support sets a progressive example for higher education institutions nationwide. For further updates, students are encouraged to visit the official IIT Ropar website and bookmark this page for future announcements.
