UGC plans Inter-University Centre for Yogic Sciences, yoga depts at varsities

The commission has also shortlisted 54 universities for setting up yoga departments, besides three universities and two institutions for national-level yoga centres.

After approving undergraduate and post-graduate yoga courses at universities, the University Grants Commission (UGC) now plans to establish an Inter-University Centre for Yogic Sciences in the country.

Sand artist Sudarsan Patnaik creates a sand sculpture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the message ‘Yoga for Harmony & Peace’ at Odisha’s Puri beach on Tuesday. (PTI photo)

Sources said a proposal submitted in this regard is being examined by the commission.

The UGC had also asked all universities and colleges to prioritise the celebration of the International Yoga Day (IYD), and submit proof of activities undertaken by students and faculty members for review. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the country in celebrating the third IYD edition on Wednesday.

Earlier, the commission constituted a panel under the chairmanship of Dr HR Nagendra, chancellor of the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana University in Bengaluru, to assess the feasibility of establishing an Inter-University Centre for Yogic Sciences. A report has been submitted to the government.

The proposed centre will cater to all yogic requirements of universities and colleges under a single roof. “It can be used as a place to train the faculty through experts, and ensure that they are familiar with every nuance of the discipline. It will also be used to conduct collaborative research inside and outside India,” said an official.

The commission has shortlisted 54 universities for setting up yoga departments, besides three universities and two institutions for national-level yoga centres. “Six central universities will get yoga departments. The commission has granted Rs 10 crore to each of the six central universities,” said another UGC official.

Last year, the UGC had approved BSc (yoga), MSc (yoga), PhD (yoga), PG diploma (yoga) and PG diploma (yoga therapy) courses in various institutions. Through the Central Board of Secondary Education, it also turned yoga into a subject in the National Eligibility Test. As many as 7,279 candidates appeared for it on January 22 this year.