OUTREACH PROGRAMMES
- Efforts are made to include Yoga in MBBS curriculum. Regular updates on the psycho-physiology of Yoga and its therapeutic potential are given for the 1st year MBBS students.
- Yoga training has been given for nursing students of the Kasturba Gandhi Nursing College on a regular basis since 2011. Nursing recruits visit CYTER during their orientation programmes and are given special sessions highlighting benefits of Yoga. At present 100 nursing students are enrolled for a 6 week training programme.
- Regular Yoga awareness programmes in MRD since September 2013.
- Regular talks as part of arthritis, obesity, back pain, diabetes awareness programmes organized by various departments.
- Capsule talks and lecture-demonstrations in Scientific Academic Forum (SAF)
- Outreach programmes in educational institutions and other social organizations to create awareness of Yoga and the functioning of CYTER at MGMCRI.
- A CME-cum-Workshop on “Yoga and Lifestyle Disorders” was organized by CYTER and Department of Physiology at MGMC&RI on 22 November 2013. More than 250 medical and paramedical professionals and students as well as Yoga practitioners and enthusiasts took part in the CME that gave participants an overview of the role Yoga can play in lifestyle disorders by inculcating a healthy lifestyle.
- “Workshop on Yoga Therapy” was conducted at the 20th International Yoga festival organized by Department of Tourism, Government of Puducherry at Gandhi Tidal – January 4-7, 2013 by CYTER team.
- Workshops, seminars and talks at various venues in Australia and New Zealand from 24th March to 14th April 2014, programmes organized by the Gitananda Yoga Association of Australia at IYTA-Wellington, Lotus Yoga Centre-Paraparaumu in New Zealand and Anand Yoga Academy at Adelaide, intensive 3-day retreats at Tatum Park, NZ and Integral Yoga Academy of Australasia at Adelaide and a special 2-day workshop at the International Yoga Teachers Association at Sydney, Australia were conducted by Dr Ananda.
- Board of Studies meeting of GS College of Yoga and Cultural Synthesis, at Kaivalyadhama in Lonavla was attended by Dr Ananda, who has been nominated as the chairperson for the subject, “Anatomy and Physiology of the human body in the context of Yoga.” He was also chief guest for the inauguration of the Foundation Course in Yoga & Ayurveda at Kaivalyadhama and resource person for the National Seminar on “Dimensions of Yoga and its dynamics” at MoP Vaishnav College for Women, Chennai. He delivered an invited lecture on “Diverse Dimensions of Yoga for the youth”in the event organized jointly by the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram and MoP Vaishnav College.
- CYTER inaugurated a special silver citizens Yoga and health programme for senior citizens of the Serene Pelican Belfort Township. More than 25 senior citizens attended the sessions at CYTER led by Dr. Meena Ramanathan and supported by Latha and Dhanush, the Yoga instructors. A special “Silver Citizens Clinic” is being organized from 11am to 12.30pm every Thursday at CYTER to benefit those who are above 60years of age.
- Consultative Committee of the WHO Collaborating Centre in Traditional Medicine (Yoga) at the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi and Dr Ananda was nominated to be a part of the committee and attended the 1st Consultative Meeting at MDNIY on 22nd and 23rd September 2014. WHO identifies institutions from member countries to work in specific areas of health and designates them as WHO Collaborating Centers. Across the globe there are 23 WHO collaborating centers for traditional medicine, but the only one for Yoga is at MDNIY while one for Ayurveda is in Jamnagar, Gujarat. It is a historic achievement for the country to have two WHO collaborating centers of traditional medicine and MDNIY is privileged to be the only WHO Collaborating Centre in the world to engage in achieving Yoga specific outcomes.
- “Mind, Health, Discipline Development” for XII Std Students was organized by Wiseman HSS in Pondicherry on 1st October 2014 and Dr Ananda gave a special interactive session for more than 200 students and staff. They were also made aware of the training and patient care facilities available at CYTER.
- Continuous Pharmacy Education(CPE) was conducted on 26.10.2014 for in service pharmacists, staff and faculty of Indira Gandhi Government General Hospital and Post Graduate Institute (IGGGH&PGI) Pondicherry . Dr Meena gave an interactive talk cum practical session on “Yoga, the mind body medicine; A balm to calm the minds.”
- The 4th CYTER Foundation Day was celebrated on 1st November 2014 in a gala manner. Prof N Ananthakrishnan, Prof S Krishnan, Prof VR Srinivasan, Dr Nirmal Courmar, Dr Ravichandran felicitated the occasion. Mrs Asha and Mr Balamukundan represented the administration and NS graced the occasion. A Yoga demonstration was done by students of the PGDYT course and the senior citizens from Serene Pelican Township. Participants, students and faculty gave their positive feedback on the past 4 years of the activities at CYTER since its inception in 2010.
- Special programme for people of the third gender from SCHOD Society, Cuddalore was organised by CYTER from 3rd to 7th November 2014 More than 15 transgender citizens attended the sessions at CYTER, as part of a pilot study of Senthil Kumar, MSc Nursing, KGNC. Dr Ananda gave an introduction and then the practice session was conducted by Yoga instructors Dhanush, supported by Latha.
- Consultative Meeting of World Health Organization’s Collaborative Centre in Traditional Medicine (Yoga) at MDNIY, New Delhi was conducted on 10.11.2014 to which Dr Ananda was an invited guest. The meeting was Chaired by Dr Ishwar Basavaraddi (Director MDNIY) and conducted by Dr Ishwara Acharya (Director CCRYN and Programme Officer WHOCC). Other eminent members were Dr.Shirley Telles (Patanjali University), Dr. SC Manchanda (Ganga Ram Hospital), Dr Bimal Chaajer (SAAOL), Dr KV Naveen (SVYASA) and Dr JS Thakur (PGIMER). The WHO representatives were Dr Kim Sung Chol (TIP in Traditional medicine) and Dr Kathleen AS Holloway (Regional Adviser).
- Pondicherry Yogasana Association’s 29th Yoga Sport Championship was held on 15th and 16th November 2014 in which CYTER Team took part and more than 1200 participants were given awareness about CYTER.
- CME for Nurses, Educators, Social Workers, Sisters and Nuns, staff and faculty of the congregation of St.Cluny as part of The South East Province Health Commission Meet for the South Zone was organized and Dr Meena was invited to conduct the program on 23.11.2014 on Yoga & Meditation; The Mind-Body Medicine; The Balm to Calm at St. Joseph’s Hospital (Cluny).
- CME on “Sleep, Consciousness And Meditation: Neuro-Physiological Correlates” was held at MGMC&RI, Pondicherry on 27th November 2014. This event was organized by Department of Physiology and Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (CYTER), MGMC&RI, Pondicherry. More than 300 medical and paramedical professionals and students as well as Yoga practitioners and enthusiasts took part in the day-long event that updated knowledge of participants in fields of sleep, consciousness and meditation and introduced them to the practices leading to meditation.
- A special motivational/interactive session on “Positive Self-Empowerment for the Youth” for the Students, faculty and staff members of Avvaiyar College of Engineering and Technology for Women, Thiruvandarkoil, Pondicherry was given by Dr Meena on 18.12.2014.
- Special Workshop on Yoga Therapy and Yoga awareness programme was conducted at the 21st International Yoga Festival organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Pondicherry at Gandhi Tidal from January 4th to 7th 2015 and CYTER Team was invited to participate and present during the event.
- CME was conducted on “Therapeutic Potential of Yoga” organized by Department of Physiology, Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College Hospital & Research Center, Ariyur, Pondicherry on 20th January was attended by more than 200 participants and presentations by CYTER team were well appreciated by all.
- Online Meditation Summit was organised by Ananda Sanga Educational Institute of South Africa in which a worldwide audience listened to eminent Meditation experts from around the World from 23rd to 29th January 2015 and Dr Ananda was invited to be a resource person for the summit.
- NATIONAL YOGA WEEK-2015 held at MDNIY, New Delhi from 12-18 February, 2015 and Dr Ananda presented an invited talk on “Yoga for non-communicable disorders” and participated in the Executive Council meetings of the Indian Yoga Association. The Hon’ble Minister of AYUSH, Govt. of India Shripad Yesso Naik inaugurated the Yoga Week and released the logo of the Indian Yoga Association.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Yoga (PhD) was successfully completed by Dr Meena from Tamilnadu Physical Education and Sports University and received her degree from the hands of the Governor of Tamil Nadu at the convocation held at Rajbhavan in Chennai on 18th February 2015. The public viva on her thesis had been held on the 11th February at the university campus and her defence of it was widely acclaimed by all present. She had studied the “Effect of selected Yogasanas and pranayama practices on selected cardio-respiratory, psychological and psycho-motor variables among low and highly depressed geriatric women under the guidance of Dr. K. Vaithianathan, the former Vice Chancellor of the university. Her study found significant positive alterations in the cardio-respiratory variables, psychological variables and psycho-motor variables after 12 weeks of Yoga training.
- A three month biweekly Yoga training programme was conducted at CYTER for 2nd year BSc nursing students of KGNC. 50 of the 2nd year BSc nursing students of KGNC (1st Batch) underwent intensive training program including stress reduction, surya namaskar, asanas, pranayamas and relaxation techniques. They were also exposed to an introduction to Yoga philosophy, psychology and lifestyle. The valedictory of the Yoga training programme for the 1st batch was held on 4th March at CYTER. Prof KR Sethuraman, VC, SBV gave away the certificates for the 50 students in the presence of Dr Madanmohan (Director CYTER) and Dr Renuka (Principal KGNC). The students gave a demonstration and an excellent feedback. Faculty members of KGNC and CYTER staff participated in the event. At the suggestion of the vice chancellor an ‘avant-apres’ comparison was done with the students giving single words for the way they perceived the pre -post effects of Yoga training in their lives. The second batch of 50 students started their training on 9th March and this biweekly programme is continuing at present. The students have also been participating in pilot studies on the effects of various Yoga techniques thus simultaneously enhancing their scientific understanding of Yoga.
- Woman’s day celebrations event was organized by Pondicherry Tourism and The Hindu at Hotel Surguru and Dr Meena was invited to be a panelist and presented her views on the empowerment of women through Yoga and was felicitated for her significant contribution to welfare of women in Pondicherry
- Board Meeting of the Council for Yoga Accreditation International was conducted and Dr Ananda is a member of the Board of Directors. The meeting was held at Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Lonavla, India on 14-15 March and presided over by Shri Om Prakash Tiwari, Chairman of Board in the presence of Dr HR Nagendra, Vice-Chair of Board with other Directors including Dr Ananda in attendance. Dr Rajan Narayanan, Secretary of Board conducted the meeting that passed major resolution on setting standards for Yoga instructors, teachers and therapists. The Council for Yoga Accreditation International is a Peer Accreditation Association of Yoga Certification and Degree Granting Institutions modelled around the University accreditation system in the United States and field specific, standards bodies like that of law schools, business schools and medical schools.
- Special address at the Maharishi Gitananda Yoga Centre at the Lexicon school in Viman Nagar, Pune on Sunday 15th March 2015 by Dr Ananda. The centre is run by Sumita and Praveen Mukherjee with the support of the Lexicon Group. More than 30 members of the Pune Yoga family joined the satsangha and enjoyed every moment of the interaction that resulted from inquisitive questions regarding many aspects of Yoga.
- AYUSH Ministry Committee of Yoga Experts met for International Day of Yoga celebrations 2015 to which Dr Ananda was invited and he attended the first of the meetings in New Delhi on 6th April 2015. The meeting was chaired by Dr HR Nagendra, Chancellor SVYSA University and attended by eminent Yoga experts as well as secretaries and officers from departments of AYUSH, MEA, HRD and Culture.
- Executive Council meeting of the Indian Yoga Association was conducted at MDNIY, New Delhi where many important decisions were taken regard celebration of the International Day of Yoga and the accreditation and registration of Yoga practitioners in India. The meeting was attended by heads of premier Yoga institutions and Dr Ananda participated too.
- CME on “Rediscover thyself through the ancient wisdom of Yoga” at the St Joseph’s Hospital (Cluny), Pondicherry that was well attended by senior doctors of Pondicherry. Dr Meena conducted the interactive CME and CYTER staff and students gave an excellent demonstration.
- Scientific Advisory Committee of the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy in Ministry of AYUSH, Govt of India was organized and Dr Ananda was nominated to the committee. This is very prestigious as this is the council that oversees research and propagation of Yoga at the national level. His tenure will last three years from 2015-2018.
- AYUSH Ministry Committee of Yoga experts met for International Day of Yoga celebrations 2015. Dr Ananda was invited and he attended the third of the meetings in New Delhi on 25th April 2015. The meeting was chaired by Dr HR Nagendra, Chancellor SVYSA University and attended by eminent Yoga experts as well as secretaries and officers from departments of AYUSH, MEA, HRD and Culture.
- Board of Studies meeting of the GS College of Yoga and Cultural Synthesis, at Kaivalyadhama in Lonavla on 4 July 2015. Dr Ananda was nominated as the chairperson for the subject, “Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Body in the Context of Yoga.” This appointment is prestigious as Kaivalyadhama is one of the oldest and premier Yoga institutions of India.
- Search cum Peer Review Committee of the CCRYN for Ministry of AYUSH to prepare and vet the materials on Yoga research for the AYUSH Health Portal in July 2015 and Dr Ananda was nominated to the Committee.
- Interactive Yoga sessions were conducted by the CYTER team for first year MBBS students as part of their orientation programme at MGMCRI from 22 to 28 June 2015. The sessions were very well appreciated by the students who gave strongly positive feedback on their experiences at the end of the programme.
- Expert group from Partners Medical International an affiliate of Harvard University Medical School, USA visited CYTER on 23 July 2015. Both Prof Tom Aretz and Prof Lynn Eckert, Medical education experts appreciated the work being done towards integrating ancient traditional aspects of Yoga with modern medicine at SBVU under its AIM HIGH initiative.
- Awareness program on Yoga for special children was sponsored by the Lions Club of Pondicherry at SADAY- school for children with special needs,Lions Club building, Kennedy Nagar, on Sunday 9 August 2015 and Dr Meena Ramanathan gave a talk and led a lecture-demonstration and students of SADAY and staff and students of CYTER participated in the demonstration. The presentation was chaired by Dr Ananda and it received warm welcome from all present on the occasion.
- Mass Yoga Program was organised by the Pondicherry Yoga Teacher’s Development Association (PYTDA), and Dr Ananda as Hon President , presided the event at Gandhi Tidal, Pondicherry beach front, on 21 August. SSP (Law&Order) Shri Chandran was chief guest and event organised under direction of Yogachemmal E Gajendiran President PYTDA and its team. More than a thousand students, teachers, parents and Yoga enthusiasts participated eagerly in this special event.
- The second Scientific Advisory Committee meeting of the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy was convened by Ministry of AYUSH, Govt of India on 31 August 2015. Important decisions regarding Yoga research and education in India were made during the meeting. Dr Ananda was honored with the Best Personalities of India Award from Friendship Forum, New Delhi for his excellent contribution towards welfare of people. His biographical-note with colour photograph has also included in Asian Admirable Achievers (Vol. VIII) published by Rifacimento International, New Delhi, India. It is to be noted that he has been also invited to be a reviewer for the Indian Journal of Medical Research from August 2015 onwards.
- Defense Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), New Delhi organized a training programme on Yoga for Heath Promotion for its participants and Dr Ananda presented on the health promoting aspects of Yoga which was well appreciated by the Director, DIPAS as well as the participants from all over the country.
- Workshop on anatomy, physiology, pathology and Yoga Therapy with reference to cardio-respiratory systems was organized at Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Lonavla on 10-11 September 2015. Dr Ananda presented the 2-day invited lecture attended by more than 125 students, staff and Yoga teachers. Dr Ananda has been appointed as an Adjunct Professor of Kaivalyadhama‘s GS College and is also the Chairman of the Board of Studies in Anatomy and Physiology of Yoga practices at the premier institution.
- College of Nursing, East Coast Institute of Medical Sciences on organized the Seminar on “Yoga and Stress” on 16 September 2015. Dr Meena was invited to conduct an interactive session which was followed by a practical demonstration by the Yoga instructor of CYTER, Mr Danushapnadeesh which was well appreciated by participants of the seminar.
- Yoga sessions for faculty, staff and students of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth were inaugurated at CYTER on 23 September by the Hon’ Chancellor Prof Rajaram Pagadala in presence of Prof N Ananthakrishnan (Dean PG Studies, Research and Allied Health Sciences) and Prof Ravi Shankar (Dean Admin). The classes are offered at the CYTER Yoga hall on all working days between 6 to 7am and 4.30 to 5.30pm.
- The inauguration of classes for 3rd batch of PGDYT students was held on 27th October 2015. Eminent film maker Shri Benoy K Behl was special guest for the ceremony and appreciated the work of CYTER in bridging the gap between ancient wisdom of Yoga and modern medical science. Matt Dunn and Maxine Levy, practicing Yoga teachers from the UK visited CYTER and observed the work being done with enthusiasm. They appreciated the far sighted vision of the management in setting up this centre. As part of our social commitment, Dr Ananda gave an invited talk on Yoga for health for members of the Rotary Club of Pondicherry at Hotel Adhithi. The talk was well appreciated and many expressed their interest to visit CYTER in the near future.
- CYTER has been associated with the SADAY special school for the past 5 years and Dr Meena conducts weekly Yoga Therapy sessions for the special children of the school. To improve their overall health status, a dental health screening programme for special children at SADAY was organized by Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, IGIDS in coloration with CYTER and Lions Club of Pondicherry was organized on 11th November 2015. Dr Meena coordinated the event and led a demonstration by the kids who astounded everyone with their ability that transcended their disabilities.
- A guest presentation on “Yoga for de-addiction” was given by Gary R. Beebe Jr, a Yoga teacher from the USA in the event organized by CYTER in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry. This was a prelude to the Yoga sessions that are planned to be given twice weekly by CYTER in the psychiatry ward from 18 January 2016. Gary R. Beebe Jr also gave a special practice session at CYTER. The presentation was a heartfelt and experiential one based on Gary’s own experiences of alcohol addiction and the process of coming out of it. He brought in beautiful correlates between the de-addiction process enabled through the AA and how the yamas and niyamas of ashtanga Yoga strengthenes one’s resolve to move forward in life. He expressed the importance of Yoga that can play an important part in the de-addiction process and in keeping the person sober for the rest of their life. He appreciated pioneering efforts of the Department of Psychiatry for including Yoga in their clinical practice at MGMCRI. Prof Ishwaran and his team from psychiatry enjoyed the presentation and asked pertinent questions thus making it a lively and interactive event. International Yoga teachers and students from ICYER at Ananda Ashram participated in the event and also had a courtesy meeting with the respected VC. The team was led by Yogacharini Latha (Leena Elo) of Germany and consisted of Anna Sara of Germany along with Rocio and Tammy of Canada.
- Best Paper Award on the theme “Experiential Paradigm of Yoga in Education” was received by Dr Ananda during 8th International Conference on Yoga & Education at Kaivalydhama, Lonavla, India from 27th – 30th December 2015. He participated in the panel discussion on Yoga research that was chaired by Prof R Bijlani of New Delhi. He also attended the Board Meeting of the Council for Yoga Accreditation International of which he is a member of the Board of Directors. The meeting was held at Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Lonavla, India on 31 December 2015 and presided over by Shri Om Prakash Tiwari, Chairman of Board with other directors in attendance.
- A very successful interactive workshop on Yoga Therapy was conducted by the CYTER team at the 22nd International Yoga Festival organised by Govt of Pondicherry Department of Tourism from 4-7 January 2016. The team was led by Prof. Madanmohan Director CYTER with presentations by Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, DD, CYTER and Dr. Meena Ramanathan, Coordinator, CYTER with excellent and well appreciated participation by staff, alumni and PGDYT students of SBVU. Our current PGDYT students Dr Sanguida, Mrs MB Josephine, Mrs Priya Philip and Ms Vibha Shah gave excellent oral paper presentations along with Dr R Balaji who is an alumnus of CYTER. CYTER provided awareness to more than 1000 visitors at the CYTER stall during the event that was very well received by Yoga enthusiasts and general public.
- Yoga training was given for 6 weeks to100 BSc 2nd year nursing students from KGNC. The training was given thrice weekly at CYTER in two batches between January and April 2016.
- International Conference organized by International Movement for Tamil Culture at VST Mahal, Pondicherry on 17April 2017 for which Dr Ananda gave an invited talk on Yoga in dravidian culture.
- CHWE (Continuous Heath Workers Education) to benefit Heath Workers of Indira Gandhi Government General Hospital and Post Graduate Institute (IGGGH & PGI) Pondicherry was organized and Dr Meena was invited to give a session on Yoga for Stress Management for the health workers on the 23 January2018. Demonstration was given by the staff and students of CYTER.
- Regular Yoga Therapy sessions is being given in Psychiatry ward of MGMCRI hospital since 2015. Patients admitted in the wards as well as their family members have been participating with enthusiasm and interested staff, nursing students/trainees have also benefited from these interactive hands-on sessions in the wards. Yoga Therapy is provided on 4 days a week, twice in the male and female wards each.
- Dr Krzysztof Bierski, an anthropologist from Berlin participated in observational training at CYTER during January and February. He keenly participated in all of CYTER activities and interviewed the patients and their caregivers as well as students and staff for a pilot qualitative study on effects of Yoga Therapy in a psychiatric ward setting.
- MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING was signed between Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth & Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Lonavla, Maharashtra on 28 January 2016. Sri Subodh Tiwari, CEO of Kaivalyadhama represented and signed the MoU on behalf of Kaivalyadhama while Prof AR Srinivasan, Registrar SBV signed on behalf of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth in the presence of Vice Chancellor Prof KR Sethuraman, Dean PG, Research and Allied Health Sciences Prof N Ananthakrishnan, Dean (Admin) Prof Ravishankar and Additional Director Prof S Ravichandran. Medical Education Unit was represented by Prof B Adkoli and Mrs S Rama while management was represented by Mrs Asha Sureshbabu. Deputy Registrar Mr. Joseph Naresh facilitated the ceremony. CYTER was represented by its Director, Prof Madanmohan, Deputy Director Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani and Coordinator-cum-Yoga therapist Dr. Meena Ramanathan. CYTER student community was represented by Vibha Shah, Prabhakaran along with the international observer Dr Krzysztof Bierski, an anthropologist from Germany. This MoU signals the beginning of extensive collaboration in a wide range of activities related to Yoga therapy, education and research. This will include joint educational and research activities, exchange of academic materials and publications as well as the exchange of faculty members for research, lectures and discussions.
- Sri Subodh Tiwari,CEO of Kaivalyadhama gave a well appreciated invited talk highlighting the scientific research work done at Kaivalyadhama since 1924 for the Scientific Academic Forum of MGMC&RI on 28 January 2016. The talk was followed by an Interactive stress reduction session by the CYTER Team consisting of Prof Madanmohan, Dr. Ananda and Dr. Meena
- A talk on Anthropology was given by Dr Krzysztof Bierski for the faculty, students and staff of Psychiatry on 12 February 2016.
- CYTER collaborated with Department of General Surgery, MGMCRI during their surgery meeting held from 11 to 13 February. Yoga sessions were given at CYTER for the participants of the meeting.
- Board of Studies meeting for Yoga programs of CYTER was conducted at MGMCRI city centre on 16th The board constituted of Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani Director ICYER, Dr. Rajalakshmi from AYUSH, Mr. Mohanakrishnan from JIPMER who were the external experts and Prof Madanmohan, Dr. Ananda , and Dr Meena – the Director, Deputy Director and Coordinator of CYTER respectively were also there, discussing about the introduction of Choice Based Credit System for PGDYT and MPhil courses in Yoga therapy.
- A lecture was organized for the MBBS students on Therapeutic Potential of Yoga given by Dr Ananda on 19th Feb. The Academic council meet was held on the same day and Dr Ananda and Dr Meena were special invitees for the meet.
- Inauguration of “Yoga and Naturopathy Unit in Lifestyle Modification Health Centre”, Government of Puducherry; Directorate of Indian Systems of Medicine& Homeopathy (DISM&H), by Hon Chief Minister Thiru N.Rangasamy and Dr K.V.Raman, Director, DISM&H on 3 March 2016 and Dr Meena was an invited guest for the function.
- CME was conducted on “Memory: Mind to Molecules” held at the Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College & Hospital, Siruvachur, Perambalur on 5.3.2016 and Dr Ananda was an invited as resource person. The work of CYTER in SBV was highlighted for staff and students as well as external participants in the CME.
- CYTER team were resource persons for the CME and workshop on “Introduction of Yoga in medical curriculum” organized by departments of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry at SSSMCRI on 9 March 2016.
- Panel discussion was organised by Indian Women Network, an initiative of Confederation of Indian Industry on ‘Men for Women – Understanding Gender, Equality’ and Dr Ananda was invited to talk during the occasion at Hotel Adhiti on the 12 March 2016.
- ARENA 16, the Annual Sports Meet of IGIDS in SBVU was conducted on 14 March 2016 and Dr Ananda was the chief guest.
- YOGA MELA, a program specifically designed for the differently abled children of Samvadshala School for Special Children in Lonavla who participated along with family and teachers. Dr Meena was invited as a Consultant to Kaivalyadhama, Lonavla to facilitate this event. This was a collaborative activity between Kaivalyadhama, CYTER and Freie University of Berlin, Germany on the 14 and 15 March 2016.
- Deliberations on future collaborative research projects to be initiated through MOU between SBVU and Kaivalyadhama was organized at SRD, Kaivalyadhama on 16 and Dr Meena participated in the discussion.
- CYTER participated actively in the National Conference on “Chronobiology and Health” organized by Department of Physiology, MGMCRI. Dr Ananda and Dr Meena were invited resource persons for the conference that had 15 CME credit points. Dr Ananda presented an invited talk on “Nasal cycle and its therapeutic applications: A yogic perspective” that was well appreciated by the august gathering on 18 March 2016.
- As part of the National Conference on “Chronobiology and Health” organized by Department of Physiology, MGMCRI a workshop on “Adaptive resilience exercises as envisioned in Yoga” was conducted by Dr Meena at CYTER Yoga hall on 19 March 2016. 65 delegates of the conference participated and thoroughly enjoyed the interactive sessions.
- National Workshop on Yoga: “Be Healthy, Be Divine” was conducted by Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University on 9 April 2016 at Chennai. Dr Meena was an invited speaker for the workshop and presented on the topic “Therapeutic potentials of Yoga”. The event was organized by department of Yoga, TNPESU.
- Poster release function for Yoga Fest and IDY 2016 was organized at University Conference Hall on 15 April 2016. The event was graced by our Vice Chancellor Prof KR Sethuraman, Dean (Research and AHS) Prof N Ananthakrishnan, Registrar Prof AR Srinivasan along with Dr Manonmani Dep. Reg (Student affairs), Prof BV Adkoli, Smt Rama, and Sri SV Iyer president of Pondicherry Senior Citizen Welfare Association, coordinators of medical, dental and nursing colleges and CYTER team members. A detailed article appeared in The Hindu on 16 April.
- Yoga and Yoga Therapy programs were organized at Montreal between 20-24 April and then at Kripalu in USA from 24 April to 1st May 2016 and Dr Ananda was invited to Canada and USA as consultant to conduct it. In Montreal he presented an invited talk for 110 students and faculty of the Vanier College on 22 April, and for 35 Yoga teachers and enthusiast at YOGNAT studio on 23rd. He led a Yoga education and experiential retreat with 25 participants at the Ermitage Ste-Croix, on the Lake of Two Mountains, in Montreal. All the events were well received and the work of CYTER and SBV was highlighted.
- “Yoga Therapy in Medical Settings” module was conducted by Integrative Yoga Therapy at Kripalu, one of the biggest Yoga and healing centres in the USA, from 24th April to 1st May, Dr Ananda was principal faculty for. Other eminent Yoga Therapy leaders teaching in the program included Amrita Sandra McLanahan from Yogaville, Dr Sat Bir Khalsa from Harvard, Susi Amendola of the Dean Ornish program, Karen Clarke with her program for multiple scleroses and the team of Allen Wilkens and Terry Roth Schaff with their work on neurological Yoga therapy. He also interacted with Dr Robert Saper of Boston University Centre for Integrative Medicine and Dr Baxter Bell who is a leading Yoga therapist and medical doctor dealing with geriatric issues. The IYT program is run by Joseph Le Page who is a pioneer in Yoga Therapy since the past 3 decades. CYTER is honored to be associated with their work and have their appreciation for our work in Pondicherry.
- Workshop on “Empowering Women through Yoga” in the Seminar on Holistic Health organized by Indian Woman’s Network and Dr Ananda conducted an interactive session during the occasion at Hotel Adithi on 17 June 2016.
- BOS meeting was organized at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavla and Dr Ananda and Dr Meena attended it. Dr Ananda also conducted the interview for Yoga teachers while Dr Meena conducted lectures for students of GS College and a special workshop at the Samvad Special School. Discussions were held on future research projects by Kaivalyadhama and SBV on 1 & 2 July 2016.
- Doctoral Committee meeting of PhD student Vasanthan S of the Dept of Physiology was conducted on 12 July 2016 & 2nd Doctoral Committee meeting of PhD student P Uthiravelu on 16 July 2016 and Dr Ananda and Dr Meena attended both the meetings.
- Board of Studies (External Experts) for incorporating Yoga in B.Sc(N) curriculum of KGNC was oeganised and first BOS meeting was held on 20 July 2016 and Dr Madanmohan, Dr.Ananda and Dr.Meena were nominated as members of the BOS.
- Madras Management Association, Pondy Chapter organized a Yoga session on 29 July 2016 at Hotel Athithi and more than 100 members of MMA Pondy Chapter attended the interactive session and were benefitted immensely. Dr Ananda was the invited speaker and gave an interactive talk on” Bursting the managerial stress bubble: the Yoga way”
- Yoga awareness session for the Alumni Meet of the Golden Jubilee Alumni Batch 1966 of JIPMER at Grand Serena Hotel was conducted on 6.8.16 and Dr Ananda was invited to give the session.
- Lions Club of Pondicherry excellence invited Dr.Ananda to be Guest of Honor for the 100th year Centennial Celebration and Installation function for the year 2016 – 2017 on 7thAugust 2016 at Hotel Annamalai International, Pondicherry.
- Inauguration of 4th batch of PGDYT (11 students) & 1st batch of MPhil (Yoga therapy) (2 students) at CYTER by Prof KR Sethuraman VC SBVU and Prof N Ananthakrishnan Dean AHS in presence of Prof Madanmohan Director CYTER, faculty and students of CYTER on 10th Aug 2016,
- 21st Meeting of the Academic Council on 11 August 2016 in the Board room of SBV. And Dr Ananda attended the meeting as member.
- International Symposium on Yoga and Wellbeing organized by the Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (CYTER), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Pondicherry on 12th August 2016.
- Intensive program for a group of students from the UK held at ICYER, Ananda Ashram for which Dr Meena & Dayanidy G were resource persons and conducted practice sessions for the group led by Yogacharini Kalavathi on 15 & 16 august between 6 – 8 AM
- National Conference on Changing Trends in Health Professions Education (NC-CTHPE 2016) was organized at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry between 18-20 Aug 2016 and CYTER team participated and presented papers.
- Pondicherry university teaching faculty meeting was organised at the UGC HRDC Pondicherry University on 26.8.2016 and Dr Ananda and Dr Meena were invited to give guest lecture during the occasion.
- Yoga training (45 hours) as part of BSc Nursing Curriculum started for 100 nursing students of 1st year BSC (N) from KGNC on 29.8.2016. Introductory session given at KGNC and then training is given thrice weekly at CYTER. The hands on training sessions for 2nd year BSc nursing students of KGNC was started at CYTER on a regular basis with 5 students attending CYTER per week on rotational basis from 6.9.16. The students will be receiving 30 hours of such experience in Yoga Therapy as part of their curricular activities.
- “Yoga for the health and wellness of senior citizens “at the Serene Pelican, the community for the retired citizens was organized on 10.9.2016 and Dr Meena led CYTER Team along with the PGCFY and PGDYT students for the interactive awareness program on. More than 50 seniors participated very enthusiastically and got benefitted.
- Dr Ananda was invited Guest Speaker and Co-chairperson for Keynote session of the National Seminar on Emerging Trends of Research in Yoga and Naturopathy organized by CCRYN, Ministry of AYUSH, GOI at Adhyatma Sadhana Kendra, New Delhi from 16-18 September 2016. He presented a talk on “Yoking Yoga research, Yoga education and therapy” that was well appreciated by the erudite audience from all over the country.
- Dr Ananda was invited to be part of an inter-religious panel discussion on “Dignity and Sanctity of Human Life” during inauguration of IDCR-Pondy at St Joseph of Cluny Hospital on 18 September 2016.
- Dr Meena and Dayanidy attended the orientation program for selection of QCI Examiners for Indian Yoga Association (IYA) at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavla, Pune on 19.9.2016. They both participated in the workshop organized by Ministry of AYUSH, Govt of India, under the scheme for Voluntary Certification of Yoga Professionals at two levels, managed by Quality Council of India, IYA.
- CYTER Team participated in the orientation program conducted for the first year MBBS students of MGMCRI and conducted interactive Yoga sessions for a week from 21.9.2016 to 28.9.2016. Dr Ananda gave a lecture on “Wellbeing & Healthy Living through Yoga” followed by the practice session. Dr Meena presented on “Yoga – A Way of Life” followed by the practice session.
- Dr Ananda presented a well appreciated 2-day invited workshop on anatomy, physiology, pathology and Yoga Therapy with reference to cardio-respiratory systems at Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Lonavla on 23-24 September 2016. The two day program with more than 9 hours of teaching was well received by more than a hundred students of various diploma and degree courses as well as faculty members and invited visitors. The workshop was organised by Dr BR Sharmaji, the Principal of the GS College. It is to be noted that Dr Ananda is an Adjunct Professor of Kaivalyadhama‘s GS College and is Chairman of Board of Studies in Anatomy and Physiology of Yoga practices.
- Dr Ananda was invited Guest Speaker for “Mental health Day” celebrations of Deptt of Applied Psychology, Pondicherry University on 11 Oct 2016.
- CYTER team of Dr Ananda, Dr Meena and Sri Dayanidy G were invited to present the Orientation Program for the first year MBBS Students of SSSMCRI, SBV on 18th October 2016.
- CYTER conducted Three days interactive Yoga sessions as Orientation program for the first year BDS students of IGIDS starts on 19.10.2016
- Dr Meena gave a presentation on “Mental Health and Wellbeing in Silver Citizens through Yoga” during 6th InSPA International Conference and 3rd International Conference of the Department of Applied Psychology of Pondicherry University at HRDC of the Academic Staff College at Pondicherry University on 14th Oct 2016.
- Dr Ananda gave a presentation on “Mental Health and Wellbeing through Yoga” during 6th InSPA International Conference and 3rd International Conference of the Department of Applied Psychology of Pondicherry University as part of the plenary session at Convention Centre of the Pondicherry University on 15th Oct 2016.
- The 6thFoundation Day of CYTER, the Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education & Research in Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry was celebrated at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute on Tuesday, 2nd November 2016.The theme of this year’s celebration was “Introducing Yoga in Nursing Education” and was presided over by the Vice Chancellor of SBV, Prof KR Sethuraman in the presence of Prof N Ananthakrishnan, Dean Allied Health Sciences and Prof AR Srinivasan, Registrar SBV. A book on “Yoga Practical Notes” compiled and edited by Sri G Dayanidy, Lecturer at CYTER was released on the occasion that was graced by attendees from MGMC&RI, KGNC, CMTER, ICYER at Ananda Ashram, Yoganjali Natyalayam and Pondicherry Yogasana Association.
- Dr Ananda was an invited expert for consultative meeting chaired by Secretary AYUSH at theMinistry of AYUSH, Govt of India on 18.11.2016 to firm the views for articulating during the Inter-Governmental Committee on Intangible Cultural Heritage (IGC-ICH) held 28 November to 2 December 2016 at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to defend India’s interest for inscription of “Yoga” in Representative List of the UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. On 1 December 2016, Yoga was inscribed in the UNESCO’s list of ICH.
- Dr Ananda was an invited Resource Person for Capacity Building Workshop at WHO Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine (Yoga), MDNIY, Delhi from 28th – 30th November, 2016. His presentations on “Role of Yoga in Chronic Lung Disorders” were well appreciated by professionals who participated from all over India. He also attended EC meeting of Indian Yoga Association on 27.12.2016 at MDNIY.
- Dr Ananda was a resource person for the CME on “Translational Medicine in the Diagnosis and Management of Diabetes Mellitus”, organized by Dept of Biochemistry, MGMCRI on 10th Nov 2016. He was also an invited panelist for the panel discussion held in the afternoon session of the CME.
- CYTER faculty and students participated actively in the Yoga Sports Championship 2016 organised by Pondicherry Yogasana Association on 12 &13 November 2016 at Subalakshmi Mahal.
- Dr Meena was invited to conduct a workshop on “Yoga Awareness & Yoga Therapy” to the Deaf & Dumb Students a special School for the CWSN Students under the Control of the Social Welfare Department, Karaikal, Government of Puducherry organized by Pearl- Academy of Yoga and Cultural Arts on 24th November 2016. 25 students with Visual and Hearing impairment participated and enjoyed doing the practices thoroughly, which was well taken and appreciated by all present.
- Dr Meena was part of the program recorded by the Doordarshan Puducherry crew to celebrate the International day for the mentally challenged on the 8 th Dec 2016. The main aim of this program was to create awareness amongst the common people and Dr Meena explained about the causes for the birth of children with intellectual disabilities, how to assess the condition early in life so that treatment could be started early as well as how to prevent this from happening. She also spoke about the benefits of Yoga for such children. This special program was telecast highlighting this event in Doordarshan Pondicherry, DD Pondy nd Pothigai TV at6 pm that same day. The filming was done at SADAY School, Pondicherry and the teachers, staff members and all the special students of the school participated in this program and gave a demonstration of Yoga.
- Dr Ananda was Chief Guest for the program on “Spiritual Parenting” organized by Acharya Group of Institutions at Kamban Kalai Arangam on 11 December 2016.
- Dr Ananda was invited to be Chief Guest and present a talk on “Yoga for Health Professionals: Concepts and practices” during the Annual Scientific Society Meet of Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Hospital Kalitheerthalkuppam, Madagadipet on 16 December 2016.
- Dr Meena was invited to conduct Workshops for the physically and mentally challenged population from two Schools near Badlapur, Mumbai- Adhar and Sangopita. The workshops were conducted at the Adhar , Lifetime Shelter for the Mentally Handicapped created by ‘The Association of Parents of Mentally Retarded Children’, Mumbai on the 25th and 26th of December, as a joint venture between CYTER, ICYER and Adhar. Three sessions a day were conducted on each day, two for the challenged population and one for the care-givers, teachers and staff members of the institution. More than 300 participated in these sessions and there was a tremendous response from all the participants who enjoyed the interactive sessions thoroughly.
- Dr Meena was invited to conduct Workshops for the physically and mentally challenged population from two Schools near Badlapur, Mumbai- Adhar and Sangopita. The workshops were conducted at Sangopita- A Special Home For Special Children Empowering the Underprivileged, Badlapur, Mumbai on the 27th and 28th of December, as a joint venture between CYTER, ICYER and Sangopita. More than 200 Special Children, care-givers, parents, teachers and staff members of the institution participated in these sessions and there was a tremendous response from all the participants who enjoyed the interactive sessions thoroughly.
- Dr Meena was invited to conduct workshop on ‘Prevention and Management of Diabetes through Yoga’. More than 75 participated and were benefitted from this event jointly organized by CYTER , ICYER Pondicherry, and Rotary Club of Badlapur Industrial Area, Badlapur Diabetics’ Association and BadlapurSenior citizens center on 27.12.2016.
- CYTER Team participated enthusiastically in the 23rd International Yoga Festival organized by Department of Tourism, Govt of Puducherry from 4-7thJanuary 2017. Prof Madanmohan, Director CYTER gave a talk on “Yoga & Health Professional Education” followed by an excellent group demonstration by the staff, alumni and students of PGDYT and certificate courses under guidance of Dr Meena Ramanathan, Coordinator CYTER. Dr Meena also chaired a session on “Yoga for the Special Child” and presented the work being done followed by a sweet demonstration by children of the SADAY Special School where she has been giving Yoga Therapy for the past decade. Dr Ananda Balayogi, DD of CYTER was advisor for the festival. He coordinated final rounds of the championship and gave a talk on “Meditation: The inner Yoga” in the session chaired by Ammaji Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani, Director of ICYER who is Advisor and Adjunct Faculty of CYTER. Other CYTER members who presented talks included Sri G Dayanidy, Lecturer CYTER on “Yoga in School Education”, Dr R Balaji, MPhil student on “Managing Lifestyle Disorders with Yoga”, Sri Artchoudane S, MPhil student on “Enhancing the Life Force” and Dr. Sreemathi Rengsamy, Alumnus of CYTER on “Health and Wellbeing Through Yoga”. Sri Satish Kumar and Sri Manikandan, PGDYT Students of CYTER were jury members for the Yogasana competitions.
- Dr Madanmohan and Dr Ananda were felicitated for their assistance in the festival by Govt of Puducherry during the valedictory function on 7 January 2017.
- Dr Ananda was invited to be a Resource Person and give a presentation on “Managing Stress Through Yoga: Concepts and Methods” during PONCON 2016, the 7th Annual Pondicherry State Conference of the Indian Society of Anesthesiologists at MGMCRI, Pondicherry on 7th January 2017.
- Dr Nidheesh Kumar Yadavfrom Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Lonavala, Pune visited CYTER. Hoping for more Interactive work in future between both the institutions on 2ndFebruary 2017.
- Dr Meena was invited to conduct a lec-dem on “Importance of Yoga for the Senior Citizens” for the members of JIPMER Pensioner’s Association on 5th February 2017 at Hotel Surguru ECR. More than 200 members participated enthusiastically in the interactive session and enjoyed thoroughly.
- A special visit to CYTER by Sunny Singh the Founder / CEO, Edifecs & RoundGlass Partners. Hoping to take wellness (salutogenesis) further worldwide!
- Dr Ananda invited as resource person for the Bhopal Yoga fest 2017 held at TT Stadium in Bhopal on 26th & 27th February 2017 and organized by Sant Hirdaram medical college of naturopathy and yogic sciences sponsored by Ministry of AYUSH Govt of India and coordinated by CCRYN.
- Dr Meena invited to attend International Women’s day celebrations on 8th march hosted by the Vice-Chancellor at 3.00 pm in the university board roam, SBV. The theme for this year is “Be bold for change”.
- Dr Ananda was an invited guest for the three days International Yoga Fest from 8th-10th March 2017 held at Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. The International Yoga Fest was organized as a Curtain Raiser for International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2017. Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Urban Development and Housing, Shri. M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the International Yoga Fest (IYF) and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, presided over the function. Secretary AYUSH Sh. Ajit M. Sharan, Yog Rishi Swami Ramdev, Dr. H.R. Nagendra, Swami Chidananda Saraswati, Sh. O.P. Tiwari, Smt. Hamsa Jayadeva, Swami Bharat Bhushan, Swami Ritawan Bharati, Sister BK Asha, Sri S.Sridharan were Guests of Honor. Dr Ananda gave a talk on Yoga in daily life and a workshop on basic practices for health and wellness. He was also guest of honor at the valedictory function. He also participated in the GB meeting of the Indian Yoga Association where he is an EC member. All major Yoga traditions were represented in this historic meeting at MDNIY.
- Dr Meena was the invited Guest Speaker for the CME organized by St Joseph Cluny Hospital, Pondicherry on 12th March on “Stay Serene Sans (without) Stress” at the Conference Hall of St Cluny Hospital. It was an interactive lec-dem that was well attended by senior doctors of Pondicherry. CYTER Alumni and present students gave an excellent demonstration which was appreciated by all.
- Dr Ananda Balayogi and Smt Devasena present Yoga workshops in PHOENIX 2017 International Medical Students Conference at the A J Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Mangalore on 24th & 25th March 2017. This Mega event is scheduled from the, spanning over 5 days, and will be filled with Lectures from International Speakers, Oral, Poster & Plenary Sessions, Incredible Socials & Unique workshops.
- Meena was invited to conduct an Awareness programme on “Health & wellbeing in senior citizens through Yoga” for our members of Pondicherry senior citizens’ welfare association, Pondicherry Entitle on 26th March 2017 at St. Patric School, Pondicherry.
- Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between SRI BALAJI VIDYAPEETH (Deemed University Accredited with A Grade by NAAC), Pondicherry & AMITY UNIVERSITY New Delhi (Private University Accredited with A Grade by NAAC) at 45 AM on 31stMarch 2017.
- Dr Ananda presented an invited talk on Yoga for Dentists at the Scientific Academic Forum of IGIDS on 4th April 2017.
- World Autism Day was celebrated by CYTER and IGIDS of SBV on 6th April 2017 at the Global Trust for the Differently Abled, a residential school where Special Education, Medical & Vocational Rehabilitation is being offered to more than 80 children who are differently abled located in Thiruppapuliyur, Cuddalore. All the children enthusiastically participated in the Yoga session led by Dr Meena, Deputy Director CYTER and had a wonderful time enjoying the Yoga Jathis and Kriyas. Then instruction and demonstration for brushing the teeth was given by the IGIDS team followed by a dental screening program. Gifts were distributed among the children such as balls, painting materials, painting and colouring books and an album and DVD with instructions on proper tooth brushing techniques. A very satisfying experience both for us from SBV as well as those in the Global Trust School.
- CYTER team participated actively in the World health Day 2017 commemorations organised by Dept of Community Medicine of MGMCRI of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University at the Rural Health Training Centre, Seliamedu. Dr Ananda and Dr Meena along with the CYTER Team conducted an Interactive Awareness Program on Yoga for School Children, participated enthusiastically by the students of Kavignar Vanidasanar Govt. Higher Sec. School at Seliamedu, coordinated by Dr Vindhya of RHTC on 7th April 2017.
- Dr Ananda was an invited panelist on the event organized by SAF and Dept. of Community Medicine in commemoration of World Health Day with the central Theme of Depression-Let’s Talk and panel discussion was on “Let’s talk about the black dog” on 7th April 2017.
- Dr Ananda conducted a Yoga awareness shooting by Doordarshan Kendra Pondicherry at CYTER, SBV on 18th April 2017 and the program was telecast on 20th and 27th April 2017.
- Certificates were issued for the successful completion of PG Certificate Course I on ‘Foundations of Yoga’ to Dr Srimathy, Course II on ‘Foundations of Yoga Therapy’ to Madhu Venkattan and Course III on ‘Applications of Yoga’ to Shvetika Kaul, Vidhyasri R, Manoj V.
- Dr Ananda is Director of Research Committee of Indian Yoga Association and in that role was invited to oversee the research project being done under Niyantrita Madhumeha Bharata (NMB) Abhiyan at SVYASA University Bangalore on 29th &30th May 2017. The project is being guided by Dr HR Nagendraji and Dr R Nagarathnaji and funded by Ministry of AYUSH, Govt of India.
- Dr Ananda and Dr Meena conducted well appreciated interactive Yoga awareness program on 17 June at Rajiv Gandhi College of Engineering and Technology organised by NSS for Yoga Day 2017
- Dr Ananda gave an invited talk on Yoga- A Way of Life for the Puducherry Sinthanaiyaalar Peravai at Jothi Eye Care, Pondicherry on 18th June 2017. Dr Ananda and Dr Meena were honoured and awarded by Muththamizhmaamani Pulavar Pattabiraman for their services in Yoga on this occasion.
- Ananda gave a presentation on “Role of Yoga in prevention and management of lifestyle disorders” for the first year Medical students at MGMC&RI and Dr Meena led them through a practice session on de-stressing practices along with the CYTER team on 1 July 2017.
- Dr Ananda was invited to be a Resource Person and deliver invited lecture on “Research in Yoga” for the 25th Workshop on Research Methodology and Bio- Statistics for AYUSH PG Students and Researchers organised by Department of Siddha of the Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University on 3 July 2017.
- Dr Ananda was invited to be a Resource Person and present talk on “Role of Yoga in prevention and management of lifestyle disorders” during the Golden Jubilee International Conference of Indian Pharmacological Society, Southern Region at MGMC&RI, Pondicherry on 5 July 2017.
- Dr Ananda and Dr Meena attended the Doctor’s Day Celebration conducted by SAF, MGMC&RI on ‘Promoting Doctor-Patient Trust-The Need of the Hour’ on 7 July 2017.
- Dr Ananda was invited as Chairman for Board of Studies in“Anatomy & Physiology of Human Body in the context of Yoga” at GS College of Yoga and Cultural Synthesis, Kaivalyadhama, Lonavla on 10 July 2017.
- CYTER organised a Workshop on Yoga Chikitsa, “The Application of Yoga as a Therapy” presented by Dr Kausthub Desikachar PhD, Chief Yoga Therapist, Krishnamacharya Healing and Yoga Foundation, Chennai between 10 am and 1 pm on 24 July 2017 at CYTER, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (MGMC&RI), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry. He is also an adjunct faculty for CYTER. More than 50 participated and enjoyed the interactive workshop.
- Dr Meena was invited to conduct the viva for the 7th South India Yogasana Championship-2017, organized by Padmam Yoga and Natural Living Development Trust affiliated to Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University and co-organised by Tamil Nadu Sports Yogasana Association held at Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai on 30 July 2017.
- Dr Meena was awarded the Best Yoga Teacher Award by Tamil Nadu Sports Yogasana Association in appreciation for the services rendered in the field of Yoga on the occasion of the 3rd International Day of Yoga on 21.6.2017 at Chennai.
- Dr Ananda was invited to inaugurate the Yoga Therapy training program on 31 July 2017. Around 30 Chinese students in the authentic tradition of T.Krishnamacharya and Sri TKV Desikachar at Krishnamacharya Healing & Yoga Foundation, Chennai.
- Yogachemmal G Dayanidy received blessings from our respected Vice Chancellor of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth Prof KR Sethuraman Sir and Dean AHS Prof N Ananthakrishnan Sir on his successful clearing the UGC NET exam for Assistant Professorship in Yoga on 9 August 2017.
- Inaugural ceremony of Yoga Therapy courses for CYTER 2017-18 batch was held on 21 August 2017. The PG Certificate, PG Diploma and MPhil courses in Yoga Therapy were inaugurated by Prof KR Sethuraman sir, Vice Chancellor of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth in presence of Prof N Ananthakrishnan Dean Research and Allied Health Sciences (AHS) and Dr AN Uma, Vice Principal of AHS. PG Certificate students Shvetika Kaul and Vidhyasri received the certificate for their successful completion of Certificate of Clinical Applications of Yoga Therapy.
- Dr Ananda and Dr Meena attended the Felicitation of Faculty ceremony that honored faculty members for submitting proposals for copyright and BMJ Awards on 21 August 2017.
- Dr Ananda sir was invited as Resource person to Kaivalyadhama Yoga center, Lonavala, Pune for conducting lectures and Research committee meetings on 22 & 23 August 2017.
- Meena was invited to conduct the Continuous Nursing Education (CNE) on ‘Stress Management for Nurses through Yoga’, on 23rd August, between 2 and 4 pm for all the Nurses of MGMC&RI. More than 150 of them participated and enjoyed the interactive program thoroughly.
- Mrs Maxine Levy, a Senior Yoga Teacher from the UK visited CYTER and participated in all its activities from 4 to 8 September 2017.
- Dr Meena was invited to conduct a lecture cum Demonstration on ‘Stress Management and awareness of Yoga’ for the newly recruited Nurses of MGMC&RI, Pondicherry held on 8 September 2017.
- Dr Meena was invited to present on Obstructive Sleep Apnea and alleviation of its symptoms through Yoga at Serene Pelican, a Township for the Retired Community, on 14 September 2017. This collaborative venture between CYTER and the ENT dept. of MGMC&RI, was a great success with around a hundred senior citizens participating and benefiting through this program. Thanks to Dr Satvinder Singh Bakshi for CYTER being a part of such an event. Danushapnadeesh, Yoga Instructor, gave a demonstration of the Yogic Techniques and students Team from CYTER assisted the senior citizens to perform the techniques.
- CYTER team conducted Yoga awareness session as part of the orientation program for the first year MBBS students of MGMC&RI, Dental students of IGIDS and BSc Nursing students of KGNC 2017 batch. Sri G Dayanidy gave a Lecture on History & benefits of Yoga followed by the practice session at CYTER Yoga Hall, nearly 250 Medical students, 26 dental students and 100 nursing students participated in the program. Yoga sessions were held on 12, 13, 14, & 16 September 2017 for the medical students, 22, 26, 27 & 28 September 2017 for dental students and 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27 & 28 for nursing students. Pre-Post Test analysis was also done. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was also done by nursing students.
- Alumni of CYTER Dr Balaji and Dr Sanguida received gold medals for PGDYT for 2014 and 2016 respectively during the Doctoral Convocation held on 22nd September 2017. Dr Ananda attended the program as the Director of CYTER.
- Ananda was invited as Chief Guest for the SHISHOPANAYANA for the 29th batch of fresh BNYS students joining the course at SDM College of Naturopathy & Yogic Sciences, Ujire on 23 & 24 September 2017. He received a blessing from Padmavibhushan Sri Virendra Heggadeji the Dharmadikari of Dharmasthala.
- Dr Meena collected the Post study data for the Interdisciplinary study on Effect of Yoga as an adjuvant therapy in improving the brushing skills in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder between CYTER and IGIDS of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth at Carunai School for children with special needs on 28 September 2017.
- An interactive workshop on “Yoga and psychotherapy (Bridging East and West)” was presented by Dr STEPHEN PARKER (Stomaji) Psy.D from the USA on the auspicious day of Saraswati Puja, 29 September 2017 at the Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research of the Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth at MGMC&RI. He has lectured on Yoga, meditation and spiritual practice throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as in Carribean countries, Holland, South Africa, Korea, Hong Kong and India.
- Topics covered included a detailed understanding the links between Yoga and psychotherapy as well as the concepts and techniques of Yoga that are amiable to be utilized in psychological counselling and therapy. Important case studies and anecdotes from his nearly four decade career were shared in a jovial and enlightening manner. All participants felt renewed by the session that gave an impetus to the work being done at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth towards the integration of Yoga Therapy in mainstream modern medicine. “Make your work a play, then all life will be joyful” was the parting message from Stomaji.
- CYTER’s Director, Dr Ananda was invited as Resource person for 3-day Intensive Retreat oraganised by Integral Yoga Academy of Australasia on 12-15 October 2017. He was honured to be invited by the International Yoga Teachers Association (IYTA) as a Keynote Presenter at the IYTA 50 Year Anniversary Conference in Sydney, Australia from 20-22 October 2017.
- Dr Meena, Deputy Director, CYTER was invited to conduct a session for the newly recruited Nurses on ‘Stress Management and awareness of Yoga’ as part of their Induction Program on 11.10.2017 & 14.11.2017.
- MBBS students visiting CYTER on 26.10.2017 as part of the excellent CReAMS (Clinical research & Audit by Medical Students) initiative that enables them to know their college (MGMC&RI) so much better.
- 7th birthday celebrations of CYTER on 2nd November 2017 were a special occasion to honor the Silver Citizens through Yoga with a special workshop by Smt B Meenakshi and team on “Sit & Be Fit”. Prof Dr Nalini coordinated the workshop. The event was graced by the respected VC Prof K Raman Sethuraman , Dean AHS Prof N Ananthakrishnan , Dean Medicine Prof Ravi Shankar , VP of AHS Dr Uma, Hon. Advisor CYTER Madanmohan Trakroo among others.
- Dr Ananda was invited to present a guest Lecture on Yoga for dental professionals during “Perio Fiesta”, the undergraduate periodontology conference organised by IGIDS at SBV on 3rd & 4th November 2017.
- CYTER team gave an excellent show with the highly popular Yoga awareness program during the mega health camp organized in collaboration with Sri Sundar Ramani Charitable Trust to celebrate completion of the 60th birthday of our honorable Chancellor, Shri M. K. Rajagopalan at Manickudy on Sunday the 19th November 2017. CYTER was represented by Dr Vasundhara, Shvetika, Sarulatha and Ghayatri.
- Dr Ananda and Dr Meena were invited to conduct a Consultation /Counselling session at Integra Software Solutions for the welfare of their senior executive members along with their families. Sri Sriram Subramanya and Smt Anu Sriram, the Managing Directors of Integra were also present during the session.
- Dr Meena was invited as a chief guest for the 19th Annual Day Celebrations of the Senior Citizens’ Welfare Association of Puducherry to create awareness about the ‘Benefits of Yoga for the senior citizens’ for the members of the association along with their families at Vivekananda School on 26 November 2017. Around 300 members attended the program and got benefitted.
- Dr Ananda was invited as Resource person for the Continuing Physiotherapy Education Program on the occasion of World COPD day 2017 to deliver a lecture on the topic “Yoga for Respiratory Disorders” for the UG & PG students of Physiotherapy at College of Physiotherapy, MTPG & RIHS, a of Puducherry Institution on the 28th November 2017 at the College Auditorium.
- Dr Meena and Sri Dayanidy G were invited to present on “Yoga as an Adjuvant Therapy for Respiratory Disorders” during the S. P. O. I. 17, the International Conference of Pulmonology at Le Pondy near Poornakuppam on 2nd Decemer 2017. This was an event filled with eminent Pulmonologists from all around the world. Wonderful rapt audience who were very interested and intrigued by the innovative aspect of Yoga as an Adjuvant Therapy for Respiratory Disorders. All of them enthusiastically participated in the demonstration of the Yoga techniques used in these conditions. Overwhelming response from all the participants.
- Dr Meena was invited to the Bless Children’s Home at Reddichavady, Pondicherry, to celebrate the Children’s Day on 2nd December 2017. It was a joint venture between CYTER and IGIDS of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth. A short program with Yoga Asanas and Pranayama were taught to the students of the Home who participated with zest and zeal. Following which, a short quiz program was conducted by IGIDS and tooth brushes and tooth paste was supplied to all the children. To see such enthusiasm in these orphan children was heartwarming.
- Dr Meena, was selected to present a paper on Yoga research during faculty research presentations on 12.12.2017 during the SBV Research Week held from 7 to 12 December 2017.
- International Yoga Therapy Symposium at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth. The importance of Yoga as part of “Integrative Medicine” was stressed repeatedly by all speakers and participants during the International Yoga Therapy Symposium organised by the Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research of the Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth at its MGMCRI campus on 13th and 15th December 2017.
- CYTER and CMTER teams performed a joint Cultural Programme in honour of the UGC Expert committee on December 15th 2017 at SBV Auditorium. An artistic group Yogasana demonstration was given by the CYTER Team synchronised with a musical rendition of the Gayatri Mantra by the CMTER Team. CYTER Team included Dr Meena, Dayanidy G, Artchoudane, Dr Vasundara, Vidyasri, Dhanushapnadesh and Ghayathri .
- Tim and Monika Walraven from Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands, currently pursuing their studies in Yoga at Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute visited CYTER. They participated in the activities and will be presenting a detailed report at KDHAM with whom CYTER has an MoU.
- Dr Ananda attended the 4th Meeting of National Board for Promotion & Development of Yoga & Naturopathy on 20.12.2017 at Ayush Bhawan, New Delhi.
- Dr Ananda and Dr Meena attended the Doctoral Committee meeting held for Ms Mangalagowri who is pursuing her PhD as an Interdisciplinary Project in Biochemistry &Yoga Therapy on The Effect of Yoga Therapy on Oxidative Stress and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Type II Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomised Control Trial
- CYTER Team were the organizing members of the 32nd Pondicherry state level Yoga Sports Competitions held on 30th & 31th December 2017 with more than 800 participants competing in it.
- CYTER Team Participated in the 24th International Yoga Festival held on 4.1.2018. Dr Ananda led more than 500 participants in the Mass Yoga Demonstration at the Promenade, Pondicherry Beach. CYTER Team also conducted a well appreciated Workshop on Yoga Therapy attended well by audience from all over the world.
- Experiential workshop on prevention and management of stress through Yoga by Dr Ananda at CYTER on 5.1.2018. More than 50 international and national participants from the UK, Germany and different states of India enjoyed a wonderful time in the experiential workshop on prevention and management of stress through Yoga. The workshop was coordinated by Dr Meena and Sri Dayanidy G.
- Dr Meena, Deputy Director, CYTER was invited to conduct a session for the newly recruited Nurses on ‘Stress Management and awareness of Yoga’ as part of their Induction Program on 11th January & 30th March 2018 at MGMC&RI, Pondicherry.
- Dr Ananda was invited to give a special talk on “Music in Yoga” to the students of Centre for Music Therapy, Education and Research (CMTER) on 3.2.2018 in the seminar room of CMTER.
- “Introductory Workshop on Pranic Healing” by Ms Srividya Mohan, pranic healer and her team for 30 participants at CYTER on 7.2.2018.
- Dr Ananda and Dr Meena had been invited to talk on “Managing exam related stress through Yoga” at Vidhya Niketan Higher Secondary School, Pondicherry on 26.2.2018 for the 10th, 11th and 12th standard students who would be appearing for the public exams.
- CYTER organized an Interactive Hands-on Workshop on Scientific Writing on March 31st at Central Library, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry, India. It was facilitated by an international expert from Germany Mr. BILLY UBER who is Senior Consultant with Leadership Sculptor. More than 70 from all around Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu participated in this successful event.
- Ananda was invited to be a panelist and present a short SWOT analysis of integrating Yoga with modern medicine during the panel discussion at the 22nd INCOFYRA 2018 at SVYASA under the chairmanship of Dr HR Nagendraji held on 8.1.2018. The 22nd INCOFYRA made an effort to integrate Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy and Modern Medicine by bringing prominent researchers and doctors from all these fields under one platform to evolve better cancer care.
- Dr Meena and Sri Dayanidy G were invited to be Judge for the 2nd State Level Yogasana Championship, 2018 organised by TamilNadu Sports Yogasana Association on 18.2.2018 at Chennai. Dr Meena also conducted the Viva-voce for the Championship event.
- Dr Ananda and Dr Meena gave a special invited session on Yoga in Special Education for the CRE training program on “Development of Pre-Vocational & Vocational Skills” organised by the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, a National initiative by Govt of India organised by Education Department, Govt of Puducherry as part of their commitment in providing inclusive education to the differently abled children enrolled in the mainstream setting of school education, on “Yoga & therapy for Children with Special Needs” on 28th February 2018 .
- Dr Ananda, Director CYTER was Invited Guest Speaker at the International Yog Festival organized by GarhwalMandalVikas Nigam, Govt of Uttarakhand at Rishikesh from March 1 to 7, 2018 and also invited to give a special lecture for the students of Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar.
- Dr MeenaRamanathan, Deputy Director of CYTER, was invited to conduct the Teachers’ Training Program (TTP) at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala for a group of around 50 enthusiastic and energetic teachers working with the children with special needs in schools from all around Maharashtra on 10th & 11th March 2018. A Yoga protocol, the CYTER model for the children with Dhivyanga is being taught to these teachers through this intensive two day workshop, which will be taught to the children in those schools around Maharashtra. Future plans for surveys and more research projects are in the pipeline following this intensive TTP.
- Dr Meena, Deputy Director was invited to conduct a lec-dem session on Yoga in daily life for the Avvai Nagar Magalir Sangam as part of the Woman’s Day Celebration on 15th March 2018.
- DrAnanda, Director, CYTER was invited as a Chief Guest for the Golden Jubilee Sports and Fine Arts day of the Bharatidasan Govt. College for Women on 4 April 2018.
- SATYA Special School and CYTER begin collaborative activities on World Health Day, 7 April 2018 with a Training Session on a topic “workshop on Yoga for Special Educators” led by DrMeena, Deputy Director at CYTER from 10am to 12noon.
- Awareness program for the Faculty of Nursing of PIMS college and hospital, Pondicherry as part of their faculty development program at PIMS college and hospital, Pondicherry by Dr Meena, Associate professor and Deputy Director, CYTER, from 10.30am to 12 noon on 11.6.2018
- Mental Health and Wellbeing through Yoga for the children with special needs at Global Trust school, Cuddalore on 12.6.2018 from 10.30am to 12 noon.
- Yoga awareness program for Promoting Mental Health amongst those who are being treated for cancer and those who are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy at Cancer Rehabilitation Society between 4.30 and 5.30 pm at Shine Home, the cancer rehab centre, near JIPMER, Pondicherry on 17.6.2018.
- Mass Yoga awareness programme was conducted for more than a hundred students and staff at Kavingyar Barathithasan Higher Secondary Schoolin Kuruvinatham, Pondicherry by Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and research (CYTER) in collaboration with the Department of Community Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute on 18 June 2018. Session was conducted by Dayanidy G, Lecturer, CYTER. Team members Dhanush, Vidyasri, Anbazhagan, Mangalagowri along with Health Educator Sri Shanmugam were actively participated in the event.
- Awareness program for the corporate sector at Integra Software Solutions, Pondicherry, as part of their faculty development program at Integra by DrMeena, from 3. 30 to 5pm n 18.6.2018
- Empowerment of women through Yoga organised by Indian Women Network and Jothi eye care led by Dr Meena, Deputy Director, CYTER on 19th June 2018 between 3.30 and 5 pm at Jothi Eye Care , Pondicherry.
- DrMeena, Deputy Director, CYTER conducted a session on Mental and Emotional Health for Senior Citizens through Yoga at Serene Pelican, Township for the retired, Pinachikuppam, Pondicherry between 10.30 am and 12 noon on 19.6.2018.
- Yoga awareness programme was conducted at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute, Pondicherry on 20 June 2018. This event highlighted importance of yogic lifestyle and practices for patients, caregivers and staff of the Dr Swathi Pawer, Deputy Medical Superintendent of MGMC&RI, Dr Ambujam Sreedevi, Professor& Head DVL presided over the event. Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Director, CYTER gave the welcome address and the Interactive Session was conducted by Dayanidy G, Lecturer, CYTER along with the team members Dhanush, Vidyasri, Anbazhagan and Sarulatha.
- DrAnanda Balayogi Bhavanani, Director CYTER Conducted an Yoga Awareness program for staff of the All India Radio, Pondicherry on 20.6.2018.
- CYTER team participated in the Common Yoga Protocol mass practice at the Pondicherry rock beach on 21.6.2018 conducted by the Tourism dept. of Pondicherry in association with the Education dept. of Pondicherry, where more than 3000 students were participated from all around Pondicherry in the mass Yoga demo to celebrate the 4th International Day of Yoga 2018.
- DrMeena conducted an Awareness of Yoga on 21 June 2018 for an NGO Organization, Prabath Skill Development Centre, who are training trainees in various fields. The students undergo all sorts of training for improvement of skill in the chosen fields.
- Sri Dayanidy G, lecturer, CYTER conducted an awareness session on Yoga for the employees of the Indian Bank, Zonal Office, Pondicherry on 21.6.2018.
- Sri Danushapnadeesh, Yoga instructor, CYTER conducted Yoga session for the underprivileged gypsy children through the agencies of Udavikarangal organisation at Kattupaalayam, Pondicherry.
- CYTER conducted an event was conducted at YoganjaliNatyalayamon 21.6.2018 to mark the Yoga day celebrations in association with PYA and ICYER for the children and a group of students from Australia.
- DrMeena conducted an session of “Dhivyang Yoga” for the children with special needs along with DrAnanda, Director CYTER at the Satya Special School on 22 June 2018. The event was facilitated by SmtChitra Shah, Director and her team. The event was attended by invitees form Gitananda Yoga of Australia and NZ and the ICYER Team.
- DrMeena Deputy Director CYTER along with DrAnanda Director CYTER conducted a special program for the parents of children with special needs from Satya Special School on 23 June 2018 at Fathima Higher Secondary School, pondicherry as part of the SBV IDY2018 celebrations. The event was coordinated by Mrs.Chitra Shah, Director of Satya Special school and her team.
- Importance of Psychological health and well-being in Transgender population, a Yoga awareness program for the members of the SCHOD Society conducted by CYTER. DrAnanda and DrMeena led the session that was conducted at their main office in Pondicherry between 4.30 and 6 pm on 24.6.2018. An interactive program enjoyed and well taken by around 30 plus members of the society. The program was coordinated by SheetalNayak of MGMCRI.
- A Regional Level Yogasana Competition was conducted on 25.6.2018 at Lecture hall, MGMCRI for students of the Health Professional Education institutions of Puducherry and more than 80 students participated in the competition with prize winners from MGMCRI, IGIDS, KGNC, AVMC’s college of Nursing, physiotherapy and audiometry and CYTER.
- Mass Yoga awareness programme for students and staff at SR Subramaniyan Govt. Higher Secondary School in Saram, Pondicherry in collaboration with the Department of Community Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute on 28 June 2018 conducted by Dayanidy G, Lecturer, CYTER along with Danushapnadeesh, Yoga Instructor, DrVasundhara, MPhil Student, CYTER and Health Educator MrShanmugam R from Dept. of Community Medicine, MGMCRI.
- DrAnandaBalayogiBhavanani, Director was invited as a resource person for Samanvaya 2018 “National Conference on Integrative Diabetology” on 29th June 2018 organised by Dept. of Integrative Medicine, Sri DevarajUrs Academy of Higher Education and Research &Dept. of General Medicine, Sri DevarajUrs Medical College, Kolar, Karnataka.
- DrAnandaBalayogiBhavanani, Director was invited as a resource person for Individualized Clinical Yoga Therapy Training and Research Foundation (ICYTTRF) from 29th June to 1st July 2018 at Yercaud, Tamilnadu.
- DrAnanda, Director CYTER was invited to present Yoga workshops with musical concert at Yoga Satsanga Ashram, Wales, UK, workshops and a 3-Day Intensive Retreat organized by Om Yoga Studio, Cardiff, South Wales, UK from 12-16 April 2018, Invited to present at the YogaNat Studio in Montreal on 21 April 2018 organised by the Gitananda Yoga Association of Canada. Invited Consultant and Principal Faculty for the Integrative Yoga Therapy (IYT) training program on YOGA THERAPY APPLIED IN MEDICAL SETTINGS held at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, USA from April 22 – 29, 2018.
- DrMeena was invited as a Resource Person for the CME on “Introducing Yoga in Medical & Allied Health Sciences” at Aarupadaiveedu Medical College and Hospital of Vinayaka Mission, Pondicherry. She conducted an interactive session on Yoga in Nursing & Allied Health Science Curriculum on 20.4.2018. More than 200 participants including the faculty, staff, students and other dignitaries participated and enjoyed the session.
- DrAnanda, Director CYTER was invited to present Yoga workshops for the SOYA retreat in Sorrento, Canada BC and the Gitananda Yoga Society of Germany at Berlin from 1-3 and 6-11 June 2018 respectively.
- DrAnanda, Director, CYTER was invited to present Keynote Address in SYTAR 2018 on June 14 – 17, 2018 organized by International Association of Yoga Therapy, USA.
- DrMeenaRamanathan, Deputy Director was invited speaker at the “Yoga Ambassador Tour 2018” on “Principles and Methods of Yoga Therapy”, representing CYTER of SBV. This is a joint venture between AYUSH, Central ministry for health and Tourism Ministry of Kerala and ATTOI to promote Yoga and its awareness to the international audience. YAT2018 was attended by more than 70 participants from over 23 countries around the world on 14 June 2018.
- Dr Ananda and Dayanidy G were invited by KGNC, SBV to conduct Regional Seminar on Essentials of Yoga Therapy for Nursing Students conducted by CYTER of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth and Organized by Kasturba Gandhi Nursing college, SBV campus, Pillaiyarkuppam, Pondicherry on 7.7.2018.
- CYTER team participated in the medical camp organized by International Center for Yoga Education and Research (ICYER) on their Golden Jubilee celebration of ICYER & Silver jubilee of Yoganjali Natyalayam. Yogic counselling and therapy was given there for the common public at Kamban Kalai Arangam, Pondicherry on 5th August 2018.
- Dr Meena Ramanathan was invited to conduct two workshops on Yoga Therapy on 11 August2018 at Live Yoga Wellness, Los Angeles, California, USA on ” Principles &Methods of Clinical Yoga Therapy:Overview of Yogic Techniques as applied in CYTER* in the forenoon and “Case Presentations – Therapy Protocols and Open Discussion” in the afternoon session. This program was jointly organised by Loyola Marymount University and Live Yoga Wellness, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. Brief theoretical introduction to dynamic health &wellbeing, yogic perspective of human body &cause of disease, psychosomatic disorders &different phases, psychic disassociation: Nara, therapeutic interventions, potential benefits &underlying mechanisms. Clinical Yoga therapy: an overview of yogic techniques as applied in CYTER and the practices of the yogic techniques with a briefing about the significance of the practice was also done during the workshops.
- Dr Ananda Director CYTER was invited to conduct a Yoga awareness for members of the Auroville Village Action Group organised by Muthukumari on 11th
- The Annual Convocation of SBV, was held on 13 August 2018 at the university campus. CYTER students Dr R Balaji and Sri T Sadish Kumar were awarded Medals of Honor for their top performances in MPhil Yoga Therapy and PG Diploma in Yoga Therapy batch of 2016.
- Dr Ananda Director and Dayanidy G Lecturer CYTER were invited to conduct the Orientation Program on Yoga for the first year AHS BSC courses for the batch 2018 on 31 August 2018. From September onwards every month first & third Saturday (12 noon to 1 pm) Group Yoga session for first year UG AHS students. Sessions handled by Yoga Instructors of CYTER Sri Danushapnadeesh & Smt Sarulatha.
- Orientation sessions for first year MBBS students of 2018 batch of MGMC&RI was conducted by CYTER team at the CYTER Yoga Hall on 7th,8th,& 9thSeptember 2018. For first year Dental students of 2018 batch of IGIDS on 11th,12th & 14thSeptember 2018 and first year nursing students of KGNC, SBV on 27th September 2018 to create awareness on Yoga amongst them.
- Dr Ananda, Dr Meena and Dayanidy G attended the SAF program on 18thSeptember 2018, by Prof. Dr. KR Sethuraman on “Tips to publish & be an academic success”
- Dr Ananda attended meeting of the Executive Council of Indian Yoga Association and Healthcare Sector Skill Council consultative workshop on Yoga Therapy job roles on 10th September 2018 at the Art of Living International Centre, Dr Ananda is a member of the National Consultative Committee for the same. During the consultative workshop functional analysis of Yoga Therapy Assistants was done and draft standards were created by the experts. On the occasion a MoU was signed between Healthcare Sector Skill Council (HSSC) and Indian Yoga Association (IYA) with the objective to scale, integrate and implement skill development programmes through introduction of National Competency Standards – Qualification Packs (QP) and National Occupational Standards (NOS), learning resources and mechanism for Yoga related job roles. MoU was signed in the presence of Pujya Sri Sri Ravishankar Gurudev and Guruji Dr HR Nagendra. The Indian Yoga Association is a Self-Regulatory body of Leading Yoga Institutes of India that includes as members all the major Yoga traditions of India. The EC meeting was chaired by the President, IYA, Dr. HR Nagendraji who is Chancellor of SVYASA Yoga University and organised in an admirable manner by the Secretary General of IYA, Smt. Kamlesh Barwal who is the International Coordinator, Art of Living, Bengaluru. Dr Ananda attended the meeting in his capacity as Director, Standing Publications, Publicity and PR Committee. Dr Ananda was publically felicitated on the occasion in a public event during the evening Satsangha by Pujya Sri Sri Ravishankar Gurudev and Guruji Dr HR Nagendra.
The Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth Prof Subash Chandra Parija inaugurated the pioneering integration of Yoga in medical curriculum through Yogabhyasa for medical students at SBV. The “YOGABHYASA-a step towards salutogenesis” program was officially inaugurated at MGMC&RI, on 20th September 2018. Registrar of SBV Prof AR Srinivasan, Dean (acting) Prof Krishnan, Director CYTER Prof AB Bhavanani, Deputy Director Dr Meena Ramanathan, MGMCRI VP SA Prof Partha Nandi and other faculty and students participated. From this academic year onwards, all students of SBV will be having regular Yoga sessions that aim to develop physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual health and wellbeing in them.