Ropar
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for a dedicated centre focused on yogic sciences and holistic development, aimed at promoting mental and physical well-being within the campus community.
The facility, to be known as the Dr Ishan Avdhoot Shivanand Centre for Yogic Sciences and Holistic Development, is named after Yoga of Immortals founder Dr Ishan Shivanand, who was present at the ceremony.
The foundation stone-laying event was led by IIT Ropar Director Rajeev Ahuja and attended by Dr Atharva Poundarik, Head of the Biomedical Engineering Department, and cardiologist Dr Bindukumar Kansupada, among others.
According to institute officials, the centre will blend traditional yogic disciplines with contemporary scientific methods. It will include dedicated spaces for yoga, meditation, mindfulness practices, aerobics and other wellness-oriented activities.
Director Ahuja said the initiative aligns with IIT Ropar’s emphasis on the holistic growth of students and faculty members. He noted that maintaining mental health and physical fitness is increasingly important in high-pressure academic settings, and the new centre will help foster balance and resilience across the campus.
Dr Shivanand highlighted the role of scientifically validated yogic practices in addressing stress, anxiety and burnout among students. He added that the centre could serve as a template for similar initiatives at educational institutions nationwide.
The centre will offer daily yoga and meditation sessions, structured stress management programmes, wellness initiatives for faculty and staff, and research opportunities in the field of holistic health.
In addition, IIT Ropar announced the launch of the Dr Ishan Shivanand Scholarship for Gifted Youth, under which 10 fully funded scholarships will be awarded to students from economically weaker sections. Five scholarships will be earmarked for undergraduate students and five for postgraduate students, officials said.
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Ahuja said the scholarship programme is intended to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder deserving students from pursuing academic excellence.
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