Govt approves UG, PG courses on Yoga

Giving wider recognition to therapeutic applications of Yoga, the government has approved undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes on the ancient practice at higher educational levels.

On completion of the two new degree courses, students will be able to “introduce yoga therapy techniques for various diseases,” according to syllabi of the Bachelors in Physiotherapy (BPT) and Masters in Physiotherapy (MPT) programmes notified by the University Grants Commission (UGC) recently.

“Introduction of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes on Yoga and its therapeutic applications will not only produce well-learned and certified scholars of the ancient practice but also alternative healthcare practitioners. There is a huge demand for Yoga teachers all over the world because of its multiple health benefits and potential to heal various diseases,” a Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry official told DH.

The syllabus of the two programmes have been prepared by a committee of experts headed by prime minister’s personal Yoga coach and Chancellor of S-Vyasa University, Bengaluru, H R Nagendra.

“Prime minister has suggested that suitable preferences be given in admissions to the two programmes to candidates who have requisite expertise in Yoga,” the official added.