Varsity plans to extend Yoga dept

VC seeks funds for a full-fledged Yoga centre

Mangalore University Vice Chancellor K Byrappa said the university has a plan to extend the Human Consciousness and Yogic Sciences Department into a full-fledged Yoga centre. He was speaking at the inaugural function of international Yoga teachers training organised by the department and Dharmanidhi Yogapeetha, in association with Wonkwang Digital University (WDU), South Korea, at Mangalagangothri here on Thursday.

Prof Byrappa said the department is the only department among the universities in the state offering both postgraduation as well as a PhD course in Yoga. The department has gathered special appreciation from the University Grants Commission, he added. He said the university has been conducting certificate and diploma courses in Yoga at Mangalagangothri campus and University College campus in Mangaluru, he added.

Speaking about the tie-ups with foreign universities, Prof Byrappa said the university has signed a memorandum of understanding with Wonkwang Digital University (WDU), South Korea, for the exchange of resources. Through a recent correspondence, Indian Embassy in Mosco has shared the interest of the Mosco government to be a part of Mangalore University Yoga Department by partaking in the short-term training courses conducted by the department. 

The VC submitted a memorandum from the university to the state government seeking funds to establish a full-fledged Yoga centre on the university campus. District In-charge Minister and Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment B Ramanath Rai said Yoga is universally acknowledged. Yoga is the contribution of India to the world towards perfect health. Efforts will be made by the government to establish a full-fledged Yoga centre at Mangalagangothri. Rai added that he has been practicing yoga regularly.

Yoga in South Korea
WDU Provost Prof Jong Soon Sue, who was the guest of honour, said the awareness about Yoga has been increased tremendously in South Korea. Practice of Yoga illuminates the consciousness and those who practise Yoga become more humane. Yoga is an indispensable part of Indian Culture, she said. Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala, Scientific Physiology Research Department research officer and surgeon Dr S D Pathak was the chief guest.

Department Head Dr K Krishna Sharma was present on the occasion. The training programme will be held till February 5. Theoretical and practical sessions on Yoga will be held. ‘Satvik food’ will be provided to the participants.