In a significant move aimed at fostering holistic well-being and educational equity, the Indian Institute of Technology Ropar (IIT Ropar) has embarked on a dual initiative. The premier institute has laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art centre dedicated to yogic sciences and simultaneously announced a generous scholarship programme for gifted students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
A New Hub for Mind-Body Wellness
The foundation stone for the Dr Ishan Avdhoot Shivanand Centre for Yogic Sciences and Holistic Development was laid on the IIT Ropar campus on Tuesday. The ceremony was presided over by the institute's Director, Professor Rajeev Ahuja, and attended by notable figures including Dr Atharva Poundarik, Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, and cardiologist Dr Bindukumar Kansupada. The centre is named after Dr Ishan Shivanand, founder of Yoga of Immortals, who was also present at the event.
This new facility is designed to bridge ancient wisdom with contemporary science. It will seamlessly integrate traditional yogic practices with modern scientific methodologies to address the comprehensive wellness needs of the campus community. The centre will house dedicated spaces for a variety of activities aimed at enhancing physical and mental health.
Facilities and Programmes at the Centre
The centre is envisioned as a comprehensive wellness hub, offering facilities for:
- Daily yoga and meditation sessions
- Mindfulness training programmes
- Aerobics and other fitness activities
- Structured stress management workshops
- Faculty and staff wellness initiatives
- Research projects exploring holistic health practices
Speaking at the ceremony, Director Rajeev Ahuja emphasised the critical importance of this initiative. He stated that the centre reflects IIT Ropar's commitment to the overall development of its students and faculty. "Mental health and physical well-being are essential in today's demanding academic environment. The centre will help our community achieve balance and resilience," Ahuja remarked.
Dr Ishan Shivanand echoed this sentiment, highlighting the role of scientifically validated yogic practices in helping students manage prevalent issues like stress, anxiety, and burnout. He expressed hope that the centre would serve as a pioneering model for other educational institutions across the country.
Scholarship Initiative for Underprivileged Talent
Parallel to the wellness initiative, IIT Ropar made a major announcement to promote inclusivity in education. The institute launched the Dr Ishan Shivanand Scholarship for Gifted Youth. This programme is specifically designed to support meritorious students who face financial hurdles.
Under this scheme, ten fully-funded scholarships will be awarded. The scholarships have been strategically divided to support students at different academic levels:
- Five scholarships for undergraduate (UG) students
- Five scholarships for postgraduate (PG) students
Director Ahuja clarified the core objective behind this financial aid. He stated that the scholarships aim to ensure that talented students are not held back due to financial constraints and can instead focus entirely on their academic and personal growth. This move is seen as a vital step in democratising access to high-quality technical education at one of India's most prestigious institutes.
Integrating Tradition with Modern Education
The twin announcements underscore IIT Ropar's progressive vision for education, which goes beyond conventional academics. By establishing the yogic sciences centre, the institute acknowledges the growing need to equip students with tools to navigate high-pressure environments. The integration of wellness into the daily campus life is expected to enhance productivity, creativity, and overall student satisfaction.
Simultaneously, the scholarship programme addresses a fundamental barrier to education. It aligns with national goals of creating a more equitable learning landscape where potential is the only prerequisite for success, not economic background.
These initiatives collectively position IIT Ropar as an institution that is not only advancing scientific and technological frontiers but is also deeply invested in nurturing the holistic well-being of its community and expanding opportunities for deserving youth from all sections of society.
