SMVDU Katra, March 2019. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, organized a one-day National Seminar on “Yoga and Naturopathy for Well-being” under the University Social Responsibility (USR) on 30th Mar. 2019. The seminar was organized in collaboration with Archna Yogayatan (AY), New Delhi, and International Federation of Yoga Professionals (IFYP), New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by Prof. D. Mukhopadhyay, Dean, Faculty of Management and Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, SMVDU, in the presence of Dr. M.K. Taneja, Senior ENT & Cochlear Implant Surgeon and Member, Governing Body, Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India, Dr. S.N. Yadav, Director, AY and an International Yoga expert, Dr. Anil Kumar Tewari, Head of the School of Philosophy & Culture (SoPC) and Faculty In-charge, USR, Mr. P.C. Kanal, (retd.) Deputy General Manager, R&D Centre, Indian Oil Corporation and a social worker, Mrs. Sushila Biswas, Senior Naturopath associated with AY. The other prominent persons included Prof. Ashok Sharma, Head, School of Physics, Dr. Amitabh Dwivedi, Head, School of Languages and Literature, Dr. Madhu Mangal Chaturvedi, SoPC, Dr. Supinder Singh, Medical Officer, Mr. Dayal, Yoga instructor, SMVD College of Nursing and DPS, Katra, and other faculty and staff members. The participants included more than 300 students of various streams of study and people from nearby villages of the university. The program began at 7:30 AM with the Yoga and Meditation session by Dr. Yadav (AY), and Mr. Gurmel (SMVDU). In the first session, Dr. Taneja enlightened the audience with respect to the effect of various pranayam techniques and chanting of mantras. Dr. Yadav and Mrs. Biswas explained the effects of various herbs and grains which can be used for the nourishment and healthy diet in the kitchen. The participants were shown a proper method of breathing which would save us from many ailments. The effect of mud- and water-therapy was also demonstrated. The main objective of the seminar was to create awareness among the participants about the activities to be adopted in daily life to keep themselves mentally and physically fit. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Paras Dubey, 5th year M.Sc (eco.) who coordinated the event with Manglam Mishra, 4th B. Tech, CSE and other student volunteers.
