The Collaborative Centre for Mind Body Intervention through Yoga (CCRYN) at PGIMER, Chandigarh, is taking a significant step towards promoting the scientific understanding of Yoga as a therapeutic intervention. 

The center is organizing a one-day International Workshop on Mind Body Intervention: Emerging Status, followed by a two-day Expert Meeting from January 8 to January 10, 2024. Under the guidance of organizing secretaries Dr. Pramod Avti and Dr. Krishan Kumar Soni, and organizing chairman Dr. Akshay Anand, the event is held with the auspices of PMC, RCI credit for medical graduates.

The distinguished Chief Guest, Dr. H R Nagendra, renowned Yoga Guru and Chancellor of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, Bangalore, will inaugurate the event. The Guest of Honour includes PGIMER Director Dr. Vivek Lal and Professor in charge of CCRYN, Dr. Akshay Anand. The event aims to explore new recommendations for inclusion in healthcare, with more than 150 delegates registered for the workshop and over 20 faculties and experts attending the Expert Meeting.

Eminent speakers, including Dr. Raghvendra Rao, Director of CCRYN, and faculties such as Dr. Mitali Mukerji from IIT Jodhpur, Dr. Sanjib Patra, Dr. Kashinath G Metri from Central University of Rajasthan, Dr. Hemant Bhargava from NIMHANS, and Dr. Rima Dada from AIIMS, will discuss the role of Yoga in managing various health aspects during the workshop on January 8, 2024.

International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) executives, Ms. Alyssa Wostrel, Ms. Molly McManus, and Dr. Susan Steiger Tebb, will enlighten young researchers and clinicians on the workings and importance of IAYT. Dr. Rich Fletcher from UMass Medical School and MIT will discuss new technologies in Yoga practice and teaching.

The workshop will conclude with a performance by Brighter Minds Children and an interactive session between young minds, Yoga experts, and the media. A major focus of the event is the launch of a multi-centric Yoga trial on addiction.

The Expert Meeting on January 9th and 10th at UT Guest House will bring together National and International experts to discuss various aspects of Yoga, including protocolization, implementation, maintaining quality, educational frameworks, and more. The meeting will progress five ongoing projects at PGIMER under the Yoga center, with a consensus draft for recommendations to PMSS/NITI Aayog and a proposal for a multi-centric trial to be finalized.

Prof Rima Dada, In-Charge of the Media Cell, emphasized the significance of Yoga as mind-body energy medicine, influencing gene programs beneficial for health and well-being. In an era of increasing lifestyle diseases, Yoga's integrated holistic approach is positioned as a vital adjunct to disease management, promoting health and preventing the onset of complex lifestyle diseases.