New Delhi: The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), under the Ministry of Ayush, concluded the valedictory session of its intensive one-month crash course on the Patanjala Yoga Sutra on July 24, 2024. The session commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Arpit Kumar Dubey, Assistant Professor of Sanskrit. The event featured esteemed guests, including Prof. Shashi Prabha Kumar, Chairperson of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla, as the Chief Guest; Prof. Om Nath Bimali, Director of the Centre for Hindu Studies and Head of the Department of Sanskrit at the University of Delhi; Prof. Girishwar Mishra, Former Vice Chancellor of MGAHV, Wardha; and Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, Director of MDNIY.
Chief Guest Prof. Shashi Prabha Kumar emphasized the experiential nature of Yoga, stating, “Yoga creates harmony between darkness and light; between death and divinity, and India has greatly contributed to the propagation of Yoga.” Guest of Honour Prof. Girishwar Mishra highlighted the importance of detachment for Moksha and encouraged participants to develop ‘Maitri, Karuna, Mudita’ in their behavior while following ‘Yama and Niyama’ to foster social harmony.
In his keynote address, Dr. Kashinath Samagandi expressed gratitude for the program and emphasized the significance of reference-based teachings. “Whatever has been said in principles, we should accept and practice it. On the occasion of International Self-Care Day, our behavior should align with Shashtra. Yoga Shastra is not just a Darshana (Philosophy) but a Darpana (Reflection),” he stated.
Reflecting on the importance of knowledge, Prof. Om Nath Bimali remarked, “Knowledge conveys two meanings – first curiosity and second, to become competent. We need to go through a process to become knowledgeable.”
The crash course was designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the Patanjala Yoga Sutra, a foundational text in the practice of Yoga authored by the sage Patanjali. Participants expressed their gratitude and shared their experiences, noting the transformative impact of the course on their practice and understanding of Yoga.
The program was coordinated by Dr. Arpit Kumar Dubey, Assistant Professor of Sanskrit, and Dr. Pawan Kumar, Assistant Professor of Yoga Education.