Informative Souvenir of SBV IDY 2019 celebrations organised by CYTER

Patrons
Shri MK RAJAGOPALAN
Hon’ble Chancellor Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth
Dr PRASHANTH RAJAGOPALAN Prof. SUBHASH CHANDRA PARIJA
Vice-Chairman, SBECPT Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, SBV
Advisory Panel
Prof. N Ananthakrishnan Prof. AR Srinivasan Prof. M Ravishankar
Dean, Faculty, SBV Registrar, SBV Dean, MGMC&RI.
Prof. V Nirmal Coumare Prof. Saravana Kumar R Prof. K Renuka
Medical Superintendent, MGMC&RI Principal, IGIDS Principal, KGNC
Prof.Madanmohan
Former Director & Hon.Advisor, CYTER
Organizing Chairman Organizing Secretary
Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani Dr. Meena Ramanathan
Prof & Director, CYTER Associate Prof & Deputy Director, CYTER
Treasurer
Shri G Dayanidy
Lecturer, CYTER
Dr. Seetesh Goshe, VP (Curriculum), MGMCRI
Dr. Partha Nandi, VP (Students), MGMCRI
Dr. AN Uma, VP, Allied Health Sciences, SBV
Smt. MB Josephine, Student Welfare Officer, SBV
Smt. Priya Philip, Junior Student Counselor, SBV
Dr Balaji R, PhD Research Scholar CYTER
Sri Artchoudane, PhD Research Scholar CYTER
Dr Rajalakshmi, PhD Research Scholar CYTER
Shri.Dhanushapnadeesh, CYTER
Smt Asha, GM Administration, SBV
Sri Joseph Naresh, Deputy Registrar, SBV
Sri Kannan Iyer, GM Finance, SBV
Prof. BV Adkoli, Director, CHPE, SBV
Dr. A Sanguida, IGIDS
Mrs Priya Philip, PhD Research Scholar CYTER
Ms Garima Setia, PhD Research Scholar CYTER
Sri Kiaan Gupta, MPhil Scholar, CYTER
Smt. G Sarulatha, CYTER
SBV - IDY 2019 Core Team

Sl.no Content
Page
no.
1. Messages of Greetings
2. From the desk of the Organizing Chairman 18
3. From the desk of the Organizing Secretary 19
4. Invitation and Scientific Programme 20
5. A brief introduction to our esteemed CME faculty 26
6.
Garbha-Sanskar – Preventive Approach Towards
Disabilities
- Dr Nutan W. Pakhare
39
7.
Yoga’s Potential: ‘Rewiring’ Brains With Intellectual And
Other Mental Disabilities
- Dr Praseeda Menon
43
8.
Caring For The Caregiver: The Yogic Perspective
- Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani
50
9.
Boundless Bliss For Children With Special Needs Through
Yoga
- Dr Meena Ramanathan
55
10.
Overcome Disability through Yoga
- Dayanidy G, Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Dr Meena
Ramanathan, Dr Srikanth S
61

10.
Tools to Measure Health Related Quality of Life of
Intellectually Disabled Children: A Review of Available
Measures
- Dr S Karthikayini , Dr Rajkumar Patil, Dr Meena Ramanathan, Dr
Arun S
64
11.
Bringing Yoga into the Lives of Children with Special Needs
- Dr Rajasekar Balaji, Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Dr Meena
Ramanathan
71
12.
Yogic Tools for Special Children (Divine Children)
- Artchoudane Soccalingam, Dr Meena Ramanathan, Dr Ananda
Balayogi Bhavanani
75
13.
Paediatric Care- Siddha Perspective
- Dr Rajalakshmi B, Dr Meena Ramanathan, Dr Ananda Balayogi
Bhavanani
81
14.
Health and Wellbeing in Caregivers of Children With
Special Needs Through Yoga
- Priya Felix Philip, Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Dr Meena
Ramanathan
87
15.
Yoga for Gastro Intestinal Problems in Children with
Special Needs
- Garima Setia, Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Dr Meena
Ramanathan
91
16.
Positive Eugenics: An Ancient Indian Perspective
- Mangala Gowri VV, Dr Srinivasan AR, Dr Ananda Balayogi
Bhavanani, Dr Meena Ramanathan
93
17.
Samadhi as a State of Health
- Mr Kiaan Gupta, Dr Meena Ramanathan, Dr Ananda Balayogi
Bhavanani
98
18.
Introducing Pranayama to Children with Special Needs
- PELLISSIER Auriane , Dr Meena Ramanathan, Dr Ananda
Balayogi Bhavanani
105
19. CYTER – Milestones 109

IDY National Seminar cum Workshop at SBV 2019, Pondicherry

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Shri M.K. Rajagopalan
Hon’ble Chancellor
Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV)
(Deemed to be University –
Accredited by NAAC with “A” Grade)
Pondicherry.
MESSAGE FROM HON’BLE CHANCELLOR, SBV
It gives me immense pleasure that Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV) is actively
organizing various events in commemoration of the 5th International Day of Yoga
2019. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri. Narendra Modi has said during his
address to the UN General Assembly that “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s
ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint
and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and
well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself,
the world and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it
can help us deal with climate change.”
Yoga is regarded as one of the most effective methods of establishing a
connection between the body minds by Indian sages since time immemorial. It is a
type of exercise that is performed through diet, breathing and physical posture for
the relaxation of body and mind. This ancient form of holistic healing got a formal
recognition by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 2014.
I am sure that The Centre for Yoga Therapy Education and Research (CYTER)
of SBV is playing a vital role in creating awareness of Yoga and its therapeutical uses
among the public and patients by its various outreach programmes in coordination
with various Government departments and NGOs. Apart from this it imparts Yoga
Education and Research on Yoga at various levels by offering courses ranging from
Certificate to Doctoral programmes. CYTER is also recognized for its rehabilitative
works in patient care and health management. SBV also concentrates in taking Yoga
to the society and is actively organizing various events for the benefit of the society.
I wish the Team – CYTER all success for various programmes and events to
be organized between 13th June and 21st June 2019 as a part of 5th International Day
of Yoga celebrations.
Shri MK Rajagopalan

“Divyanga Yoga: Yoga for children of Special needs”

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Prof. Subhash Chandra Parija
Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor
MESSAGE FROM THE HON’BLE VICE-CHANCELLOR, SBV
India is an ancient land known for its spiritual value, heritage and code of
conduct. In this context, Yoga acquires great relevance, as it epitomizes all of these
afore mentioned attributes.
The concept of celebrating International Day of Yoga (IDY) was first proposed
by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi ji at the United Nations General
Assembly on 27th September, 2014 - a red letter day in the annals of Indian History.
As a result of this great initiative, the International day of Yoga is being celebrated
the world over on the 21st of June every year.
The Centre For Yoga Therapy Education and Research (CYTER) is a vibrant
centre spearheading all out efforts propelled towards fostering yoga therapy in all
the three avenues expected of Health Sciences Higher Education Institutions (HEIs),
namely Academics, Research and Patient care. CYTER has been celebrating IDY,
ever since year 2015, when the latter came into existence. This year also we would be
witnessing a busy and packed week long celebrations, commemorating IDY 2019,
under the aegis of CYTER, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth. The celebrations include a National
seminar on Divyanga Yoga: Yogic approach to Special needs. This all important
Seminar is being enabled in association with Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, ICYER,
Samagra Shiksha, Satya Special School, Pondicherry and Pondicherry Yogasana
Association. Other events are also being lined up.
I congratulate Prof. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Director CYTER for his
vision and his able CYTER team for facilitating the grand celebrations.
Prof. Subhash Chandra Parija


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Prof. AR SRINIVASAN
Registrar
MESSAGE OF GREETINGS FROM THE REGISTRAR, SBV
CYTER has been contributing a lot in the facets of Academics, Patient care
and Research, as related to Yoga therapy.
The Government of India through AYUSH has been propagating Yoga in a
big way and CYTER is fully aware of this fact. Propelled by the dynamism of the
Director of CYTER, Prof. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, a lot of cardinal events are
being continuously held at CYTER—all aimed at holistic development of the
individual and fully compliant with the ideals of salutogenesis.
The International Day of Yoga 2K19 is witnessing an impressive weeklong
celebrations at CYTER, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, beginning 13th June 2019. The National
Seminar is the jewel in the crown. Other interesting events are also in store.
Let Yoga reveal the path towards holistic wealth and let IDY 2K19
celebrations at CYTER, SBV open up newer vistas in Yoga education, therapy and
research. This would go a long way in disseminating knowledge, awareness and
practice on the significant aspects of Yoga.
Hearty welcome to the resource persons and avid delegates.
Prof. AR Srinivasan


8

Prof. N Ananthakrishnan
Dean of Faculty
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN OF FACULTY
Ever since the very first International Day of Yoga in 2015, Sri Balaji
Vidyapeeth has celebrated this event with a week-long celebration promoting
Salutogenesis in the population served by our Institute.
CYTER, a unit of SBV has organized a grand celebration of Yoga, our cultural
heritage from 13th to 21st June 2019. The focus this year is on "Divyanga Yoga", the
application of Yoga in children with special needs.
CYTER has been doing yeoman service in propagating Yoga among the
public as a measure of promoting good health, in addition to targeting specific
interventions in combination with modern medicine for enabling healing or
palliation of the sick. Over the years, the efforts of the centre in this direction, has
raised its profile at the National level, besides bringing considerable laurels to SBV in
publicizing SBV’s unique contribution to holistic health. SBV in this respect stands
out among Health Science Universities.
I am sure, the team of CYTER would continue to take further giant steps
forward and bring greater distinction to themselves and SBV besides taking care of
the health and well-being of thousands of people.
I wish them all success for this year’s Yoga week and for their future
endeavors.
Prof. N Ananthakrishnan


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Prof. M Ravishankar
Dean
Mahatma Gandhi Medical College
& Research Institute

MESSAGE
I am happy to note that the International Day of Yoga Celebrations 2019
Organized by Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education & Research (CYTER) at
MGMCRI under auspices of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry from 13th till 21st
June 2019 is being celebrated very extensively year after year successfully.
The enthusiasm is growing and catches up with everybody. I am happy that a
national seminar on DIVYANGA YOGA is also organized in connection with the
International day of Yoga to appraise people of medical community about the
benefits of yoga. Incorporation of yoga in daily life for maintaining wellbeing and
prevention of disease must be understood by all people to reduce the health Care
burden of the country. I am confident that your centre will strive towards that goal
and have useful research conducted to document the outcome.
I wish all the success for the program.
Prof. M Ravishankar


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AMMAJI,
Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani
Director ICYER at Ananda Ashram and
YoganjaliNatyalayam,
Pondicherry.
MESSAGE OF BLESSINGS
The ancient Sanskrit word “Yoga” has undergone an “Atmik Bomb
Explosion” in this 21st century - on earth planet and bits and pieces of its cosmic
significance have exploded all over the globe from pole to pole . Now, like the
proverbial “Humpty Dumpy” the word must be picked up and put back together
again. Perhaps “All the kings horses and all the kings men” cannot put the powerful
Sanskrit word back together again – but valiant soldiers of spirit like those at the Sri
Balaji Vidyapeeth under whose benevolent auspices soldiers do their duty can do
this job! Calling sincere seeking souls together under the banner of International
Yoga Day, powerful minds will gather to create a “Force of Will Power” (Iccha
Sakthi) which can make that which has been fragmented whole once more! A
Cosmic Team will perform the impossible task: TEAM – Together; E – Everyone; A-
Accomplishes; M – More!
The flag of Yoga and all it symbolizes now flies over the community of
nations! May those of us who adore this ancient wisdom keep it flying high!
I wish the CYTER team all the very best in their efforts to propagate this
ancient art and science of India within a modern framework for the benefit of society
worldwide.
Ammaji, Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani


11

Dr. W Selvamurthy, Ph.D., D.Sc.
President
Amity Science, Technology and Innovation Foundation (ASTIF),
Director General, Amity Directorate of Science & Innovation
Chancellor, Amity University Chhattisgarh and
Chair Professor for Life Sciences
(Former Distinguished Scientist and Chief Controller R&D (LS), DRDO)
MESSAGE
I am delighted to know that Center for Yoga therapy,
Education and Research (CYTER), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV) has taken the
initiative to celebrate International Day of Yoga 2019 by organizing National
Seminar cum Workshop on DIVYANGA YOGA: Yogic Approach to special needs on
14th and 15th June 2019.
Yoga can play a pivotal role in treating various diseases, including various
disabilities and life threatening diseases. Divyanga Yoga Therapy can help in
empowering the differently-abled persons. The various session planned
meticulously by SBV will definitely pave way for brainstorming and exploring the
avenues for application of yoga therapy in disability management and thereby
suggesting appropriate strategies for achieving the goal of health for all.
These sessions will prove beneficial to each and every participant specifically
children with special needs and would promote the importance of Yogic practice
which is close to my heart as I had conducted experiments in the Defense Research
and Development organization (DRDO) to demonstrate the prophylactic, promotive
& curative potentials of yoga through well controlled physiological studies with
special focus on its application to armed forces personnel.
Yoga is a profound science of unfolding the infinite potentials of the human
mind and soul which bestows perfect physical, mental, emotional and spiritual
health to an individual. It gives me immense pleasure to see that CYTER is carrying
on the tradition of promotion the spiritual awakening through Yoga under the
leadership of Ammaji and Dr. Ananda. I am sure that you will be able to create more
healthy citizens through spreading the art and science of yoga. This would not only
ensure the passing on of this ancient tradition to the next generation but also help in
promotion of healthy lifestyle. I extend my heartfelt wishes to all the members who
were instrumental in propagating the effects of yoga particularly the young minds
who are the key for developing future healthy global citizens
Dr W Selvamurthy


12

Dr Hansaji Yogendra
Director
The Yoga Institute, Mumbai
Greetings from The Yoga Institute,
Yoga is in our fundamental nature, a limitless, unbounded consciousness. It
empowers a person to spread the light of prana to every part of your body, mind,
and soul. It brings me immense joy to know that CYTER is bringing the benefits of
this ancient science to the masses by spreading the message of yoga, by celebrating
International Day of Yoga 2019 at the SBV Campus in Pondicherry.
On this auspicious day, I would like to send a message of ‘duty: dharma’ to
all the householders around the world - We must all follow our Dharma by first
enriching and empowering ourselves, and then to perform our duty and service
(Seva), to our families and the extended society. Turn to yoga to enrich the life of self
and others and the whole human world.
My gratitude and admiration to Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani for all her
devotion to Yoga. I would especially like to thank Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani
for being such an admirable contribution in spreading the word of yoga across the
globe. My blessings and adorations to all at CYTER in making the dream of the
proliferation of the divine message of yoga, come to life.
Dr Hasanji Yogendra


13

Sri Subodh Tiwari
CEO,
Kaivalyadhama Yoga institute,
Lonavla, Maharashtra.
MESSAGE
The ancient tradition of India lays a great emphasis on health, harmony and
well-being. The seers of the Upanishads exhort: 'Let my limbs wax strong, Let my
speech, vital force, eyes, ears, vitality and all the senses increase in power.' The
systems of Yoga and Ayurveda consequently devised manifold techniques to
strengthen the physical and mental faculties which in turn bestow holistic health on
human being.
The message of the Upanishads also reverberates in the voice of Swami
Vivekananda in the modern times: 'Physical strength, therefore, is absolutely necessary. It
is the strong body alone that can bear the shock of reaction resulting from the attempt to
control the organs.'
Inspired by the ancient Indian wisdom, Swami Kuvalayananda, the illustrious
founder of Kaivalyadhama, dedicated his whole life to build up a scientific
framework and an effective machinery to promote the system of Hatha Yoga
coupled with the spirit of Patanjala system in order to consolidate the 'Self
Culture' in the world in its true spirit.
In the backdrop of the globally emerging scenario of the proliferation of the
science of Yoga, the organization of the workshop on the occasion of International
Day of Yoga, 2019, by the Center for Yoga Therapy, Education & Research of Sri
Balaji Vidyapeeth is really commendable.
The National Seminar and Workshop conceived by the CYTER team aims at
nourishing both physical and mental aspects of children with special needs
through Divyanga Yoga. Kaivalyadhama and CYTER have partnered in many
activities to benefit this neglected section of our society and hence we are pleased to
be a co-sponsor of this event.
I am sure this will certainly open up novel avenues of education, therapy and
research in the field thus contributing to the expansion of knowledge. I extend all my
good wishes to the organizers of this conference for their sincere endeavor to
impress a substantial momentum to the world-wide Yoga movement. May the event
be crowned with a befitting grandeur and stupendous success.


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Yogacharini Kalavathi Devi
Founder Om Yoga Studio, Cardiff, Wales, UK.
Namaste CYTER!
Thank you for your invitation for the International Yoga
Day Celebrations 2019. As much as I would love to attend it is not possible due to
the physical distance that lies between us. However I wish you all the best with your
Seminars and Workshops and know that they will undoubtedly be such a boon to all
those who are fortunate enough to be able to attend. Your events are always well
documented so I will look forward to being able to experience in this capacity at a
later date.
Yogacharini Kalavathi Devi
Dr Matthew J. Taylor
Director of Smart Safe Yoga, Phoenix, AZ, USA
Dear Colleagues,
Please accept my sincerest good wishes for successful CYTER International
Yoga Day celebrations this June. May the little ones that you are dedicating the
celebration toward teach us their wisdom for how we might be in the world. Their
ability to demonstrate love without holding back and what seems to be infinite
patience is humbling as they teach we harried people with all of the initials.
Blessings on all of you in this important event!
Matthew J. Taylor


15

S Sridharan
Trustee
Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram
Chennai.
I am extremely happy to see the wonderful way the International Day of Yoga
Celebrations 2019, have been organized by you and your team. Having been
associated with ‘CYTER’ for several years, I have been witnessing the valuable
contribution of ‘CYTER’ in spreading the message of Yoga by extending yoga
education to the public in and around Pondicherry and particularly reaching the
under-privileged.
I congratulate you and your team and am sure ‘CYTER’ will reach greater heights in
the years to come.
S Sridharan
Amy Wheeler, Ph.D.
International Association of Yoga Therapists
President of the Board of Directors, USA &
Professor of Kinesiology at California State University
San Bernardino, USA.
Greetings!
The CYTER organization is a leader in the world of Yoga. I can see how
CYTER is one of the few organizations ready, willing and able to bridge the ancient
teachings with modern medicine. It is remarkable to see the language that is used to
bridge this divide and allow us to come together for one goal. That goal is to reduce
human suffering and help bring each person into a state of salutogenesis, or self-
actualization. I am inspired to see so many people working together at CYTER with
this pure goal. All eyes, hearts and minds are focused on the light and working to
make our world a better place. I am so grateful for all of you. Keep up the great
work!
Amy Wheeler


16

Dr Lori Rubenstein Fazzio,
PT, DPT, MAppSc, C-IAYT
USA
Greetings!
The team at CYTER, are world leaders in the integration
of Yoga Therapy with modern medicine. There are many ways
in which they have successfully implemented Yoga Therapy as an innovative and
effective approach towards well-being, or salutogenesis, has inspired many of us
around the world to follow suit. Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles
organizes a group visit each year in order to learn from the experts at CYTER and
the attendees unanimously applaud the experience as top-notch and life-enhancing.
We are all extremely grateful for the wisdom, the love and the guidance of CYTER.
May you continue to bless us all with your light.
Dr. Lori Rubenstein Fazzio
Joseph Le Page, M.A.
Founder of Integrative Yoga Therapy
USA
Greetings!
International Day of Yoga reminds us of Yoga’s illustrious past and also of its
growing role as an essential part of health and wellness within the medical
community. In this context, the Center for Yoga Education and Research of Sri Balaji
Vidyapeeth has played a pioneering role and is also at the forefront of research and
methodology in Yoga Therapy. It is therefore my pleasure to extend congratulations
on the celebration of International Day of Yoga, 2019.
Joseph Le Page


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Prof. Luciano Bernardi, MD
Professor of Internal Medicine (Retired
University of Helsinki, Finland
Greeting!
I am honored to welcome the delegates of the upcoming “National Seminar
cum Workshop on Divyanga yoga: Yogic approach to Special Needs” organised by
Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University and Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and
Research (CYTER), in conjunction with other prestigious Indian Institutions devoted
to the development of Yoga practice, culture and research, like Kaivalyadhama Yoga
Institute, ICYER, Samagra Shiksha, Satya Special School, Indian Yoga Association
and Pondicherry Yogasana Association. The theme of the Conference, the Divyanga
Yoga, is of the greatest civil and social relevance, and takes recourse to application of
yoga therapy for empowering the differently-abled. The practical and social
prospectives of such an approach could benefit the society enormously, both with
respect of people suffering for disabilities, but also for the perspective of acceptance
of the society with respect to differently-abled people. I wish the delegates, the
speakers and the organisers a great success of this event.
Prof. Luciano Bernardi
Yogacharini Cathy Davis
Former Council Member
Hon Treasurer for The Royal College of Midwives UK
Senior Mentor of Gitananda Yoga International
Namaste all at CYTER
Thank you so much for your kind invitation to join you
all in June. From this interesting and varied programme, I can see that all
participants will gain a great deal of knowledge and understanding of the relevance
of Yoga, in supporting those with special needs. I am sorry I will not be able to
attend but send my best wishes and prayers for a successful seminar.
Yogacharini Cathy Davis


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FROM THE DESK OF THE ORGANIZING
CHAIRMAN
International Day of Yoga is being celebrated
worldwide on 21 June and I am pleased to welcome you
to Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth for this intensive program
planned by us at CYTER in association with
Kaivalyadhama, ICYER, Pondicherry Yogasana
Association, Samagra Shiksha (Directorate of School
Education), Satya Special School, Global Trust, Serene
Pelican and other likeminded organizations and individuals from 13 to 21 June 2019.
Ever since its inception in 2010, CYTER has constantly striven to be in
forefront of the innovative integration of traditional, wholesome, experiential
healing aspects of Yoga with the empirical, researched based approach of modern
medical science and has organized numerous CMEs, seminars and workshops
towards this goal.
We have contributed more than two dozen research projects with 92
publications, 15 compilations, 32 abstracts and also nine copyrights in the name of
Sri BalajiVidyapeeth. Of this our “Divyanga Yoga” model is very close to our heart
and hence is the highlight of this year’s celebrations.
I wish to express our heart-felt gratitude to our hon’ble Chancellor, Shri MK
Rajagoplan for his encouragement and support for CYTER in general and especially
in the organization of the IDY every year. The step-by-step guidance and unstinting
support of our dynamic and visionary Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Subhash Chandra
Parija has made the planning and execution of this grand event a smooth affair.
Dean of Faculty, Professor N Ananthakrishnan is a constant source of inspiration
and motivation for us while our Registrar Prof AR Srinivasan has given impeccable
support in all the logistics of this event. I am grateful for the support of our Dean of
Medicine Prof. M Ravishankar and our Medical Superintendent, Prof Nirmal
Coumare for their support at all stages. Logistic and financial support by the
management of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth is gratefully acknowledged.
We thank Shri Subodh Tiwari, CEO of Kaivalyadhama for his support
towards the conduct the event and for co-sponsoring the seminar and workshop
with faculty from his institute, one of the foremost in the field of Yoga. We also
express our gratitude to Smt Chitra Shah and Shri SaravananPalai for their
involvement.
We thank all the esteemed members of the CYTER International Advisory
Board for their loving guidance and support for all our activities. I thank my
colleagues and students from CYTER for their unconditional support in organizing
this event. I am sure that the academic program will be enlightening and enjoyable
experience for all and wish you all the best for the celebration.
Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani
Director & Professor, CYTER, SBV


19

FROM THE DESK OF THE ORGANIZING SECRETARY
United Nations declared June 21 as the International Day of
Yoga (IDY) in the year 2015 and since then, we at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth
(SBV) have been celebrating this event in a grand scale with
multifaceted activities including Yoga Fest for the students of SBV,
Regional Yogasana Competitions and Seminars apart from the public
awareness programs for the General Public, School Children, Senior
citizens, Special Children, Transgender population as well as the
students of Health Professions Education in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
We have geared up to celebrate the 5th IDY as per the guidelines of UGC and AYUSH
and plan to celebrate IDY 2019 with a weeklong series of events from 13-21 June 2019.
 13.6.2019 - Yoga Awareness for Patients at MRD of MGMCRI
 14.6.2019 - National Seminar on Divyanga Yoga: Yogic Approach to Special Needs in
association with Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, ICYER, Samagra Siksha (Dir of School
Education), Satya Special School, Indian Yoga Association and Pondicherry Yogasana
Association at SBV.
 15.6.2019 - Intensive Workshop for Teachers of Divyangain association with Samagra
Siksha (Dir of School Education) & Satya Special School, Pondicherry.
 17.6.2019 - Awareness program for children with special needs in association with
Satya Special School, Pondicherry.
 18.6.2019 - Mental Health and Wellbeing through Yoga for the children with special
needs in association with Global Trust school, Cuddalore
 19.6.2019 - Health & Well-being in Silver Citizens through Simplified Yoga Practices:
Awareness program in association with Serene Pelican, Pondicherry.
 20.6.2019 - Regional Level Yogasana Competition for students of health professions
educational institutions of Pondicherry in association with Pondicherry Yogasana
Association.
 21.6.2019 - Mass Yoga Demonstration at the Promenade of Pondicherry Beach along with
other programs in association with the Tourism Dept, Govt of Puducherry.
It is with great pleasure that we welcome the world renowned Ammaji Yogacharini
Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani of ICYER - Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry and the eminent Sri
Subodh Tiwari, CEO, Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Lonavla, Pune. Their very presence
sanctifies this event by virtue of their noble lives and service for humanity.
The Souvenir has been prepared as a mark of 5th IDY 2019 and would be released by these
eminent guests on this occasion. We welcome all of you to enjoy the events and join us in
paying tribute to the art and science of Yoga has sprung for the benefit of humanity.
Dr Meena Ramanathan,
Deputy Director & Associate Professor, CYTER, SBV.


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Divyanga Yoga: “Yoga for children of Special needs”
26
A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO
OUR ESTEEMED RESOURCE PERSONS
Ammaji, Yogamani, Puduvai Kalaimamani
Yogacharini MEENAKSHI DEVI BHAVANANI
Yogamani Kalaimamani Yogacharini MEENAKSHI DEVI
BHAVANANI is Director and Resident Acharya of the world
famous International Centre for Yoga Education and
Research (ICYER / Ananda Ashram) at Pondicherry. She is
the Dharmapatni and senior most disciple of the
internationally acclaimed Yoga master, Yogamaharishi Dr.
Swami Gitananda Giri Guru Maharaj and has devoted her life to
his teachings and to institutions founded by him. A trained
journalist by profession, her articles, essays and features appear
regularly in National and International press. She is Editor / Managing Director of SATYA
PRESS, a publishing house based in Pondicherry. Her defining book on THE HISTORY OF
YOGA FROM ANCIENT TO MODERN TIMES (Vol I) is a path breaking effort. It was
released in 2012 and is hailed as the “Defining publication on then history of Yoga to date.”
With the blessings of her Bharatanatyam master Padmashri Adyar K. Lakshman of
Kalakshetra, Chennai, and her Paramguru Smt. Rukhmani Devi Arundale she has trained
many thousands of students in Yoga and Bharatanatyam in the past 45 years. She was
Director of Sri Kambliswamy Yoga and Cultural Arts Youth Programme since 1975 which
trained more than 20,000 rural youth in the Carnatic Arts and Yoga free of cost. She is
considered a pioneer in bringing the Performing Fine Arts and Yoga to the common people in
Pondicherry. She is Editor of the International Yoga journal YOGA LIFE since 1970. She has
organised five major International Yoga Conferences in Pondicherry and is adviser to
Department of Tourism, Government of Pondicherry for its Annual International Yoga
Festival now entering its 20th
year. She is a prolific author with 12 books, including two
books of poetry to her credit. She is Director of YoganjaliNatyalayam, a popular City Centre
for the propagation of Classical Yoga, BharataNatyam and Carnatic Music in Pondicherry
and has developed a famous BharataNatyam troupe that appears regularly in prestigious
festivals and also stages spectacular BharataNatyam and Yoga programmes yearly all over
India. The troupe is well known for its inclusion of the acrobatic NatyaKaranas (poses) into
its repertoire. She has also choreographed 20 Major Dance Dramas of three-hours length on
various spiritual themes in the past 20 years.
Yoganjali Natyalayam is one of the Premier Classical Indian Art Academies in South India,
having thousands of graduates to its credit. At any given time, there will be at least 400
children and Young Adults on its rolls. More than 100 Adults will be undergoing Yoga
training at any given time. Yoganjali Natyalayam is now developing a Yoga programme for
corporates and as well, special courses for professionals,

27
She has been recipient of many National and State Awards. She was awarded the title
"Yogamani" in 1986 by the President of India ShriZail Singh Ji at Asian Village, New Delhi.
In 1997 she was awarded the National Award, Bhaskar Award by Bharat Nirman and Indian
Trade Promotion Organisation, New Delhi, one of fifty eminent Indians so honoured during
the 50th year of Indian Independence for their contribution to Indian culture and spirituality.
In January 1999 she was given the highest award by the Pondicherry Government for an
artist, the Puduvai Kalaimamani Award for her work in BharataNatyam. She was the second
artist so honoured. In December 1999 she was named as an eminent Yoga expert to the
Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy, under the Health Ministry,
Government of India, New Delhi and she was named to the Finance Committee of this
Council in March 2000. She was named to the Academic Council, Pondicherry University,
in March 2000. She has served on several inspection teams and several committees in her
capacity as a member of this Academic Council. She was awarded a Gold Medal by
Government of Pondicherry for her work in BharataNatyam on February 26, 2001. She is
Advisor to the only Central Government Yoga Training Institute in India, theMorarji Desai
National Institute of Yoga, New Delhi.
Smt Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani was honoured with the award of OUTSTANDING SENIOR
CITIZEN by the Pondicherry Junior Chamber (Jaycees) on the 15th
August 2003. The
Honorable Chief Secretary, Govt. of Pondicherry presented the award at a glittering function
on the 15th
August 2003. She was awarded the Outstanding Achiever’s Award 2003 by the
Vinayagar Chathurthi Committee in recognition for her services in promoting Yoga and
Indian Cultural Arts in Pondicherry. She was awarded the Bangalore Sundaram Gold Medal
for her “Noble Contribution, Distinguished Service and Outstanding Merits in Yoga” by
Asana Andiappan College of Yoga and Research Centre, Chennai, at Anna University,
Chennai, December 7th
, 2003.
She is recognized as a leading intellectual expert in the deeper aspects of Yoga and in
recognition of this aspect of her work, she was elected as Fellow of Indian Academy of Yoga,
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi in 2003. She has been awarded the PUDUVAI SHAKTI
AWARD from the WOMEN TASK FORCE Y2K in 2006 in recognition of her yeomen
service for the cause of Yoga and Indian cultural fine arts in Pondicherry. She was awarded
the title PALKALAI POOMPOZHIL by Pulavar I. Pattabhiraman, the Director of
ValluvarVillisai Group in 2006. She was awarded the SIGARAM THOTTA MAGALIR award
by Sigaram Society at Wiseman School, Pondicherry in 2011. She has also received the
PATANJALI AWARD from the Lion’s Club and is member of Expert panel of the Task
Force for Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) for Dept of AYUSH, Ministry of
Health. Govt of India, New Delhi. She is Advisor, Gitananda Yoga Associations of Italy,
Spain, USA, Germany, UK, Czech Republic, South Africa and Australia.
Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani is considered one of the major International and National leaders
of the modern Yoga movement. She is regularly called to New Delhi and elsewhere to offer
her advice in Seminars, Conferences and Official Government meetings. Though born in the
USA in 1943, she came to India in 1967 and has lived here ever since. She was awarded
Indian Citizenship on November 30th
, 1992, in her own words “the proudest day of my life.”

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Shri SUBODH TIWARI
Joint Director-Administration, Kaivalyadhama Yoga
Institute
Sri Subodh Tiwari was born in the yogic atmosphere at
Kaivalyadhama Lonavla. At a young age he received
spiritual initiation from Swami Digambarji, the Director
and spiritual head of Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute,
and began yoga practice under the guidance of his
father Shri OP Tiwari. From 1987 to 1997 he pursued
higher education in Bombay, where he completed his
degree in Law. He pursued a Diploma in Human
Resource Management and is presently pursuing a Masters degree in Human Resource
Management. In 1992 he completed his Certificate Course in Yoga.
In 1997 he decided to devote his life to the Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute and to serve it. He
joined as the Administrator of the SADT Gupta Yogic Hospital and Health Care Centre and
also shouldered the responsibility of administration of the institute, implementing improved
systems. Being a nature lover at heart, he has implemented many environmentally friendly
practices. He has also been the editor of the Institute’s Newsletter since 1997.
Subodh Tiwari initiated and coordinated programs to train school teachers in yoga for
Navoday Schools, Kendriya Vidyalays and for schools in the state of Maharasthra. He was
the coordinator on behalf of the institute for the scheme of Promotion of Yoga in School by
the Ministry of Human Resources Development. He was also the Coordinator of the
scheme Yoga in School Health under the Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare. Through his initiative, institutes state-wide came together and formulated
the Module of Yoga for Higher Education, for which he served as editor.
Sri Subodh Tiwari has been Organizer and Convener of various international conferences
organized by Kaivalyadhama Lonavla. He has spoken at various national and international
conferences, and has visited the USA, Canada, Macau, Mauritius, Germany, France and Italy
to conduct yoga workshops.
Sri Subodh Tiwari is also the Secretary of the Lonavla Khandala Citizens forum, a non-
governmental organization working for the betterment of the twin towns. Various positive
measures have been initiated for enhancing the local infrastructure and making it more
environmentally friendly.
His goal is to qualitatively enhance the life of an individual through the practice of yoga and
enhance the quality of environment through human efforts.

29
Smt CHITRA SHAH,
Director, Satya Special School
She is a Gold Medallist in Master’s degree in Social Work,
specialising in Family & Child Welfare and has completed
her degree in Nutrition & Dietetics.
She has been working with and for the cause of Children with
Special Needs, Status of women in India, Women in the
workforce, Health & medical aspects of CWSNs, Rights
advocacy & Inclusion, Social Entrepreneurship, and HIV /
AIDS rehabilitation
She has published papers on 'Prevention of Abandonment of Children with Special Needs
through Community-based Programs and Intervention' and 'Causes of Female infanticide in
Uslampathi, Tamilnadu as part of the Master’s degree'.
The Current Professional Activities include her work as the Director of Satya Special School
which is the largest rehabilitation programme for CWSNs in Pondicherry providing services
to over 600 children and New born high risk clinic in association with JIPMER - the first
ever Early Intervention Programme in Puducherry .
She is the recipient of Puduvai Sakthi Award, Women of Puducherry, Spandan Social
Creative Award, Life time achievement award, Child Friendly School Award, The Early
Childhood Education Unique Learner Project Puducherry in Real Heroes.
Chitra shah is a representative of National Action and Coordination Group (NACG)
Puducherry UT – Regional Board - thematic representative (children with disability) – Child
Rights & Abuse , Member of State Advisory Council – RTE act (Right for Education)
Implementation Group - District level Committee for all the 4 regions of Puducherry UT
and NGO representative for Puducherry UT – PM’S beti bachao beti padao programme.
Dr. PRASEEDA MENON
Scientific Research Department, Kaivalyadhama Yoga
Institute, Lonavala,
Dr. Praseeda Menon is currently working with the Scientific
Research Department, Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute,
Lonavala, as Research Officer in Psychology. She is deeply
interested in Indian Psychology, especially Yoga Psychology.
Her work at Kaivalyadhama involves unearthing the potency
of yogic methods of healing and well-being through
interdisciplinary scientific research, as well as, making use of
community-oriented approaches in yoga research. Specifically, she has been looking at how
indigenous practices like yoga and meditation have been influencing the quality of lives and

30
well-being of normal people as well as those with various health issues like cancer and other
chronic non-communicable diseases. She has also done some explorative study on how yoga
practices can benefit children with special needs. Her research is of a collaborative nature,
and involves working with researchers from India and abroad. She has presented papers in
various national and international conferences. She teaches at the G. S. College of Yoga &
Cultural Synthesis, Kaivalyadhama, and is a member of its Board of Studies & its Board of
Examination. She is also an Integral Member of the Kaivalyadhama Ashram.
Dr. PANCH. RAMALINGAM
Reader, UGC-Human Resource Development
Centre, Pondicherry University
Puducherry.
Presently, Dr. Panch. Ramalingam (03.03.1960) is
Reader (Associate Professor) in the UGC - Human
Resource Development Centre of the Pondicherry
University, Puducherry, India. Which is a higher
education teacher development centre established
by the University Grants Commission to plan,
organize, monitor and evaluate programmes for teachers of Colleges/Universities. He is
having rich experience of 22 years in teaching and co-ordinating the Orientation, Refresher
Courses and other programmes related to professional development of teachers in higher
education.
He has delivered lectures at the UGC – Academic Staff Colleges of Himachal Pradesh
University, Shimla, Punjab University, Chandigarh, Kurukshetra University, Rani Durgadevi
University,
Jabalpur, University of Mysore, Hyderabad Central University, Sri Venkateswara University,
Tirupathi, Kerala University, Thiruvananthapuram, Madras University, Chennai, Bharathiar
University, Coimbatore, Bharathidasan University, Trichy, and Goa University, Goa, etc. In
addition, he has delivered special lectures at Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, National
Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research, Chennai, Christ University,
Bangalore, Annamalai University, Pondicherry University Community College, and in many
educational institutions in Tamil Nadu. His lecture topics include Creative Teaching,
Personality Development, Learning Styles, Behavioural Decision Making, Guidance and
Counselling, Student Counselling, Effective Teaching Skills, Thinking styles and Emotional
intelligence.
He had three post graduate degrees (MA in Psychology, MA in Education and MA in
Political Science), M. Phil. and Ph.D. research in Educational Counselling Psychology at
Annamalai University, He had his undergraduate in Mathematics (B.Sc.). He received

31
Diploma in Pharmacy from Madurai Medical College and registered as Pharmacist. His
research area includes Educational Psychology, School Psychology, Teacher education,
Undergraduate occupational preferences, decision making and mental health in Educational
Counselling Psychology, Career Counselling, Integral Education, Yoga and Indian
Psychology.
He is regularly attending and presenting research papers at the annual conferences organised
by the Indian Academy of Applied Psychology. He has organized 10 national level
conferences and three international seminars. He authored/ edited more than 60 books
including 25 books related to psychology and education, which include School Psychology:
Enhancing Competencies (2015), Educational Psychology (2013), School Psychology (in
Tamil 2012), Life Skills for Quality Life (2012), School Psychology: Counselling Perspectives
(2012), Recent Studies in School Psychology (2010), European Educational Resources
(2010), Effective Teaching Skills (2007), Teaching Skills and Techniques (2007), Education
and Information Technology (2006), Psychological Approaches to Teacher Education(2004),
Studies in Applied Psychology (2003), Applied Psychology for the World Peace and
Prosperity (2002), Psychological Perspectives in Education (2000),
Undergraduate Occupational Preferences (1998), Dictionary of Psychology (English –
English: 5th
edition 2002), Co-authored/edited five books including Education and Human
Rights(1999), Glimpses of Human Rights (1999), Human Rights for the Third
Millennium(2000), Dictionary of Education (2000) and published thirty research papers in
reputed journals.
His works underwent several editions and won the prestigious 'Best Book Award' twice
in1991 for his book “Child and Cognitive Development” and 1995 for his book “Role of
Venkatasubbah Reddiar in French India Liberation Movement” from the Government of
Tamil Nadu. Recipient of FrenchIndia Liberation Writer Award 2005, (Pondicherry State
freedom Fighters Association, Puducherry),
Best Writer Award 2005 (Gandhi Kamaraj Freedom Fighters Association, Puducherry), Prof.
Uma Nag Lecture Award 2005 (Psycho-Linguistic Association of India), and Psychometric
Educational Services Award 2007 (GCC Trust, Arcot, Tamil Nadu). Best Paper Award 2010
(International Seminar at Toc H Institute of Engineering and Technology, Kerala, Prof. B.
Viswanatham Best Book Award 2010 (Pondicherry Psychology Association), IAAP-PPA
Best Psychologist Award 2011, and Prof. B. Viswanatham Best Book Award 2015
(Pondicherry Psychology Association).
He is visiting faculty of Klagenfurt University, Klagenfurt, Austria and delivered guest
lectures on “cross cultural psychology: School Psychology in India” in November 2014. He
has been appointed as degree committee chair for a student of Antioch University, McGregor,
Ohio, USA, under Individualised Liberal and Professional Studies to design, teach and
evaluate Indian psychology. He taught Psychometrics for M. Phil Tourism in the Centre for
Tourism Studies, Pondicherry University (1999–2004), and course coordinator for PG
Diploma programme in Guidance and Counselling and NSS Programme officer for six years
at the Pondicherry University Community College.

32
He received twice Cal Catteral Award from International School Psychology Association,
USA. He visited Malta to present a paper in the 31st
International Conference of ISPA in July
2009, and 32nd
International Conference of ISPA at Trinity University, Dublin in July 2010.
He visited London (2009 and 2010), Paris in July 2009, visited Singapore in 2013, 2014 and
2016, and Malaysia in 2016,2018 and 2019.
He is presently Editor, InSPA Journal of Applied and School Psychology, Executive Editor
and the editor of the Journal of the Indian Academy of Applied Psychology (Editor since
2005 - 2015); presently Associate Editor and invited Editor of the Journals “Indian Journal of
Applied Psychology” (since 2006) and “Journal of Psychological Researches” (since 2006).
He is editor of the newsletter “Indian Psychologist” (2001- 2012) published by the
Pondicherry Psychology Association, an editorial advisory member of Gujarat Journal of
Psychology, Journal of Disabilities, member of the PRP Journal of Human Rights, New
Delhi (1999-2003).
He was the Founder President of the Pondicherry Psychology Association (2000-2008),
Founder Secretary, Indian School Psychology Association (InSPA) (2009 to till date),
Founder President, Asia Pacific School Psychology Association, Patron of the Pondicherry
Educational Foundation. Hon’ President, International Movement for Tamil Culture (IMTC),
Canada. He was Founder secretary of the Puducherry Co-op. Book Society (1996-2002) and
Secretary of Centre for Universal Ethics, Pondicherry (1999–2003). He is a member of
International School Psychology Association (ISPA). Executive Committee member of the
Indian Academy of Applied Psychology, Society for Educational Technology Research and
Development, Bharathidasan University, and Life Member, Madras Psychology Society.
Dr. NUTAN PAKHARE
Yoga-Ayurveda Consultant, Practitioner, Counsellor,
Teacher
Dr.Nutan Pakhare has treated more than 50,000 patients
since 2002 using Ayurveda & Yogic Science. She has
been associated with many doctors & various hospitals in
Mumbai; gained an experience in allopathic treatment as
well as Ayurveda.
She has observed the limitations of modern medicine and
the immense scope of ancient Ayurvedic & Yogic science which can reach the root cause and
eliminate the disease and work towards the prevention and treatment.
She is working with Kaivalyadhama, which is one of the oldest & well-known institutes of
Yoga and Ayurveda in the world.
Her educational qualifications:
 M.Sc. in Yoga (Master in Yoga)

33
 B.A.M.S (Bachelor in Ayurveda Medicine & Surgery)
 P.G.D.Y.S (Postgraduate Diploma in Yogic Science)
 C.C.Y (Certificate Course in Yoga)
 Experience in Counselling
Her area of specialization is in treating all kinds of illness specifically psychosomatic
disorders through counseling and application of principles of Ayurvedic and Yoga.
She enables each patient to understand & modify their lifestyle to transcend the physical,
mental, psychological and intellectual barriers which can cause disturbances leading to
diseases and maladies.
As a Guide and Academician
 She has worked for academic syllabus setting and coordination for Ayurveda online
course of Kaivalyadhama and currently guides for students from 30-35 countries from all
over the world.
 She has worked as the Ayurveda & Yoga Consultant at Vallabh Sion Yoga Centre.
 She is Faculty at ICYHC Kaivalyadhama, Mumbai for subject Anatomy & Physiology.
 She is a Member of NIMA (National Integrated Medical Association) & BGA
 She is a visiting faculty in K. J. Somaiya Institute for the Certificate & Diploma Courses
in Yoga and Counseling, for B.A. and M.A. NET Degree Courses.
 She is visiting faculty at various Yoga studios – Yoga Sadhana Mandir, Nerul and
Ashtanga Yoga institute Airoli, Navi Mumbai, Arambhayoga, Borivali, Andheri for the
subject of Anatomy and Physiology
 She has conducted & coordinated a foundational Course in Yoga at KC College Mumbai.
Teaching experience at International Yoga studios
She has also taught for 200 hrs. and 500 hrs. Teachers training course certified by USA Yoga
Alliance Students to Embrace Energy Yoga Thailand 2017.
Mentor and Motivational speaker & corporate trainer
 She had conducted corporate training sessions for Indian Oil Corporation, ONGC &
Insurance Institute of India, and ECGC etc
 She had conducted classes for visiting global citizens, business travelers like the recently.
conducted session for visitors from New Zealand at St. Regis Hotel Parel, Mumbai.
 She had conducted the talk on Work & Life balance through Yoga for TAIT Group of
India, a leading IT association.
 She had conducted the talk on Ayurveda for women's health for Navy women's Group
Karanja, India.

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Awards
 Talk on Yoga for Planet 50:50 step up for Gender Equality at Women’s in Public Sector –
Received Dynamo award on 27th National Meet, Nagpur Feb11-12, 2017.
 Yoga guru award presented to Dr.Nutan by Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan District
Sports Ministry, Mumbai, Government of India 21st June 2017.
 Panacea Excellence Award 2018 for contribution in Ayurveda & Yoga at the 12th
Panacea International Conference on Ayurveda & Holistic healing 2018 Nepal.
Writing
I write articles on Ayurveda & Yoga for health & wellness for website
http://www.esamskriti.com, http://www.cricfit.com
Print media
Maharashtra Dinman newspaper, Sakal newspaper, Maharashtra Times newspaper
Outreach activities
 She had coordinated and conducted several workshops on topics like Stress Management,
Excellence in Life, Miracles of Yoga Nidra, Yoga for Youth, Yoga for Intellectual
challenged children ’s, Ayurveda & Yoga for Women’s Wellness through Ayurveda &
Yoga for the Gynaecological issue, Yoga for BMC school students etc.
 She had organized & executed Kaivalyadhama National level Yoga events like
International Yoga day, Maharashtra Yoga Utsav, Yoga for college students, Workshops
of Amrit Yoga and the University of Mumbai, SNDT University etc. She is well equipped
& skilled to organize the topic, Programming schedules & arrange resources people &
venue set up along with advertising through various media channels for the events &
workshops.
 Worked with colleges in Mumbai- Mithibai, Vileparle KC & Hinduja at Churchgate,
Somaiya college, Birla College Kalyan, Sndt College Churchgate
Shri P.SARAVANAN, MA, MPhil, is the State
Coordinator for Puducherry in the Inclusion of
Children with Special Needs of Samagra Shiksha. He
is the liaison to SSA, Education Department,
Government of Puducherry and Azim Premji
Foundation, Research project on Computer Aided
Learning. He belongs to the Union Territory of
Puducherry, and completed all his education from
schooling, college and University level through
Government organizations. His passion is Teaching
and Research and he also loves to play outdoor games
like Volleyball and Cricket.

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EDUCATION
Bachelor degree in Physics
Master degree in Physics
Master of Philosophy in Physics
Master of Arts in English
Bachelor degree in Education
Diploma in System Analyst and Data processing
WORK EXPERIENCE
1. 1995-1997 -Ngo “Volantariat” as part time teacher
2. 1998-2000 – Lecturer in Physics , Gurukul Vidyapeeth – Hyderabad
3. 2000-2007 – Teacher in Government schools
4. 2007-2008 – Teacher Educator in Sarva Shiklsha Abhiyan
5. 2008-2012 – Liaison to SSA, Education
Department , Government of Puducherry and – Azimpremji Foundation , Research
Project on Computer Aided Learning
6. 2012- till date – State Coordinator – Inclusion of Children with Special Needs,
Samagra Shiksha, Puducherry.
SKILLS
Self-motivation, initiative with a high level of energy.
Able to inspire, comfort, build self-esteem.
Ability to listen to children and parents.
Stress and time management ability
ACHIVEMENTS
1. Pondicherry University Medal – M.Phil ., Research on “Quantum well lasers”
2. During 2012 -2019
a. 96 Corrective eye surgeries with the help Aravind Eye Hospitals and Samagra
Shiksha, Puducherry.
b. 4289 Spectacles supplied to Government and Government aided schools
students.
c. 246 children with special needs Mainstreamed in Government and
Government aided schools.
d. 482 children supported with aids and appliances with the help of ALIMCO and
Samagra Shiksha, Puducherry.
e. Special Teachers working in Government and Government aided schools.
CONTACT
Phone: 9600916572 9442892109. Email: saranapf@gmail.com

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Yogacharya Dr. ANANDA BALAYOGI BHAVANANI
MBBS, ADY, DPC, DSM, PGDFH, PGDY, FIAY, MD (Alt.Med), C-IAYT, DSc (Yoga)
Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani is Director of the Centre for Yoga Therapy
Education and Research (CYTER), and Professor of Yoga Therapy at the Sri Balaji
Vidyapeeth University, Pondicherry (www.sbvu.ac.in). A recipient of the coveted DSc in
Yoga from SVYASA Yoga University in January
2019, he is also Chairman of the International Centre
for Yoga Education and Research at Ananda Ashram,
Pondicherry, India (www.icyer.com) and Yoganjali
Natyalayam, the premier institute of Yoga and Carnatic
Music and Bharatanatyam in Pondicherry
(www.rishiculture.in). He is son and successor of the
internationally acclaimed Yoga team of Yogamaharishi
Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri Guru Maharaj and
Yogacharini Kalaimamani Ammaji, Smt Meenakshi
Devi Bhavanani.
He is a Gold Medallist in Medical Studies (MBBS)
with postgraduate diplomas in both Family Health
(PGDFH) as well as Yoga (PGDY) and the Advanced Diploma in Yoga under his illustrious
parents in 1991-93. A Fellow of the Indian Academy of Yoga, he has authored 19 DVDs and
23 books on Yoga as well as published more than two hundred and fifty papers, compilations
and abstracts on Yoga and Yoga research in National and International Journals. His literary
works have more than 1600 Citations, with an h-Index of 19 and an i10-Index of 33. In
addition, he is a Classical Indian Vocalist, Percussionist, Music Composer and
Choreographer of Indian Classical Dance.
In recent years he has travelled abroad 18 times and conducted invited talks, public events,
workshops and retreats and been major presenter at Yoga conferences in the UK, USA, Italy,
South Africa, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
He is an Honorary Advisor to International Association of Yoga Therapists (www.iayt.org),
Australasian Association of Yoga Therapists (www.yogatherapy.org.au), World Yoga
Foundation (www.worldyogafoundation.in) and Gitananda Yoga Associations worldwide
(www.rishiculture.in).
He is a recognized PhD guide for Yoga Therapy and is the first Indian to be recognized as an
IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) by the International Association of Yoga
Therapists, USA.
He is currently member of numerous expert committees of the Ministry of AYUSH including
its National Board for Promotion of Yoga and Naturopathy, Scientific Advisory Committee
& Standing Finance Committees of CCRYN, Technical Committee of the Yoga Certification
Board, Expert Committees for Celebration of International Yoga Day and the Yoga &
Diabetes program. He is Consultant Resource Person for the WHO Collaborative Centre in
Traditional Medicine (Yoga) at MDNIY, New Delhi. He is also EC member and Director

37
Publications of the Indian Yoga Association (www.yogaiya.in) and Board of Directors of the
Council for Yoga Accreditation International (www.cyai.org).
Yogachemmal Dr. MEENA RAMANATHAN
BSc,., M.A., C.Y.T., D.N.Y.S., P.G.D.Y., M.Sc. (Yoga)
M.Phil and Ph.D (Yoga).
Yogachemmal Dr. Meena Ramanathan is the Associate
Professor and Deputy Director of CYTER, the Centre for
Yoga Therapy Education and Research at MGMC&RI
(Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute),
SBV (Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth) University. She has completed
numerous undergraduate and post graduate degrees and diplomas in Yoga, Science and
English has completed her PhD in Yoga through Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports
University. She is a recognized IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist by the International
Association of Yoga Therapists, USA in February 2017
She has been recognized as PhD Guide (Yoga Therapy and Inter Disciplinary Research) by
Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry in March 2016, appointed as Examiner for Quality
Council of India (QCI) through Indian Yoga Association, recognised by AYUSH, Central
Ministry of Health, and New Delhi in Sep 2016. She has been nominated as “Subject Expert”
in the Selection Committee of the Govt of Puducherry, Directorate of Indian Systems of
Medicine and Homeopathy; under National Health Mission. She recently received the
Achiever’s Award for “Best Yoga Therapist 2016”.
A student of the Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga Paramparya, Meena has been an integral part of
the Tradition for over a decade. She has admirably trained thousands of students under the
auspices of Pondicherry University as Coordinator of the Yoga courses in the Community
College as well as faculty of Annamalai University, Manonmaniyam University, MGR
University and Yoganjali Natyalayam. She is Coordinator; Outreach Programmes of
Yoganjali Natyalayam and was Guest Faculty at ACYTER, JIPMER. She has been giving
practical Yoga training to Staff, Students of Pondicherry University for the past 8 years.
She has authored and co-authored a dozen books and more than two dozen papers on Yoga in
English and Tamil in various journals. She is currently carrying on many Research/Pilot
Studies at CYTER, MGMCRI, and has also published 30 scientific papers and abstracts in
leading Scientific Journals. Her books on Thirukkural and Yoga, Applied Yoga, Gheranda
Samhita and Primer of Yoga Theory are best sellers. She has received many awards such as
Yoga Chemmal, Yoga Rathna, Yoga Seva Maamani, Bangalore Sundaram Award, Yoga
Jyothi, Chellammal Award and Annai Sivakami Award, Sri Aurobindo Award (Mahan
Arvindar Virudu), “Mozhi Peyarppu Tharagai” to name a few. She was honoured with the
best Yoga Teacher Award on the International Day of Yoga by Nehru Yuva Kendra and
Ministry of Tourism, Puducherry.

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Yogachemmal DAYANIDY G
CYT., DRAY., PGDYE., MCA., M.Sc., PGDYT., PhD
Shri G Dayanidy is Lecturer of CYTER, the Centre
for Yoga Therapy Education and Research, Sri Balaji
Vidyapeeth University. He has completed his M.Sc in
Yoga through Tamil Nadu Physical Education and
Sports University and has completed post graduate
degrees and diplomas in Yoga Therapy, Yoga and
Science. He is currently doing his Ph.D. in Yoga
Therapy also.
He has been appointed as Examiner for Quality
Council of India (QCI) through Indian Yoga
Association & APM Group Limited recognised by
AYUSH, Central Ministry of Health, New Delhi in
Sep 2016 & Nov 2017. He has also cleared the CBSC
National Eligibility Test exam in Yoga for the assistant professor grade conducted by
UGC on Jan 2017.
A student of the Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga Paramparya, Dayanidy has been an
integral part of the Tradition for over a decade. He has trained hundreds of students
under the auspices of Pondicherry University as Yoga Instructor cum Lecturer of the
Yoga courses in the Community College and Yoganjali Natyalayam. He Worked as a
Yoga Instructor at Advanced Center for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research
(ACYTER), JIPMER, Pondicherry from June 2009 – March 2016. He is the Organising
member for Swami Gitananda Best Youth and Child Award competition and
Pondicherry State Level Yogasana Competition conducted yearly once by
Pondicherry Yogasana Association for the past 12 years.
He is currently carrying on many Research/Pilot Studies at CYTER, MGMCRI, and
has also published scientific papers and abstracts in leading Scientific Journals. He
has received many awards such as Yoga Chemmal, Yoga Sudar, Champion of
Champions, Swami Gitananda Best Youth, Dynamic Yoga Award, Best Yoga Asana
Demonstration Award and Best Karma Yogi Award.

39
GARBHA-SANSKAR – PREVENTIVE APPROACH TOWARDS
DISABILITIES
Nutan W. Pakhare 1
INTRODUCTION
The renowned American Geographer Miss Ellen Semple states that "The humans are
solely the product of their environment." We are living in a developed era, but the list of
environmental problems has grown up, to a great extent in the past few years like
overpopulation, pollution, energy crises. We may not be able to fight all issues; however, we
can at least try to cultivate our health services as a solution. Ayurveda our traditional science
has guided us in that direction through the knowledge of Garbha Sanskar. The Childhood
Programming before conception, during fetus growth & till birth- that is Garbha sanskar. It
takes care of cultivation of total health of baby & its environment. The cleansing of personal
& environmental toxins is need of an hour to nurture the child in the womb a specific way in
to bring in the world in its pristine (Supraja) form. Also, it has a broad scope to eliminate the
causes behind the disabilities.
The pregnancy can happen in three ways,
1. Unintended pregnancy through coitus.
2. Unplanned pregnancy
3. Fully Planned pregnancy.
Garbha Sanskar is the knowledge of a thoroughly planned pregnancy of Ancient India.
In the ancient days, mainly kings and nobility had access to this knowledge through
their learned Vaidyas. Today this knowledge is available to everyone - however, not widely
practiced. Since the world is gradually moving towards planned pregnancy, this thousand-
year-old knowledge is now becoming relevant again.
From that understanding, it takes into account that,
● We are not the creator, but we are only the carrier.
● The child selects the mother's womb to stay during the gestational time
This article is going to describe, in brief, the theory and the best practices for cleansing
techniques & keeping the right environment for the carrier & so for giving birth to a healthy
baby. The conception is the subtle and divine process when the soul enters into the mother's
womb inside the fertilized egg (union of sperm & ovum). It is the tiniest form of new life
known as Garbha (Embryo). Over nine months, the embryo gets mature & transform into
the fetus. The process of manifestation & development of parts of body & mind is called as
“Garbhavakranti” in Ayurveda.
1 B.A.M.S., MSc in Yoga & Counsellor, Ayurveda & Yoga consultant & Y.E.F. Chief Coordinator -
Kaivalyadhama, Mumbai, India. nootanp@gmail.com

40
“Shukra shonit Jeev sanyoge tu khalu kukshigate Garbha Sangya” (Charak)
It means, the Samyoga (Union) of an extract of Shukra (Sperm), Shonita (Ovum) and Jeeva
(Atma) happens inside the Kukshi (Womb) is called as “Garbha” (Embryo).
“Shukrashonita garbhashayasmatma prakitivikara sammurchitam Garbha
Ityuchyate” (Sushrut)
According to Sushruta Extract of 'Shukra' (Sperm) and Shonita (Ovum) in the Garbhashaya
(Uterus), when accompanied by Atma (Soul), Prakruti (Constitute) and Vikara(24
Principals), is known as' Garbha.'
GARBHA PRAKRUTI: CONSTITUTION OF A FETUS & IT IS VITAL IN A CHILD'S
LIFE
According to Ayurveda, Prakruti (Constitution) is the complete psychosomatic architecture
of an original form at the time of conception. It depends on the escalated status of dosha’s in
beeja (seeds) & mental status of parents which has a significant impact on the body & mind
of the fetus. Once it established in a child remains forever with it as an indicator for
understanding physical, mental, emotional, intellectual & spiritual health. Overall it decides
an immunity status of an individual. Prevention is always better than Cure. Therefore
couple has to follow the certain rituals & conducts of Garbhasanksar, under the expert
guidance to produce the desired child by them.
GARBHA VIKRITI: ABNORMALITY IN THE FETUS & ITS CAUSES
The deformity in embryo termed as Garbha Vikruti.
“Beej atmakarm ashyakaaldoshairmatustatha ahar vihar doshai: I
Kurvanti dosha vividhani dushta sansthan varnemdriya vaikrutani II” (Ch.Sha 2/29)
According to Acharya’s, during the formation of Prakruti, the following factors can
cause for vitiation & imbalance of Doshas which can create defects in systematic structure &
function in the fetus.
Charak Sushruta
1. Beeja dosha (Defects in sperms & ovum) Parent’s sins
2. Atma karma dosha - Past life wrong deeds of soul Vitiated Vata dosha
3. Ashaya dosha- Unhealthy Uterus/Reproductive system Non-belief of parents in
deities
4.Kala dosha- Wrong Time (early or late age of couple) Non-fulfilments of the
desire of pregnant women
5. Ahara & Vihardosh- Irregular Diet & Lifestyle of the mother.

41
Other risk factors are
1. Adolescent & Late Pregnancy - Recently regarding adolescent pregnancy, WHO
confirmed, that in developing countries, each year approximately 16 million girls, age group
between 15- 19 years & 2.5 million girls under age 16 years gives birth. According to
Ayurveda, Girls below age 15 should avoid pregnancy due to following risk factors
● Kukshisth Garbhavyapad- Intrauterine death or growth retardation
● Na chiram jeeved – Less life span
● Durbalendriya – Deformities in sense & motor organs
2. Daurudha avastha avamana - Non-fulfillment of desires of the pregnant woman
So the summarized causes for Garbh vikruti are genetic disorders, vitiation in
Tridosha or mother’s nutritional imbalance or accidental reasons.
3. Disability – Most of the above causes result in some infections, deformities lead to
disabilities or reduction in life span or even death in the child. Disability means the inability
to communicate correctly with self or others, due to some defects in structure or function in
sensory & motor organs in a child compared to an average population. Few examples of this
kind of deformity seen in ancient times are Sage Ashtavakra (Who is considered a God born
with deformity), King Dhritarashtra.
Importance of Panchmahabhut in fetal development
 Vayu – Vibhajan –Division, Multiplication & Systematic arrangement of cells. Charak
has used the word Vyuh for the action of Vayu during fetal development which
means systematic arrangements of the various components together. Formation of
three layers is the basic Vyuha of an embryo. Vayu is apt factor causes for twins or
multiple pregnancies, specific sex manifestation & health in them. Vayu also helps in
developing nine outlets (nav dvar) along with its entities.
 Teja – Pachan- Metabolism & Transformation
 Jala – Kledan & Nutrition
 Prithvi – Samhanan –Solidification with a compact form
 Akasha- Vivardhana – Provide space inside the womb for fetal growth &
development
The embryo organogenesis (Angapratyanag utpatti) starts from different stages of
early life & can continue till nine-month of gestational period. As per the opinion of Lord
Dhanwantari & Atrey Punarvasu that development of all body organs starts at times so
termed as "Yugpat Vikas Krama."
The preventive approach of Ayurveda & Yogic science towards disability & its
causes- All the above factors are appropriately taken care through the following methods.
 Garbhasanskar –The art of nurturing child in the womb.

42
 Garbhini & Sutika Paricharya- (Prenatal, Antenatal care & Postnatal Care)
Garbh-sanskar -“Samskaro hi gaunantaradhana uchyate “I (Charak Samhita)
Sanskar means the process which enhances virtue & removes vices. The couple has
to start Garbhsanskar at least six months before the copulation & actual impregnation. In
Garbha Sanskar most practices are focused on preparation, cleansing & detoxification. It
mainly works on four essential factors of formation & development of Garbha, i.e., Rutu,
Kshetra, Ambu, Beeja. It helps in skills & immunity development in the unborn child. The
methods are as below
• Rutu –Selecting fertile seed on the proper time.
• Kshetra & Beej Shuddhi - Cleansing of gametes & purification of an environment
mainly Uterus where the child is going to stay during its crucial time of growth
in the womb through - Ayurveda Panchkarma- Sanshodhana karma, Yogic Kriya
• Ambu –Nourishment through satvik diet & lifestyle.
• Rasa - Mother’s diet is essential which has influence over the physical & mental
status of the child in the womb.
• Lifestyle – Satvik Ahar & Vihar – Green vegetables like spinach Ghee rich in folic
acid & nutritious, protein is essential.
• Padabhyanga - Mild Foot relaxation massages relax body & mind.
• Concentration activities- Knitting, Gardening, Visualization
• Chanting & Mantra Sadhana - In this mainly mental, emotional & Intellectual
quotient. The importance & benefits of music education in our lives are so broad
that even the Genius Einstein promoted it. Einstein's mother, Pauline was herself
an accomplished pianist, and she taught him to play piano and violin when he
was very young. If a pregnant woman listens to the instrumental music, it adds
the positive brain development of a child happens in the womb. It enhanced the
synchronization of two hemispheres of the brain & it can be one of the Dharana
(Concentration) the couple can quickly do the practice.
• Reading positive scriptures & staying close to nature
• Avoid consanguineous marriage to prevent genes defects
AIMS & OBJECTIVES OF CARE TAKEN BEFORE, DURING & AFTER PREGNANCY
Sharira Pushti - Nourishment of body of pregnant woman & unborn child
Stanya Vruddhi – Enhancement of milk production for the nourishment of the child
after birth.
Garbha Vruddhi - Nourishment of unborn child’s proper growth & development of
body & mind.
Keywords- Garbha, Sanskar, Disability, Deformity, Conception.

43
YOGA’S POTENTIAL: ‘REWIRING’ BRAINS WITH
INTELLECTUAL AND OTHER MENTAL DISABILITIES
Praseeda Menon1
Abstract- There is an increasing need to rehabilitate children with intellectual and
other mental disabilities, also called children with special needs, in a sustainable and holistic
manner, so as to integrate them into the mainstream of society. Yoga, due to its holistic
philosophy and practices mirroring this philosophy, is one of the powerful ways to provide
hope and empowerment to these children and their caregivers. The current article aims to
present the results of an exploratory research on the efficacy of yoga in intellectual
disabilities as well as to present a brief overview of similar research conducted in India. This
article also discusses the mechanisms of neuroplasticity in relation to yoga and how this
principle could be leveraged while working with yoga in special needs. Exploratory research
by the current author showed that regular yoga training over a longer period can help
children with intellectual disabilities improve their span of attention, sensory-motor co-
ordination, overall stability of posture, and ability to follow instructions correctly. Yoga
training, thus, has untapped potential not only to empower children with intellectual
disabilities and other special needs through holistic self-development but also to empower
their caregivers to create more avenues for their rehabilitation.
Keywords: yoga training, intellectual disabilities, special needs children, neuroplasticity, caregivers
INTRODUCTION
One can only imagine what a tough time caregivers, who have the responsibility of
taking care of children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), previously
called mental retardation, go through. As if this were not enough, these caregivers have an
even tougher time as community resources for people with IDD, whose population was
estimated to more than fifteen lakhs as per the 2011 Indian Census data on disability
(Census of India on Disability, 2014), are severely limited. It is not surprising then that
caregivers often find themselves at a dead-end when they look for ways to improve their
wards' quality of life and rehabilitate them. In such a scenario, yoga, a powerful, teachable,
as well as, a cost-effective body-mind practice carries the potential to play an important role
in creating and sustaining positivity in the lives of children with IDD, as well as, their
helpless caregivers. One important way yoga works is through the principle of
neuroplasticity, the brain's inherent capacity to rewire or change itself all throughout the
lifetime. Yoga practices, when personalized for children with IDD, or for that matter, even
with other mental disabilities or special needs, according to their specific needs and
capacities, could become an important means for the self-development and rehabilitation of
1 Research Officer, Psychology, Scientific Research Department, Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute,
Lonavala, Pune, India. praseeda@kdham.com

44
these children, helping them, their family, and their educators live better, fuller and more
meaningful lives.
EVIDENCE OF YOGA’S ROLE IN IDD
An exploratory study was conducted by Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Lonavala,
with four children, who had mild to moderate intellectual disability and belonged to a non-
profit school for special needs, Samwad Shala, Lonavala, on how yoga training could benefit
these children. In this study, it was seen that after five months of regular yoga training
conducted five days a week for one hour daily, the four children showed a marked
improvement in their span of attention, sensory-motor coordination, gross and fine motor
skills, overall stability of posture, and ability to follow instructions correctly, that too, with
lesser time-lapse.
Video-recordings, psychomotor tests, as well as observations by the teachers served
as sources of data for the above results. Yoga training (Figure 1) was conducted for five
months from October 2014 to April 2015 in this exploratory research in stepwise sustainably
progressive modules as follows: i.) a basic module of yoga in the first two months, wherein
easier asanas were taught to the children, ii.) an intermediate module in the third and fourth
month, wherein the total time duration of yoga practice was increased slightly, fuller
versions of asanas practiced in the first two months were taught, and Surynamaskar (Sun
salutations - a sequence of dynamic yoga postures) was incorporated, iii.) a slightly
advanced module in the fifth month, wherein all yoga postures were continued with more
hold-time in each posture, and Bhramari Pranayama was added.
Fig.1 Five months yoga training at Samwad Shala in Lonavala
The two psychomotor tests conducted in the above research study on the four
children with IDD in the age range of 9 -17 years were reaction time (the time taken to
respond to any stimulus) and hand steadiness (the ability to keep the hand steady without
any tremors). Lesser reaction time and greater steadiness of hands are considered to be a
mark of greater span of attention, sensory-motor coordination, improvement in gross and
fine motor abilities, and greater alertness and concentration. Figure 2 illustrates the reaction
time apparatus and Figure 3 displays the hand steadiness apparatus. There were two
measurements for each of these two psychomotor tests. Thus, there were a total of four
measurements related to four parameters of these two psychomotor tests. For each of these

45
measurements, an average of three trials was first taken, and then the average score of all the
four children was calculated.
Fig.2 Audio-visual reaction time apparatus Fig.3 Hand steadiness apparatus
In the first psychomotor test, the first measurement of visual reaction time was with
a visual stimulus of green light. In this sub-test, the average reaction time of the four
children with IDD dropped from 1.342 sec in the pre-reading, which was taken before the
start of the study, to 0.589 sec in the post-reading taken after five months of yoga training.
The second measurement of auditory reaction time was with an auditory stimulus, in which
their average reaction time dropped from 1.166 secs. to 0.553 sec during the pre to post
readings, respectively. In the second psychomotor test of hand steadiness, the first
measurement was that of mean number of errors committed in accurately entering the stylus
into nine different holes without touching the holes’ edges.
As displayed in Fig. 3, the nine holes are embedded in the instrument in such a way
that the size of the holes reduces progressively, which makes it difficult to enter the stylus in
the smaller holes without committing errors. Here too, the mean score of three trials were
taken when entering the stylus into each of these holes, and then the average score of all the
nine holes was calculated. It was observed that the total average score of the four children
with IDD in committing errors came down drastically from 12.94 in the pre-reading to 2.38
in the post-reading. Similarly, for the second measurement related to hand steadiness of the
mean time taken in accurately entering the stylus into the nine holes, their average time
reduced remarkably from 16.36 secs. in the pre-reading to 4.2 secs. in the post-reading. Thus,
results from both the psychomotor tests indicated greater span of attention, sensory-motor
coordination, improvement in gross and fine motor abilities, and greater alertness and
concentration in the four children with IDD.
What is more, the improvements in the above-mentioned study on the four children
with IDD were not just in the psychophysical and cognitive dimensions! The yoga teacher,
the school in-charge, and the parents reported that there was greater emotional and
behavioural self-regulation in the children. Their irritability reduced, and their patience and

46
sociability improved. The self-confidence of one child with IDD improved so much that she
took the lead in demonstrating yogasanas during the school's daily yoga programme that
started after the research study. Despite considerable improvements in the average scores on
the psychomotor tests of the four children with IDD from Samwad Shala in the above-
mentioned study, the influence of physical maturation cannot be ruled out as a possible
confound. There may also be a slight possibility of the practice effect creating a confound,
wherein improvements in the scores are caused due to the practice gained in using the
psychological instruments. However, the gap of five months in between the pre and post
readings is sufficient time with regard to such children to negate the influence of the practice
effect on the obtained results. This results of this exploratory research with just four children
also need further replication in many more studies with bigger groups in order to provide
strong research evidence on the efficacy of yoga in children with IDD.
Research evidence from some previous studies on the use of yoga in children with
IDD in India have demonstrated benefits similar to the above-mentioned study. Training
children with IDD in yoga practices has shown to improve their reaction time (Bhavanani,
Ramanathan, & Harichandrakumar, 2012; Uma, Nagendra, Nagarathna, Vaidehi, &
Seethalakshmi, 1989), social adaptation (Uma et al., 1989), and flexibility (Srilakshmidevi &
Suseela, 2017). The one-year long randomized controlled study (N = 90) by Uma et al. (1989)
had also demonstrated improvement in IQ levels in the group that received yoga training. A
series of studies conducted on children with mental retardation by Krishnamacharya Yoga
Mandiram, Chennai, had reported that yoga practices help in correcting general posture,
reducing obesity, controlling dribbling, bringing down hyperactivity, and improving
appetite, sleep, and general health (Teaching Yogasana to the Mentally Retarded Persons,
1988).
Research has also shown that it is not just intellectual disabilities that yoga can be
useful in but also in other types of mental disabilities or special needs, for example, autism
spectrum disorders (ASD). A recent randomized controlled study on Indian ASD children
(N = 72) by Ramanathan, Eswari, Bhavanani, Prathima & Sanguida (2019) demonstrated that
60 minutes of yoga training, five days a week, for twelve weeks can have remarkable gains
in audio and visual reaction time, which can be taken as a sign of improvement in their
learning abilities and of increased coordinated function of their central nervous system.
YOGA AND NEUROPLASTICITY IN SPECIAL NEEDS
Some of the evidence related to improvements due to yoga mentioned above not
only create possibilities for children with IDD and other type of special needs to better
manage their daily lives, but also for their caregivers to create avenues for their
rehabilitation. Among various mechanisms of the action of yoga, greater possibilities emerge
due to the plastic brain and yoga’s role in helping build neuroplasticity. When special needs
children follow the instructions of yogasanas and other yoga practices regularly and
repeatedly, it stimulates the firing of various types of sensory and motor neurons in their
brain, which in turn result in the wiring and re-wiring of neural pathways. It is much like

47
creating road-maps in the brain and traversing them often just like we create clear paths on
grassy ground after repeated walks!
Let us take the example of the kinesthetic sense - the sense of the relative positions of
various parts of the body - which is very important for motion, balance and orientation. As
many yogasanas are done with the left and right side of the body separately as well as jointly
in a slow, rhythmic and sequential manner with hold-time, children with special needs
would improve on their range of motion, develop greater awareness of each part of the
body, its different movements, understand how those movements can be used to achieve
balance in different ways, learn to sustain that sense of balance, and thereby, improve their
kinesthetic sense. Here, it is a two-way traffic of neural signals, one, from the brain to the
movement-causing muscles, and the other, from those muscles to the brain. This two-way
traffic, firstly, helps establish the neural connections related to two-way sensory-motor
coordination, and later, with advancing practice in the yogasanas, these neural connections
get strengthened. Thus, the specific instructions given during yoga practices channelize the
firing of neurons, thereby giving special needs children the opportunity to rewire their
neural networks. This is one example of how we can make use of yoga techniques in
combination with the principle of neuroplasticity to help special needs children.
Another example where yoga and neuroplasticity work together is procedural
memory, a type of long-term muscle-memory that happens when complex activities, like
riding bikes, are done over and over again, eventually making these activities effortless.
When special needs children repeatedly follow instructions when doing complex and
dynamic yoga practices such as Suryanamaskar, which is a combination of several yogasanas
practiced dynamically in a particular sequence, or even when they follow instructions for a
single yogasana and do the corresponding procedure, they improve their procedural memory
and learning. Since it is difficult to teach complex and slightly risky activities like riding a
bike to special needs children, yoga serves as a safe and effective option to stimulate two-
way traffic between the brain and body in terms of procedural memory. When more of this
two-way traffic keeps happening in the brain through yoga practices, possibilities for bonus
road-maps related to other skills, which need basic development in procedural memory,
also start to develop in the brain of special needs children.
Needless to say that in both the scenarios above, the brains of these children are
being constantly trained through yoga practices to develop greater concentration and
awareness levels, the keys to self-development!
IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE
The above-mentioned exploratory study conducted on the four children with IDD
from Samwad Shala provided three insights to bear in mind when using yoga in IDD in the
long-run in a self-sustaining manner. First, children with IDD would benefit much more if
yoga could be introduced in a fun-filled manner to them, thereby giving them an
opportunity to enjoy the practices, as well as, to make these practices a part of the activities
of their daily living. Second, if individual attention is given to children with IDD through

48
certain yoga practices tailor-made to their specific needs, developmental gaps, and
sensitivities, along with following group yoga practice, their progress would be more
meaningful in their lives. Third, if their existing teachers and/or parents would themselves
experience joy while practising yoga, and turn into yoga practitioners, they would be well-
equipped to inspire their students and/or children to enjoy their practice as well as continue
it. These insights from the above-mentioned exploratory research have been documented in
the form of two video repositories made in 2016 and 2018 as a part of the ongoing
collaboration between the Scientific Research Department, Kaivalyadhama, and Centre for
Yoga Therapy and Research (CYTER), Shri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV), Puducherry. These
education and research oriented documentaries are available for public access on YouTube:
i.) https://youtu.be/wSAQ1X82tUs ii.) https://youtu.be/o9yMJvhzrHM .
CONCLUSION
The erstwhile tennis champion, Martina Navratilova, once remarked, "Disability is a
matter of perception. If you can do just one thing well, you're needed by someone." On the
same lines, introducing and integrating yoga in an enjoyable manner into the school
curriculum of children with special needs could serve as a worthy milestone in
empowerment of these children in various life-skills and in the direction of holistic child
education. This would, in turn, ease the caregiving process of their parents and educators
and release more quality time, especially for the entire family to spend with each other.
There is also tremendous scope for undertaking more research in the area of how yoga
works in special needs, for example, how the right balance between personalized and group
yoga training could possibly give greater benefits to children with special needs.
In summary, yoga turns out to be a cost-effective way to train children with special
needs, and develop neuroplasticity by continuously rewiring their brain. Further, yoga, due
to its holistic approach to a human being, possesses immense but as yet untapped potential
to become an important means of self-development of special needs children, to help
improve the quality of their lives, and to facilitate their integration into the mainstream of
society in a sustainable and holistic manner in the optimistic times to come.
Acknowlegement: In the above article, the author acknowledges extracting some portions
from her own article on the same topic, which was published online at Huffington Post,
India, in 2015 ( http://www.huffingtonpost.in/dr-praseeda-menon/how-yoga-could-help-
rewir_b_8336520.html# ).
REFERENCES
1. Bhavanani, A. B., Ramanathan, M., & Harichandrakumar, K. T. (2012). Immediate
effect of mukha bhastrika (a bellows type pranayama) on reaction time in mentally
challenged adolescents. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 56(2), 174-80.
2. Census of India 2011 Data on Disability. (2014). In Punarbhava. Retrieved from
http://punarbhava.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1463&Ite
mid=758 .

49
3. Malhotra, S., Diwan, D. K., & Kumar, M. (2007). Impact of yogasana on the mentally
challenged: An observation. In R. Singh & R. Shyam (Eds.), Psychology of Well-being
(pp. 351-359). New Delhi, India: Global Vision Publishing House.
4. Ramanathan, M., Eswari, R., Bhavanani, A. B., Prathima, G. S., & Sanguida, A. (2019).
Yoga training enhances auditory and visual reaction time in children with autism
spectrum disorder: A case-control study. SBV Journal of Basic Clinical and Applied
Health Science, 2(1), 8-13.
5. Srilakshmidevi, B., & Suseela, V. (2017). Effect of yogic practices on flexibility among
mentally challenged children. International Journal of Research - Granthaalayah, 5(7), 56-
60.
6. Teaching Yogasana to the Mentally Retarded Persons: A Guide Book for Personnel Serving
the Mentally Retarded Persons (1988). Chennai, India: Krishnamacharya Yoga
Mandiram Publications.
7. Uma, K., Nagendra, H. R., Nagarathna, R., Vaidehi, S., & Seethalakshmi, R. (1989).
The integrated approach of yoga: a therapeutic tool for mentally retarded children: a
one‐ year controlled study. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 33(5), 415-421.
Source: www.wecapable.com designed by Lalith kumar as per India censes 2011.

50
CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER: THE YOGIC PERSPECTIVE
Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani1*
INTRODUCTION
We have patients come to us who are in the end stages of terminal illnesses, people
who need constant care, day in and day out, people who need care every moment for the
rest of their lives, also we have come across the parents who are taking care of children with
special needs and have made physical and mental impairments. When dealing with such
patients, while trying to evolve the Yoga therapy protocol for them, I often thought, what
about those who are caring for these people? And that is where I realized: who is going to
care for the caregiver? This is a significant region where Yoga can contribute a lot, because
Yoga can enhance the feeling of helping, the feeling of caring, and it can give a new purpose
for the entire life of the care-giver.
WHY IS “CARE” BEING GIVEN?
The first question we need to address is: Is the person giving the care out of choice or
out of compulsion? Mostly, the care is given because there is nobody else. In the moment of
crisis, everybody runs away. “It’s not my job” – passing the hot potato sort of! So is it out of
compulsion? Or have they made a conscious choice to be a care-giver for the person they are
caring for? This is a vital question because it will determine the attitude, with which they are
doing what they are doing. The next to be addressed is: Are they paid or is it voluntary? Are
they doing it out of love, out of care or because it is another job? We also find that, people
are employed to give the care; how much of care can they give when they are being paid?
Again, it is a personal response, a personal decision, whether you are going to make a job
out of it or make it an opportunity to serve and also being served.
DEALING WITH THE SOCIAL AND FAMILY DYNAMICS
The family dynamics are a real quagmire and one hesitates to even go into that! Each
family has such amazing dynamics – the politics within a family can be quite amazing. I
have seen people who go to the trouble of caring for someone because others are not willing
or cannot, but then the others keep on giving all this unnecessary advice. “Did you do that?
Did you do this?” on the phone. Already the person is struggling to take care of the person
in need of the care and also take care of themselves, on top of that, people, instead of caring
will start giving all this advice and then feel they have done their duty by telling you that
you should make a special wheatgrass juice after keeping the wheat for three days and then
growing it and in this situation you grind it for two hours and then give it to the patient, and
1 Director and Professor Yoga Therapy, Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (CYTER),
Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry. www.sbvu.ac.in/cyter
* Based on Dr Ananda's talk on this topic transcribed by Yogacharini Jnanasundari( Janita Stenhouse)
of France from www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEX8hAn3Y-A

51
then they just phone to ask you “did you do it?” It’s very difficult – the family dynamics are
something very difficult and one needs to have a lot of strength before even going into it!
DEALING WITH CAREGIVER STRESS
The stress that is put on the caregiver, the physical stress of taking care of someone
24 hours a day – the mental stress, the emotional stress – dealing with the emotions because
it is not just your emotions but the emotions of the person you are taking care of.
At times, the person being taken care of starts to treat you in such a bad way, like
dirt, and someone who comes in once a month and just holds their hand becomes a saviour,
while you spend 24 hours with them, treated like “what do you know, look at that person,
how much care they give me, look at that love and look at you!” forgetting the person who
is really doing the hard work, the dirty job. So you have the emotional stress, the metal
stress, the physical stress, the social stress.
The social stress – you give up your social life to take care of someone; and on top of
that the financial stress, because if you are getting paid, at least you are being paid for it, but
if not, then you are using your financial resources. If you are spending 24 hours a day caring
for someone, where do you take care of your financial needs?

Informative Souvenir of SBV IDY 2019 celebrations organised by CYTER

Informative Souvenir of SBV IDY 2019 celebrations organised by CYTER

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Informative Souvenir of SBV IDY 2019 celebrations organised by CYTER