Yoga Modules for Institutions of Higher Learning

PREFACE

A student who finishes school and has just entered in to college actually gets in to a different role . He finds that a greater level of freedom is being granted to him and so also his role in the decision making process has increased . This transition has its positive effects , such as personality building , greater motivation , increase in self esteem and self confidence levels and ability to set up goals for himself . On the other side he also faces the challenges of competition , expectations , peer group pressure and behavioral changes .

In a study carried out on Stress amongst students ‘ it was found that stressed students are less likely to practice healthy behaviors and are more prone to practice bad habits . Students under greater stress also exhibit lower levels of self esteem and reduce perceptions of their health status . In another study² it was revealed that the students are experiencing role overload , role stagnation and self role distance . In the Education policy 1986 , Yoga has been recommended as an integral part of the education system , Positive effects of Yoga have been proved through various researches³ which have been carried out .

In a study on medical students ‘ it was revealed that the Yoga group showed improvement in various parameters such as better sense of well being , feeling of relaxation , improved concentration , self confidence , improved efficiency , good interpersonal relation – ship , increased attentiveness , lowered irritability levels and an optimistic outlook in life . There have been independent efforts to inculcate Yoga in the institutions of higher learning , however a systematized and a combined effort was missing . While we discussed this option with the academicians , administrators , managements of the colleges , a prominent view was , that , there is a need for standard module of Yoga which can be followed in the institutes of higher learning ( + 12th grade ) .

Absence of a standard Yoga module combined with fact that there are multiple methodologies or schools of thoughts adds to confusion . Considering this view , Kaivalyadhama initiated a process to standardize the Yoga module . It was imperative to get all the Yoga institutes in Maharashtra together and form a consensus on this . It was also important that we receive active support from the Department of Higher & Technical Education , Government of Maharashtra . In August we wrote to the Department of Higher & Technical Education which agreed to support this effort by participating as the Joint Organizer in the symposium which was meant to finalize the draft of the module .

After taking in to consideration the views and suggestions expressed in this symposium , the draft was finalized . This final module was presented before H. E Shri . S. M. Krishna the Governor of Maharashtra on the 4th of December 2007 wherein we requested him to recommend it to the Vice Chancellors of the universities in Maharashtra , so that positive steps can be taken to introduce it at the college level . It is with immense pride with which we say that it is for the first time in India that such a combined effort has been initiated and successfully completed , at the sate level . We hope that this module will make it easier for the educational institutions to adopt Yoga practices for their students . We are open to any suggestions which come along the way to further strengthen this module .

– Subodh Tiwari