The Scientific Research Department
With his exceptional training and exposure to yoga under revered gurus, Swami Kuvalayananda sought to revolutionise the global outlook towards this ancient Indian tradition. He laid the spirited foundation for Kaivalyadhama by establishing the Scientific Research Department (SRD) in 1924.
SRD became the first and most pioneering initiative in yoga research at the time of its commencement, to reinforce as a science and make the world aware of its benefits. In 1988, SRD earned the recognition as an Institute of Scientific Research by the Scientific & Industrial Research Organization (SIRO), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India.
SRD continues to conduct path-breaking research for yoga investigating the impact of traditional yoga on various biochemical, physiological, and psychological parameters of the body. With a fully-equipped and advanced scientific laboratory, SRD clinically examines perceptible effects of yoga on cancer, chronic diseases, epigenetics, auto immune diseases and psychogenic disorders.


Outreach
SRD’s innovative research-based findings have immensely contributed for spreading the knowledge of yoga as a systematic study amongst scientists, academicians and medical practitioners. Through our discoveries at SRD, we ensure that the advantages of Yoga are made available to all in a cost-efficient manner.
Specialised experiments at the premier department include explorations into yoga for overall health and wellness, recovery from disease, excellence in sports and endurance. SRD also performs cutting-edge fundamental studies into the effect of core yoga practices, such as asanas, kriyas, and pranayama and meditation amongst school children, yoga students, and police officers. The department also makes inquiries into the uses of yoga for recuperating from diseases such as obesity, diabetes, stress, and blindness.
SRD is led by a team of highly qualified and respected faculty. Our scientists and experts are invited to impart this knowledge at various Indian and global platforms. The Department offers M.Phil and Ph.D. degrees in Yoga. SRD has associations with other Indian universities, and collaborates with scientists in Europe and the USA for fundamental and applied research in yoga.
Objectives
- To investigate various yoga practices based on scientific parameters by using modern sophisticated equipment and techniques employed in Physiology, Bio-chemistry, Psychology, Physical Education, and allied disciplines like Ayurveda.
- To develop methods for standardizing the technique of various yogic practices on the basis of scientific investigation.
- To critically review the literature on yoga for understanding Yogic concepts available in related texts that can facilitate scientific investigation on yoga.
- To collect published scientific work on yoga done in Kaivalyadhama’s departments and elsewhere, and to prepare monograms, abstracts and bibliographies on select Yogic practices.
- To project and disseminate scientific information on yoga through publication and participation in conferences, and also by organizing seminars and workshops.
- To implement scientific research findings and suggestions, and to update theoretical and practical training in Yoga, at Kaivalyadhama’s college and our yoga programs.
- To collaborate and co-ordinate with Kaivalyadhama’s Philosophico-Literary Research Department, Yogic Hospital, other research institutions and agencies for generation and promotion of scientific information on yogic practices.
Core Competencies
Research
Projects of scientific research in Yoga undertaken to establish the relation between yoga and modern scientific disciplines as well as, fundamental nature, validity and applications of yoga practices by means of scientific methods.
Service
Income-generating and non-paid services of bio-chemical, physiological and psychological investigations to institutional and external clients.
Awareness
Activities, events, and publications that create awareness in people about yoga and health.
Training
Training activities for community and faculty development, as well as, teaching and mentoring of institutional course students.
Information
Activities and events that impart information to common people about scientific research in yoga conducted by the department.
Core Competencies
Research
Projects of scientific research in Yoga undertaken to establish the relation between yoga and modern scientific disciplines as well as, fundamental nature, validity and applications of yoga practices by means of scientific methods.
Awareness
Activities, events, and publications that create awareness in people about yoga and health.
Training
Training activities for community and faculty development, as well as, teaching and mentoring of institutional course students.
Service
Income-generating and non-paid services of bio-chemical, physiological and psychological investigations to institutional and external clients.
Information
Activities and events that impart information to common people about scientific research in yoga conducted by the department.
Funded Projects
CRC Scheme
Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN) has established its third Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) in collaboration with KSMYM Samiti (Kaivalyadhama), Lonavala. The current CRC Centre will work on Fundamental research on Shat Kriya and Pranayama.
EMR Project
Sanctioned by the Department of AYUSH under the EMR Scheme, this project is a special call for research on Diabetes. Our researchers are addressing the pre-diabetic population and studying effect of yoga module in pre diabetic participants at biochemical and also gene expression with the purpose of delaying and averting the onset and/or symptoms of Diabetes.
- Jnana Prabodhini Institute of Psychology, Jnana Prabodhini Bhavan, 510 Sadashiv Peth, Pune 411030.
- Kridakul, Jnana Prabodhini Nigdi, Pune
- International Society for Scientific Interdisciplinary Researches in the Field of Yoga, represented by the President Prof. Predrag K. Nikic, New Belgrade, Serbia
- Centre for Yoga Therapy Education & Research (CYTER), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Puducherry
- CEEC Incorporated, USA
- SNDT University, Mumbai & Pune
- GeneOmbio Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Pune
- Indian Red Cross Society, Lonavala branch
- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH), Mumba
- Samwad Shaala, Lonavala
- MIMER Medical College, Talegaon
- University of La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
Citations received by research papers of SRD staff since 2015: 134
Peer-reviewed journals, books, and conference souvenirs:
- Pathak, S. D., Rajbhoj, P. H., & Bhogal, R. S., Effect of a yoga module on an enlarged prostate in elderly patients: Two case studies. Yoga Mimamsa
- Doddoli, S., Shete, S. U., Kulkarni, D. D., & Bhogal, R. S. (2016). Effect of yoga training on lipid metabolism in industrial workers with reference to body constitution (Prakriti). Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.08.001
- Tiwari, S., Telles S., Goel, A., & Verma, A. (2015). Beliefs about yoga: A survey in Mumbai. Journal of Biological and Scientific Opinion, 3(4), 176-180. [PDF]
- Doddoli, S., Kulkarni, D. D., Shete, S. U., & Bhogal, R. S. (2015). Effect of yoga training on resting metabolic rate (RMR) and body fat metabolism in the context of body constitution (prakriti). International Ayurvedic Medical Journal, 3(1), 14-21. [PDF]
- Rajbhoj, P. H., Shete, S. U., Verma, A., & Bhogal, R. S. (2015). Effect of yoga module on pro and anti inflammatory cytokines among industrial workers of Lonavala: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 9(2), 1-5. [HTML] [PDF]
- Kulkarni, D. D., Bhat, R., & Bhogal, R. S. (2015). Gayatri as Iso-Red-Shift of Astrophysical Event. Ancient Science, 2(2), 20-25. [PDF]
- Kulkarni, D. D., Doddoli, S., & Bhogal, R. S. (2015). Effect of yoga training on bio-energy dynamics with reference to bioelectrical impedance and tridosha in dominant nostril breathing types – A pilot study. International Journal of Innovative and Applied Research, 3(10), 47-58. [PDF]
- Bhogal, R.S. & Nagarajan, Karuna (2015). Yoga Education: B.Ed Yoga Programme. New Delhi: National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). [PDF]
- Bhogal, R.S. & Shinde,C.G.(2015). Yoga for the Middle Aged, New Delhi: Souvenir of National Yoga Week, MDNIY, 64-67.
- Verma, Anita., Shete, S.U., Thakur, G.S., Kulkarni, D.D., & Bhogal, R.S. (2014). The effect of yoga practices on micronutrient absorption and physical fitness in rural residential school children: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy, 5(2), 179-184. [PDF]
- Verma, Anita., Shete, S.U., Thakur, G.S., Kulkarni, D.D., & Bhogal, R.S. (2014). The effect of yoga practices on cognitive development in rural residential school children in India. National Journal of Laboratory Medicine, 3(3), 15-19. [PDF]
- Kulkarni, D.D., Doddoli, S., Shete, S.U., Verma, A., & Bhogal, R. (2014). A bio-electrical model for physiological evaluation of nadi pariksha (Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis). International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research, 2(4), 25-31. [PDF]
- Shepal, A.V., & Shete, S. U. (2013). Effect of yoga on bio- markers linked with development of diabetes complications in type 2 diabetes patients: a preliminary study. International Journal of Recent Scientific Research, 4(4), 401-404. [PDF]
- Pant Gaurav, Bera T. K, Shete S. U. (2013). Yoga for controlling examination anxiety, depression and academic stress among students appearing for Indian board examination. International Journal of Recent Scientific Research, 4(8),1216-1219. [PDF]
- Shete, S. U., Kulkarni, D. D., & Thakur, G. S., (2012). Effect of yoga practices on hs-CRP in Indian railway engine drivers of metropolis. Recent Research in Science and Technology, 4(2), 30-33. [PDF]
- Shete, S. U., Thakur, G. S., & Kulkarni, D. D. (2012). Residential yoga and diet on lipid profile in police officers. International Research Journal of Pharmacy, 3(9), 155-158. [PDF]
- Thakur, G. S., Kulkarni, D. D., & Pant, G. (2011). Immediate Effect of Nostril Breathing on Memory Performance. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 55(1), 89-93. [PDF]
- Kulkarni, D. D., & Bera, T .K. (2009).Yogic exercise and health -A psycho-neuro immunological approach. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 53 (1), 3-15. [PDF]
- Mahapure, H. H., Shete, S. U., & Bera, T. K. (2008). Effect of yogic exercise on superoxide dismutase levels in diabetics. International Journal of Yoga, 1(1), 21-26. [HTML]
- Doddoli, S., Shete, S., Kulkarni, D., & Bhogal, R. (2016). Effect of yoga training on lipid metabolism in industrial workers with reference to body constitution (Prakriti). Journal of traditional and complementary medicine, 7(3), 322–326.
- Verma, A., Shete, S. U., Kulkarni, D. D., & Bhogal R. S. (2017). Effect of yoga practices on micronutrient absorption in urban residential school children. Journal of Physical Therapy Science 29(7), 1254-1258.
- Shete, S. U., Verma, A., Kulkarni, D. D., & Bhogal, R. S. (2017). Effect of yoga training on inflammatory cytokines and C-reactive protein in employees of small scale industries. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 6, 76.
- Verma, A., Shete, S. U., & Doddoli, G. (2019). An integrated therapy approach for the management of obesity-associated disorders: A case report. Journal of Family Medicine & Primary Care, 8, 1491-1494.
- Verma, A., Shete, S. U., & Doddoli, G. (2020). Impact of residential yoga training on occupational stress and health promotion in principals. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 9, 30.
- Verma, A., & Shete, S. U. (2020). Effect of yoga practices on general mental ability in urban residential school children [published online ahead of print, 2020 Apr 9]. Journal of Complementary & Integrative Medicine, 2020;/j/jcim.ahead-of-print/jcim-2019-0238/jcim-2019-0238.xml. doi:10.1515/jcim-2019-0238
- Patil, A.D., Vaidya, R. A., Pathak, S. D., Chauhan, S. L., Surve S.V., Kokate P. P., Joshi B.N. (2017).The Fourth Dimension in the Multidisciplinary Management of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, A Narrative Review. The Indian Practitioner a monthly journal
- Mujumdar, R., Bhogal, R. S., Raje, S., Pathak, S. D., Dandekar, A. (2019). Pranayama and hypertension: Need for investigation. Journal of Preventive Medicine and Holistic Health.
- Bhogal, R. S., Thakur, G. S. & Shete, S. U. (2016). Differential impact of Shavasana and Meditation on Memory Scores in Healthy college students. Yoga Mimamsa, 48 (1&2), 9-12. [HTML]
- Kulkarni, D. D., Bhogal, R. S., Verma, A., & Shete, S. U. (2016). Bio-electrical activity: As a valid variable in yoga research. Yoga Mimamsa, 48(1), 13. [HTML]
- Bhogal, R. S. (2015). Scientific Research in Yoga: Recent Trends, Pradigmatic Stalemate & Future Hopes. Lonavala: Souvenir of 8th International Conference on Yoga & Education: Principles & Practice.
- Tiwari, S., Telles S., Goel, A., & Verma, A. (2014). Beliefs of yoga practitioners about yoga as a science: A survey in Mumbai. Yoga Mimamsa, 46, 15-19.
- Doddoli, S., Shete, S. U., Patil, S., & Doddoli, G. (2014). Possible effects of hot yoga: An objective approach. Yoga Mimamsa, 46(1), 9-14.
- Menon, P., Doddoli, S., Singh, S., & Bhogal, R. S. (2014). Personality correlates of mindfulness: A study in an Indian setting. Yoga Mimamsa, 46, 29-36.
- Maheshananda, S., Bera, T. K., Gore, M. M., Bhogal, R. S., Kulkarni, D. D., Oak, J. P., Shete, S. U., & Thakur, G. S. (2012). Management of suicidal tendency through yoga amongst adolescent students. Yoga-Mimamsa, 44(3), 162-179.
- Verma, A. (2012). Micronutrient absorption and yoga: A critical bibliographic study. Yoga-Mimamsa, 44(1), 31-40.
- Shepal, A. V. (2012). Global prevalence of diabetes and role of yoga: Evaluative annotations. Yoga-Mimamsa, 44(1), 41-51.
- Bhogal, R. S. (2012). Evolving a synthesis of modern and yogic interventional strategies for personality development of holistic nature. Yoga-Mimamsa, 44(1), 52-62.
- Thakur G.S. (2012). Suicidal tendency in adolescent students of India: A survey study. Yoga-Mimamsa, 43 (4), 265-274.
- Thakur, G. S., Shete, S. U., & Kulkarni, D. D. (2012). Effect of yoga training on hand steadiness in school students. Yoga-Mimamsa, 43(4), 297-303.
- Thakur, G. S., Shete, S. U., & Verma, A. (2011). Short term yoga intervention on occupational stress and quality of sleep in Kendriya Vidyalaya teachers. Yoga- Mimamsa, 43(3), 205-214.
- Kulkarni, D. D. (2011). Understanding HIP of yoga practice effects: A neuropsychological approach. Yoga-Mimamsa, 43(2), 152-164.
- Bera, T. K., Shete, S. U., Verma, A., & Sharma, N. (2017). Psychophysiological responses across the menstrual cycle in low fit college women after yoga training. Yoga Mimamsa, 49(1), 3-8.
- Bera, T. K., Chourasia, K., Shete, S. U., & Verma, A. (2017). Influence of pranayama on breath holding capacity and reaction time of junior state level elite swimmers. Yoga Mimamsa, 49(2), 63-67.
- Verma, A., Shete, S. U., & Doddoli, G. (2017). Effect of yoga and panchakarma therapy on psychophysiological variables: A pilot study. Yoga Mimamsa, 49(2), 48-52.
- Kulkarni, D. D., Bhat, R., Bhogal, R. S. (2017). Gayatri on Origin of Universe: A Cosmic AUM Modulation Model.
- Kulkarni, D. D., Suchitra, D., & Bhogal, R. S. (2017). An Objective Measure of Holistic Health Diagnosis: A HIP and Bioelectric Approach.
- Kulkarni, D. D., Verma, A., Shete, S.U., & Bhogal, R.S. (2017). Effect of Yoga Practice on Motor Neuron Current Phase Shift in Railway Engine Drivers of Metropolis.
- Menon, P. (2016). The scope of participatory research in yoga for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
- Rajbhoj, P. H., Menon, P., Kulkarni, R., & Bhogal, R. S. (2016). A randomized controlled study on the effect of yoga on the immune status and occupational stress of iron and steel industry personnel.
- Jnana Prabodhini Institute of Psychology, Jnana Prabodhini Bhavan, 510 Sadashiv Peth, Pune 411030.
- Kridakul, Jnana Prabodhini Nigdi, Pune
- International Society for Scientific Interdisciplinary Researches in the Field of Yoga, represented by the President Prof. Predrag K. Nikic, New Belgrade, Serbia
- Centre for Yoga Therapy Education & Research (CYTER), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Puducherry
- CEEC Incorporated, USA
- SNDT University, Mumbai & Pune
- GeneOmbio Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Pune
- Indian Red Cross Society, Lonavala branch
- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH), Mumba
- Samwad Shaala, Lonavala
- MIMER Medical College, Talegaon
- University of La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
Citations received by research papers of SRD staff since 2015: 134
Peer-reviewed journals, books, and conference souvenirs:
- Pathak, S. D., Rajbhoj, P. H., & Bhogal, R. S., Effect of a yoga module on an enlarged prostate in elderly patients: Two case studies. Yoga Mimamsa
- Doddoli, S., Shete, S. U., Kulkarni, D. D., & Bhogal, R. S. (2016). Effect of yoga training on lipid metabolism in industrial workers with reference to body constitution (Prakriti). Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.08.001
- Tiwari, S., Telles S., Goel, A., & Verma, A. (2015). Beliefs about yoga: A survey in Mumbai. Journal of Biological and Scientific Opinion, 3(4), 176-180. [PDF]
- Doddoli, S., Kulkarni, D. D., Shete, S. U., & Bhogal, R. S. (2015). Effect of yoga training on resting metabolic rate (RMR) and body fat metabolism in the context of body constitution (prakriti). International Ayurvedic Medical Journal, 3(1), 14-21. [PDF]
- Rajbhoj, P. H., Shete, S. U., Verma, A., & Bhogal, R. S. (2015). Effect of yoga module on pro and anti inflammatory cytokines among industrial workers of Lonavla: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 9(2), 1-5. [HTML] [PDF]
- Kulkarni, D. D., Bhat, R., & Bhogal, R. S. (2015). Gayatri as Iso-Red-Shift of Astrophysical Event. Ancient Science, 2(2), 20-25. [PDF]
- Kulkarni, D. D., Doddoli, S., & Bhogal, R. S. (2015). Effect of yoga training on bio-energy dynamics with reference to bioelectrical impedance and tridosha in dominant nostril breathing types – A pilot study. International Journal of Innovative and Applied Research, 3(10), 47-58. [PDF]
- Bhogal, R.S. & Nagarajan, Karuna (2015). Yoga Education: B.Ed Yoga Programme. New Delhi: National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). [PDF]
- Bhogal, R.S. & Shinde,C.G.(2015). Yoga for the Middle Aged, New Delhi: Souvenir of National Yoga Week, MDNIY, 64-67.
- Verma, Anita., Shete, S.U., Thakur, G.S., Kulkarni, D.D., & Bhogal, R.S. (2014). The effect of yoga practices on micronutrient absorption and physical fitness in rural residential school children: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy, 5(2), 179-184. [PDF]
- Verma, Anita., Shete, S.U., Thakur, G.S., Kulkarni, D.D., & Bhogal, R.S. (2014). The effect of yoga practices on cognitive development in rural residential school children in India. National Journal of Laboratory Medicine, 3(3), 15-19. [PDF]
- Kulkarni, D.D., Doddoli, S., Shete, S.U., Verma, A., & Bhogal, R. (2014). A bio-electrical model for physiological evaluation of nadi pariksha (Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis). International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research, 2(4), 25-31. [PDF]
- Shepal, A.V., & Shete, S. U. (2013). Effect of yoga on bio- markers linked with development of diabetes complications in type 2 diabetes patients: a preliminary study. International Journal of Recent Scientific Research, 4(4), 401-404. [PDF]
- Pant Gaurav, Bera T. K, Shete S. U. (2013). Yoga for controlling examination anxiety, depression and academic stress among students appearing for Indian board examination. International Journal of Recent Scientific Research, 4(8),1216-1219. [PDF]
- Shete, S. U., Kulkarni, D. D., & Thakur, G. S., (2012). Effect of yoga practices on hs-CRP in Indian railway engine drivers of metropolis. Recent Research in Science and Technology, 4(2), 30-33. [PDF]
- Shete, S. U., Thakur, G. S., & Kulkarni, D. D. (2012). Residential yoga and diet on lipid profile in police officers. International Research Journal of Pharmacy, 3(9), 155-158. [PDF]
- Thakur, G. S., Kulkarni, D. D., & Pant, G. (2011). Immediate Effect of Nostril Breathing on Memory Performance. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 55(1), 89-93. [PDF]
- Kulkarni, D. D., & Bera, T .K. (2009).Yogic exercise and health -A psycho-neuro immunological approach. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 53 (1), 3-15. [PDF]
- Mahapure, H. H., Shete, S. U., & Bera, T. K. (2008). Effect of yogic exercise on superoxide dismutase levels in diabetics. International Journal of Yoga, 1(1), 21-26. [HTML]
- Doddoli, S., Shete, S., Kulkarni, D., & Bhogal, R. (2016). Effect of yoga training on lipid metabolism in industrial workers with reference to body constitution (Prakriti). Journal of traditional and complementary medicine, 7(3), 322–326.
- Verma, A., Shete, S. U., Kulkarni, D. D., & Bhogal R. S. (2017). Effect of yoga practices on micronutrient absorption in urban residential school children. Journal of Physical Therapy Science 29(7), 1254-1258.
- Shete, S. U., Verma, A., Kulkarni, D. D., & Bhogal, R. S. (2017). Effect of yoga training on inflammatory cytokines and C-reactive protein in employees of small scale industries. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 6, 76.
- Verma, A., Shete, S. U., & Doddoli, G. (2019). An integrated therapy approach for the management of obesity-associated disorders: A case report. Journal of Family Medicine & Primary Care, 8, 1491-1494.
- Verma, A., Shete, S. U., & Doddoli, G. (2020). Impact of residential yoga training on occupational stress and health promotion in principals. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 9, 30.
- Verma, A., & Shete, S. U. (2020). Effect of yoga practices on general mental ability in urban residential school children [published online ahead of print, 2020 Apr 9]. Journal of Complementary & Integrative Medicine, 2020;/j/jcim.ahead-of-print/jcim-2019-0238/jcim-2019-0238.xml. doi:10.1515/jcim-2019-0238
- Patil, A.D., Vaidya, R. A., Pathak, S. D., Chauhan, S. L., Surve S.V., Kokate P. P., Joshi B.N. (2017).The Fourth Dimension in the Multidisciplinary Management of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, A Narrative Review. The Indian Practitioner a monthly journal
- Mujumdar, R., Bhogal, R. S., Raje, S., Pathak, S. D., Dandekar, A. (2019). Pranayama and hypertension: Need for investigation. Journal of Preventive Medicine and Holistic Health.
- Bhogal, R. S., Thakur, G. S. & Shete, S. U. (2016). Differential impact of Shavasana and Meditation on Memory Scores in Healthy college students. Yoga Mimamsa, 48 (1&2), 9-12. [HTML]
- Kulkarni, D. D., Bhogal, R. S., Verma, A., & Shete, S. U. (2016). Bio-electrical activity: As a valid variable in yoga research. Yoga Mimamsa, 48(1), 13. [HTML]
- Bhogal, R. S. (2015). Scientific Research in Yoga: Recent Trends, Pradigmatic Stalemate & Future Hopes. Lonavla: Souvenir of 8th International Conference on Yoga & Education: Principles & Practice.
- Tiwari, S., Telles S., Goel, A., & Verma, A. (2014). Beliefs of yoga practitioners about yoga as a science: A survey in Mumbai. Yoga Mimamsa, 46, 15-19.
- Doddoli, S., Shete, S. U., Patil, S., & Doddoli, G. (2014). Possible effects of hot yoga: An objective approach. Yoga Mimamsa, 46(1), 9-14.
- Menon, P., Doddoli, S., Singh, S., & Bhogal, R. S. (2014). Personality correlates of mindfulness: A study in an Indian setting. Yoga Mimamsa, 46, 29-36.
- Maheshananda, S., Bera, T. K., Gore, M. M., Bhogal, R. S., Kulkarni, D. D., Oak, J. P., Shete, S. U., & Thakur, G. S. (2012). Management of suicidal tendency through yoga amongst adolescent students. Yoga-Mimamsa, 44(3), 162-179.
- Verma, A. (2012). Micronutrient absorption and yoga : A critical bibliographic study. Yoga-Mimamsa, 44(1), 31-40.
- Shepal, A. V. (2012). Global prevalence of diabetes and role of yoga: Evaluative annotations. Yoga-Mimamsa, 44(1), 41-51.
- Bhogal, R. S. (2012). Evolving a synthesis of modern and yogic interventional strategies for personality development of holistic nature. Yoga-Mimamsa, 44(1), 52-62.
- Thakur G.S. (2012). Suicidal tendency in adolescent students of India: A survey study. Yoga-Mimamsa, 43 (4), 265-274.
- Thakur, G. S., Shete, S. U., & Kulkarni, D. D. (2012). Effect of yoga training on hand steadiness in school students. Yoga-Mimamsa, 43(4), 297-303.
- Thakur, G. S., Shete, S. U., & Verma, A. (2011). Short term yoga intervention on occupational stress and quality of sleep in Kendriya Vidyalaya teachers. Yoga- Mimamsa, 43(3), 205-214.
- Kulkarni, D. D. (2011). Understanding HIP of yoga practice effects: A neuropsychological approach. Yoga-Mimamsa, 43(2), 152-164.
- Bera, T. K., Shete, S. U., Verma, A., & Sharma, N. (2017). Psychophysiological responses across the menstrual cycle in low fit college women after yoga training. Yoga Mimamsa, 49(1), 3-8.
- Bera, T. K., Chourasia, K., Shete, S. U., & Verma, A. (2017). Influence of pranayama on breath holding capacity and reaction time of junior state level elite swimmers. Yoga Mimamsa, 49(2), 63-67.
- Verma, A., Shete, S. U., & Doddoli, G. (2017). Effect of yoga and panchakarma therapy on psychophysiological variables: A pilot study. Yoga Mimamsa, 49(2), 48-52.
- Kulkarni, D. D., Bhat, R., Bhogal, R. S. (2017). Gayatri on Origin of Universe: A Cosmic AUM Modulation Model.
- Kulkarni, D. D., Suchitra, D., & Bhogal, R. S. (2017). An Objective Measure of Holistic Health Diagnosis: A HIP and Bioelectric Approach.
- Kulkarni, D. D., Verma, A., Shete, S.U., & Bhogal, R.S. (2017). Effect of Yoga Practice on Motor Neuron Current Phase Shift in Railway Engine Drivers of Metropolis.
- Menon, P. (2016). The scope of participatory research in yoga for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
- Rajbhoj, P. H., Menon, P., Kulkarni, R., & Bhogal, R. S. (2016). A randomized controlled study on the effect of yoga on the immune status and occupational stress of iron and steel industry personnel.
Independent Ethics Committee
Chairman:
Dr. Bhaskar Rambhau Shejwal,
Emeritus Professor,
Affiliation: Dept of Psychology, S. P. Pune University, Pune
Members:
- Dr. Ulka Natu
- Mrs. Sandhya Dixit
- Dr. Arvind Ranade
- Dr. Sharadchandra Bhalekar
- Dr. Shailesh Shah – Member (A)
- Adv. Tanu Mehta
- Dr. J. O. Bachhav
- Mr. Anil Chandawani – Member (A)
- Dr. Ganesh Rao
- Dr. Bharat Bhushan
- Mrs. Pratibha Rajbhoj – Member Secretary
Research Advisory Committee
- Dr. B. N. Gangadhar (Chairman)
- Dr. Anand Balyogi Bhavnani (Member)
- Dr. Bharat Bhushan (Member)
- Dr. Shruti Sharma (Member)
- Dr. Rahul Gosavi (Member)
- Dr. Smita Sharma (Member)
Independent Ethics Committee
Chairman:
Dr. Bhaskar Rambhau Shejwal,
Emeritus Professor,
Affiliation: Dept of Psychology, S. P. Pune University, Pune
Members:
- Dr. Ulka Natu
- Mrs. Sandhya Dixit
- Dr. Arvind Ranade
- Dr. Sharadchandra Bhalekar
- Dr. Shailesh Shah – Member (A)
- Adv. Tanu Mehta
- Dr. J. O. Bachhav
- Mr. Anil Chandawani – Member (A)
- Dr. Ganesh Rao
- Dr. Bharat Bhushan
- Mrs. Pratibha Rajbhoj – Member Secretary
Independent Ethics Committee (IEC)
Dr. Bharat Bhushan
(Chairperson)
Dr. Bharat Bhushan
Adjunct Professor, University of Mumbai and Honorary Secretary, Bombay Natural History Society. Chairperson, Independent Ethics Committee, and Member, Research Advisory Committee, Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala. Member, Adjunct Board of Studies, Indian Knowledge Systems, University of Mumbai and Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli. Formerly, Professor and Dean (Academics), Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA), Government of Maharashtra. Research Advisor, Baha'i Academy, Panchgani. Certified Lead Auditor, QMS and EMS. Author, Researcher, Teacher, Eclectic Traveler - from Kataragama in South Sri Lanka through all regions of India to Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet; and from Dwarka in the West to Arunachal Pradesh in the East.
Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani
(Medical Scientist)
Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani
Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani is Director of the Institute of Salutogenesis and Complementary Medicine (ISCM) and Professor of Yoga Therapy at the Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Pondicherry (www.sbvu.ac.in/iscm).
He has served as member of numerous expert committees of the Ministry of AYUSH including its Steering Committee of the Yoga Certification Board, National Board for Promotion of Yoga and Naturopathy, the CCRYN, as well as the 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 Joint Secretary of the Indian Yoga Association (www.yogaiya.in) and Vice President of the Yogasana Bharat (https://yogasanasport.in)
A recipient of the coveted DSc in Yoga from SVYASA Yoga University, he is 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 35 books and 36 compilations on Yoga as well as published more than 400 papers on Yoga and Yoga research in National and International Journals. His literary works have more than 4000 Citations, with an h-Index of 28 and an i10-Index of 77. In addition, he is a Classical Indian Vocalist, Percussionist, Music Composer and Choreographer of Indian Classical Dance.
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 was honoured as Yoga Chikitsa Ratna by the Indian Yoga Association in January 2025. In recent years he has travelled abroad 20 times and conducted invited talks, public events, workshops and retreats and been a major presenter at Yoga conferences around the world.
He was awarded Puduvai Kalaimamani by the Government of Pondicherry for the year 2016. He is an Honorary Advisor to International Association of Yoga Therapists (www.iayt.org), and Gitananda Yoga Associations worldwide (www.rishiculture.in).
Dr. Rajvi Mehta
(Medical Scientist)
Dr. Sharadchandra Bhalekar
(Clinician)
Dr. Sharadchandra Bhalekar
Dr. Sharadchandra Bhalekar is an Ayurvedacharya and has done his masters in counselling and Psychotherapy (M.S. con-psy). He is working as Asst. Professor at Gordhandas Seksaria College of Yoga & Cultural Synthesis, Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala. Author of books, "Pranayama-mudra and meditation" and "Anatomy-Physiology of Yoga", Dr. Bhalekar has a unique blend of modern as well as traditional approaches to yoga in his teachings and writings. He has conducted workshops at National and International conferences.
Dr. Shailesh Shah
(Clinician)
Adv. Tanu Mehta
(Law expert)
Mrs. Madhavi Thatte
(Layperson)
Mr. Anil Chandwani
(Layperson)
Yogacharya Sandhya Dixit
(Yoga expert)
Yogacharya Sandhya Dixit
Yogacharya Sandhya Dixit is one of the senior-most teacher in Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala. She has experience of 39 years in the field of yoga. She has actively conducted workshops and training camps at national and international levels. Her 10 days online workshops series in March 2020 ‘Yoga for senior citizens’ collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush was applauded and acknowledged by thousands of people. Her Pranayama online workshops have been successful since June 2020. Workshop participants love her style of teachings. She recently is awarded Swami Kuvalayananda Yoga Puraskar 2020 for her dedicated, committed and extraordinary work in the field of Yoga.
Dr. Ganesh Rao
(Philosopher)
Dr. N. Ganesh Rao
Dr. N. Ganesh Rao, Chief Advisor – Academics & Training, Kaivalyadhama, with a Doctorate in Philosophy, is a Professor and Ph. D. Guide in Yoga and Philosophy. His never-ending fascination for Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (PYS) makes him a constant learner and admirer of PYS. Dr. Rao has presented several Papers and written innumerable articles on various facets of PYS. He has shared his in-depth understanding in more than 1500 teaching hours of PYS till date.
Dr. Rao is Director (IYA), Technical Expert (Yoga) for QCI & YCB, an Advisor to and Member of Board of Studies of Kaivalyadhama, a Member of Board of Studies of Sri Sri University, Bhubaneshwar, a Visiting Faculty in K. J. Somaiya University, Mumbai University, Kaivalyadhama (Mumbai and Lonavala), Sri Sri University (Bhubaneshwar), College of Defense Management (Secunderabad), Art of Living, Yoga alliance (USA),….
For further details please visit his website www.ganeshraoyoga.com
Dr. Bhaskar R Shejwal
(Social scientist)
Mrs. Pratibha Rajbhoj
Research Officer
Mrs. Pratibha Rajbhoj
Mrs. Pratibha Hemant Rajbhoj working as a Project Coordinator and Research Officer in the Collaborative Research Centre of CCRYN at the Scientific Research Department, Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala. She serves as the Liaison Officer at Kaivalyadhama as well as the Secretary of the Independent Ethics Committee (IEC). She has completed her MSc (Microbiology) and MPhil from Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune. She has 10 years of experience in yoga research. Her research areas are inflammatory cytokines, hypertension, migraines, diabetes, and other lifestyle disorders with yoga therapy as an intervention. Furthermore, she has served as co-investigator and project coordinator in an AYUSH-funded study exploring the effect of yoga on pre-diabetic population. She is also working on the effect of Shuddhi Kriyas and Pranayama on healthy individuals. Several of her papers have been published in prestigious academic journals, making significant contributions in her field. Before joining Kaivalyadhama, she worked as a lecturer at the Pravara Rural Education Society's College of Pharmacy, Chincholi.
Research Advisory Committee (RAC)
Dr. Bhushan Patwardhan
(Chairman)
Dr. Bhushan Patwardhan
Professor Bhushan Patwardhan is a distinguished academician with over four decades of experience in higher education, biomedical research, and institutional governance. A Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medical Sciences, he is also an Adjunct Professor at the National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University, Australia.
A global thought leader in integrating traditional medicine with modern science, he co-chaired the WHO Expert Group for the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine. His contributions to policy and education reform include key roles in the National Knowledge Commission, Planning Commission, NITI Aayog, and WHO Geneva. As former Vice Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Chairman of NAAC, India, he played a pivotal role in shaping India's National Education Policy 2020, introducing innovative concepts like the Academic Bank of Credit. He is internationally recognized for his efforts to combat predatory publishing. As Chair of the UGC-CARE Consortium for Academic Research Ethics, he led significant initiatives to uphold academic integrity, including a widely cited Nature Worldview article on the subject.
Among his many honors are the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Award, SASTRA Mahamana Award, Sir Ram Nath Chopra Oration, and Waldemar Haffkine Oration. His enduring contributions continue to shape academic integrity, transdisciplinary research, and global health innovation. His research contributions span transdisciplinary studies, biomedical innovation, and global health. He holds eight Indian and two US patents, has supervised 20 PhD scholars, and received numerous research grants. With over 200 scientific publications, a Scholar h-index of 62, and 15,500+ citations, he ranks among the world’s top 2% of biomedical scientists. His latest book, Genome to Om: Evolving Journey of Modern Science to Meta-science, has received global acclaim.
Dr. Bharat Bhushan
(Member)
Dr. Bharat Bhushan
Adjunct Professor, University of Mumbai and Honorary Secretary, Bombay Natural History Society. Chairperson, Independent Ethics Committee, and Member, Research Advisory Committee, Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala. Member, Adjunct Board of Studies, Indian Knowledge Systems, University of Mumbai and Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli. Formerly, Professor and Dean (Academics), Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA), Government of Maharashtra. Research Advisor, Baha'i Academy, Panchgani. Certified Lead Auditor, QMS and EMS. Author, Researcher, Teacher, Eclectic Traveler - from Kataragama in South Sri Lanka through all regions of India to Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet; and from Dwarka in the West to Arunachal Pradesh in the East.
Dr. Bhupender Singh
(Member)
Dr. Bhupender Singh
Dr. Bhupender Singh is a committed academician and psychologist with a deep research and application inclination towards personality psychology, industrial psychology, cognitive psychology, and positive psychology. His research focuses on the incorporation of psychological principles across various population environments to foster well-being, performance, and self-development. With more than 13 national and international research publications, his research delves into topics such as gratitude, emotional regulation, and compassion in youth, meditators, and cadets. Dr. Singh follows an eclectic approach to teaching that marries theory with practical application, making psychology relatable and effective for students and society. He works actively across disciplines and continues to mentor aspiring researchers, guiding them in clinical and organizational psychology fields. His method embodies a strong commitment to ongoing learning, creativity, and substantive psychological contribution.
Dr. Paul Dallaghan
(Member)
Dr. Paul Dallaghan
Dr. Paul holds a PhD in Biological Anthropology from Emory University, where his research is focused on breath-based yoga practices. He developed protocols that were implemented in a registered clinical trial, yielding significant results in reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing interoception, and uniquely demonstrating telomere lengthening in the intervention group (papers in preparation with the Stress and Emotion Center at UCSF). His Studies also included full cultural analysis of 60 yogic-based texts from the past 2500 years, noting origins of all known practices and their description.
He pursued post-doctoral research at the Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, with two ongoing studies—one on obesity and the other on lung function—both incorporating the breath-based protocols developed during his doctoral work. These studies also involved research collaborations in Thailand.
With over 30 years of dedicated yoga, breath, and meditation practice, Dr. Paul has trained in the traditional one-to-one (guru-shishya) for the past 25 years, specializing in pranayama. In recognition of his depth of knowledge and practice, he was honored in 2022 with the title "Master Yogi: Pranacharya (Breath Expert)" by his long-time teacher, Sri Dr. O.P. Tiwari, a lineage holder in classical yoga with pranayama.
Dr. Paul is also the Founder and CEO of Samahita Retreat, a pioneering wellness retreat center in Thailand established in 2003. Located on the beach and housing 80 rooms, Samahita offers comprehensive programs integrating yoga, breathwork, meditation, core training, and cycling.
Dr. Praseeda Menon
(Member)
Dr. Praseeda Menon
Dr. Praseeda Menon currently serves as the Assistant Director of Research at the Scientific Research Department of Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Lonavala. Prior to this, she worked here as a Research officer from 2013 - 2024.
Dr. Praseeda brings over a decade of expertise in studying yoga and mental health. Apart from a PhD in Psychology and a Diploma in Yoga & Ayurveda, she has studied Applied Buddhist Psychology & Ethics. Her research work to-date has focused on the psychological impact of yoga on non-communicable diseases, mindfulness in relation to personality factors, the self-regulatory role of yoga in different cultures, and the efficacy of yogic practices in children with intellectual disabilities.
She played a key role in transitioning the world’s first and the oldest yoga research journal, Yoga Mimāmsa, started in 1924 at Kaivalyadhama, from a print to an online mode with the publisher, Medknow, Wolters Kluwer Health, as well as handled its editorial responsibilities from 2014-15. She has successfully convened 4 international conferences, organised 11 workshops, 1 national and international symposia each, authored/co-authored impactful publications, and disseminated her work at various academic and non-academic fora.
As an Assistant Professor at the G. S. College of Yoga & Cultural Synthesis, Kaivalyadhama, she supervises PhD students at the college’s research centre affiliated with Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Ramtek, Nagpur. She is a member of the college’s Academic Advisory Board and Board of Examinations, and served as its Principal I/C for a short period in 2020-21. She is also an Integral Member of the Kaivalyadhama Ashram. She is very passionate about unearthing the scientific treasure in Indian traditional knowledge systems, and unravelling this timeless knowledge to the world.
Dr. Ranjeet S. Bhogal
(Member)
Dr. Ranjeet S. Bhogal
Dr. R. S. Bhogal is a post graduate in psychology and has many years of research and teaching experience. He is the author of
i) Psychophysiology of Traditional Yoga (in Korean)
ii) Yoga and Modern Psychology (in English and German)
iii) Yoga and Mental Health and Beyond (English).
Dr. R. S. Bhogal is credited with a large number of scientific papers and is a recipient of Shivram Apte award of the Fergusson College, Pune, and Bharat Jyoti award by IIFS, New Delhi. He is also a meditation expert with a calm poised temperament.
Dr. Satbir Singh Khalsa
(Member)
Dr. Satbir Singh Khalsa
Dr. Satbir Singh Khalsa, Ph.D. is a Corresponding Member of the Faculty of Medicine at Harvard Medical School retiring as Associate Professor of Medicine. He is also Director of Research for the Kundalini Research Institute, Research Associate at the Benson Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, and Research Affiliate at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine. He has conducted research on yoga since 2001 and is a certified teacher of Kundalini Yoga. His research has evaluated yoga for insomnia, stress, trauma, and anxiety, and in workplace and public school settings. He works with the International Association of Yoga Therapists as editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Yoga Therapy and as chair of the scientific program committee for its annual conference. He is medical editor of the Harvard Medical School Special Report Introduction to Yoga, and chief editor of the medical textbook The Principles and Practice of Yoga in Health Care.
Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani
(Member)
Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani
Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani is Director of the Institute of Salutogenesis and Complementary Medicine (ISCM) and Professor of Yoga Therapy at the Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Pondicherry (www.sbvu.ac.in/iscm).
He has served as member of numerous expert committees of the Ministry of AYUSH including its Steering Committee of the Yoga Certification Board, National Board for Promotion of Yoga and Naturopathy, the CCRYN, as well as the 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 Joint Secretary of the Indian Yoga Association (www.yogaiya.in) and Vice President of the Yogasana Bharat (https://yogasanasport.in)
A recipient of the coveted DSc in Yoga from SVYASA Yoga University, he is 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 35 books and 36 compilations on Yoga as well as published more than 400 papers on Yoga and Yoga research in National and International Journals. His literary works have more than 4000 Citations, with an h-Index of 28 and an i10-Index of 77. In addition, he is a Classical Indian Vocalist, Percussionist, Music Composer and Choreographer of Indian Classical Dance.
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 was honoured as Yoga Chikitsa Ratna by the Indian Yoga Association in January 2025. In recent years he has travelled abroad 20 times and conducted invited talks, public events, workshops and retreats and been a major presenter at Yoga conferences around the world.
He was awarded Puduvai Kalaimamani by the Government of Pondicherry for the year 2016. He is an Honorary Advisor to International Association of Yoga Therapists (www.iayt.org), and Gitananda Yoga Associations worldwide (www.rishiculture.in).
Dr. Shruti Sharma
(Member)
Dr. Shruti Sharma
With a Ph.D. in Life Sciences from the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, I bring a strong academic foundation and interdisciplinary research experience to every role I undertake. I hold an M.S. (Pharm.) degree in Biotechnology from NIPER, Punjab (Gold Medallist), and a B.Pharm. degree from Delhi University (Silver Medallist).
My postdoctoral work spanned Cancer Biology at EPFL, Switzerland, and Biophysics at the Bose Institute, Kolkata. Since 2014, I’ve served as Visiting Faculty at RIPANS, Aizawl, Mizoram, and currently lead a Learning Strategy team in Singapore.
I am known for my learner-centric approach, clear communication, collaborative spirit, problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and skill in simplifying complex topics. Passionate about education and science, I enjoy making natural phenomena relatable and teaching complex ideas in engaging, accessible ways.
My mornings begin with meditation followed by exercise, and in my free time, I indulge in painting and reading good literature.
Research Team
Dr. Ranjeet S. Bhogal
Director of Research (National) and Associate Professor
Dr. Ranjeet S. Bhogal
Dr. R. S. Bhogal is Director of Research and Associate Professor, Kaivalyadhama Lonavla, with more than thirty-five years of research and teaching experience, particularly pertaining to Meditation. He holds the first ever PhD (University of Pune), in Psychology, that discovers fundamental psycho-physiological bases of Shiva Samhita Meditation. Formerly, Principal of Yoga College of Kaivalyadhama (Lonavla), he is Editor-in-Chief of Yoga Mimamsa (a biennial scientific Journal) of Kaivalyadhama, and is author of seven books, including:
i) Psycho-physiology of Traditional Yoga (in Korean)
ii) Yoga and Modern Psychology (in English and German)
iii) Yoga and Mental Health and Beyond (in Hindi, Gujarati, English, Bulgarian, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, German, Korean & Taiwanese)
iv) Yoga-Psychology & Beyond (English & German)
v) A course book for B.Ed. (Yoga), published by NCTE (G.O.I.).
Dr. Bhogal, a Governing Body Member of Kaivalyadhama, Lonavla, as well as a Trust Member of Jnana Prabodhini Pune, is credited with a large number of scientific papers and is a recipient of many National & International awards and accolades. He has been awarded the prestigious Yoga Ratna Award (2022). Widely travelled for spreading the message of classical meditation, through conducting workshops, training courses and discourses in Yoga & Meditation, in many cities across Asia, America and Europe, Dr. Bhogal is ever ardently enthusiastic in discovering simpler methods of meditation, based on classical scriptures of Yoga, for modern life & living.
Dr. Paul Dallaghan
Joint Director of Research (International)
Dr. Paul Dallaghan
Dr. Paul holds a PhD in Biological Anthropology from Emory University, where his research focused on breath-based yoga practices. He developed protocols that were implemented in a registered clinical trial, yielding significant results in reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing interoception, and uniquely demonstrating telomere lengthening in the intervention group (papers in preparation with the Stress and Emotion Center at UCSF). His studies also included full cultural analysis of 60 yogic-based texts from the past 2500 years, noting origins of all known practices and their description.
He pursued post-doctoral research at the Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, with two ongoing studies—one on obesity and the other on lung function—both incorporating the breath-based protocols developed during his doctoral work. These studies also involved research collaborations in Thailand.
With over 30 years of dedicated yoga, breath, and meditation practice, Dr. Paul has trained in the traditional one-to-one (guru-shishya) manner for the past 25 years, specializing in pranayama. In recognition of his depth of knowledge and practice, he was honored in 2022 with the title "Master Yogi: Pranacharya (Breath Expert)" by his long-time teacher, Sri Dr. O.P. Tiwari, a lineage holder in classical yoga with pranayama.
Dr. Paul is also the Founder and CEO of Samahita Retreat, a pioneering wellness retreat center in Thailand established in 2003. Located on the beach and housing 80 rooms, Samahita offers comprehensive programs integrating yoga, breathwork, meditation, core training, and cycling.
Dr. Praseeda Menon
Head, Assistant Director of Research, and Associate Professor
Dr. Praseeda Menon
Dr. Praseeda Menon currently serves as the Assistant Director of Research at the Scientific Research Department of Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Lonavala. Prior to this, she worked here as a Research Officer from 2013 to 2024. She brings over a decade of expertise in studying yoga and mental health.
Apart from a PhD in Psychology and a Diploma in Yoga & Ayurveda, she has studied Applied Buddhist Psychology & Ethics. Her research work to date has focused on the psychological impact of yoga on non-communicable diseases, mindfulness in relation to personality factors, the self-regulatory role of yoga in different cultures, and the efficacy of yogic practices in children with intellectual disabilities.
She played a key role in transitioning the world’s first and the oldest yoga research journal, Yoga Mimāmsa, started in 1924 at Kaivalyadhama, from print to online mode with the publisher Medknow, Wolters Kluwer Health, as well as handled its editorial responsibilities from 2014–15. She has successfully convened 4 international conferences, organised 11 workshops, 1 national and 1 international symposium each, authored/co-authored impactful publications, and disseminated her work at various academic and non-academic fora.
As an Associate Professor at the G. S. College of Yoga & Cultural Synthesis, Kaivalyadhama, she supervises PhD students at the college’s research centre affiliated with Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Ramtek, Nagpur. She is a member of the college’s Academic Advisory Board and Board of Examinations, and served as its Principal I/C for a short period in 2020–21. She is also an integral member of the Kaivalyadhama Ashram. She is very passionate about unearthing the scientific treasure in Indian traditional knowledge systems, and unravelling this timeless knowledge to the world.
Mr. Sanjay Shete
Research Officer
Mr. Sanjay Shete
Mr. Sanjay Shete is currently working as Research Officer and Associate Editor of Yoga Mimamsa Journal. He has completed his B.Sc. and B.M. Tech from Savitribai Phule Pune University. He has also completed his M.Sc. in Biochemistry from Vinayaka Mission University. He is a highly experienced researcher with over 25 years of experience in the field. He has published several research papers in leading academic journals, making significant contributions to his field of study. He is in charge of the pathology lab at SRD and has experience of more than 28 years in pathological laboratory testing.
Mrs. Pratibha Rajbhoj
Research Officer
Mrs. Pratibha Rajbhoj
Mrs. Pratibha Hemant Rajbhoj works as a Project Coordinator and Research Officer in the Collaborative Research Centre of CCRYN at the Scientific Research Department, Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala. She serves as the Liaison Officer at Kaivalyadhama as well as the Secretary of the Independent Ethics Committee (IEC). She has completed her MSc (Microbiology) and MPhil from Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune.
She has 10 years of experience in yoga research. Her research areas include inflammatory cytokines, hypertension, migraines, diabetes, and other lifestyle disorders with yoga therapy as an intervention. Furthermore, she has served as co-investigator and project coordinator in an AYUSH-funded study exploring the effect of yoga on pre-diabetic populations. She is also working on the effect of Shuddhi Kriyas and Pranayama on healthy individuals. Several of her papers have been published in prestigious academic journals, making significant contributions in her field. Before joining Kaivalyadhama, she worked as a lecturer at the Pravara Rural Education Society's College of Pharmacy, Chincholi.
Ms. Anita Verma
Research Officer
Ms. Anita Verma
Ms. Anita Verma is currently serving as a Research Officer and Editor of Yoga Mimamsa Journal. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Research from Cranfield University, UK, and a B.Sc. in Microbiology along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Management (PGDPM) from Mumbai University. She has also completed a Certificate Course in Yoga, reflecting her integrated approach to health and wellness research.
With over 15 years of extensive experience in the field, Ms. Verma has led and contributed to several research projects, including studies on the impact of yoga on micronutrient absorption among urban and rural school children. Her work has been published in reputed academic and peer-reviewed journals, and she has also documented multiple case studies demonstrating the practical outcomes of yoga-based interventions. Ms. Verma is currently pursuing her Ph.D., further deepening her expertise in integrative health and yoga research.
Ms. Renu Jain
Research Assistant
Ms. Renu Jain
Ms. Renu Jain is a Yoga Therapist specializing in yoga-based interventions for autoimmune and lifestyle disorders. She serves as a Research Assistant at Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Lonavala.
Renu is also a Research scholar at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV), Puducherry, pursuing doctoral research on the impact of yoga therapy on autoimmune conditions under SBV faculty guidance in active collaboration with Kaivalyadhama.
With her teaching and facilitation experience, Renu has led workshops and retreats that have benefitted participants from around the globe. She has contributed to yoga literature through published articles and media appearances. In addition, Renu is the founder of Arka Yoga Mats and a member of the Yoga Sectional Committee of the Bureau of Indian Standards, bringing entrepreneurial and policy perspectives to her work. Her mission is to develop evidence-based, user-friendly yogic protocols that foster holistic health and wellbeing.
Ms. Namrata Kamble
Trainee Intern
Ms. Namrata Kamble
Ms. Namrata Khushal Kamble holds a BSc in Biotechnology from Savitribai Phule Pune University and an MA in Yogashastra from Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Ramtek. She is also a certified yoga teacher with a diploma in Yoga Teaching.
With over four years of experience teaching offline and online yoga both nationally and internationally, Namrata combines scientific knowledge with traditional yogic wisdom. She is currently working as a Research Trainee Intern at the Scientific Research Department of Kaivalyadhama.
Dr. R. S. Bhogal
Jt. Director Research
Dr. R. S. Bhogal
Dr. R. S. Bhogal is a post graduate in psychology and has many years of research and teaching experience. He is the author of
i) Psychophysiology of Traditional Yoga (in Korean)
ii) Yoga and Modern Psychology (in English and German)
iii) Yoga and Mental Health and Beyond (English).
Dr. R. S. Bhogal is credited with a large number of scientific papers and is a recipient of Shivram Apte award of the Fergusson College, Pune, and Bharat Jyoti award by IIFS, New Delhi. He is also a meditation expert with a calm poised temperament.
Dr. Paul Dallaghan
Jt. Director Research (International)
Dr. Paul Dallaghan
Dr. Paul holds a PhD in Biological Anthropology from Emory University, where his research is focused on breath-based yoga practices. He developed protocols that were implemented in a registered clinical trial, yielding significant results in reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing interoception, and uniquely demonstrating telomere lengthening in the intervention group (papers in preparation with the Stress and Emotion Center at UCSF). His Studies also included full cultural analysis of 60 yogic-based texts from the past 2500 years, noting origins of all known practices and their description.
He pursued post-doctoral research at the Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, with two ongoing studies—one on obesity and the other on lung function—both incorporating the breath-based protocols developed during his doctoral work. These studies also involved research collaborations in Thailand.
With over 30 years of dedicated yoga, breath, and meditation practice, Dr. Paul has trained in the traditional one-to-one (guru-shishya) for the past 25 years, specializing in pranayama. In recognition of his depth of knowledge and practice, he was honored in 2022 with the title "Master Yogi: Pranacharya (Breath Expert)" by his long-time teacher, Sri Dr. O.P. Tiwari, a lineage holder in classical yoga with pranayama.
Dr. Paul is also the Founder and CEO of Samahita Retreat, a pioneering wellness retreat center in Thailand established in 2003. Located on the beach and housing 80 rooms, Samahita offers comprehensive programs integrating yoga, breathwork, meditation, core training, and cycling.
Dr. Praseeda Menon
Assistant Director of Research and Head, Scientific Research Department
Dr. Praseeda Menon
Dr. Praseeda Menon currently serves as the Assistant Director of Research at the Scientific Research Department of Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Lonavala. Prior to this, she worked here as a Research officer from 2013 - 2024.
Dr. Praseeda brings over a decade of expertise in studying yoga and mental health. Apart from a PhD in Psychology and a Diploma in Yoga & Ayurveda, she has studied Applied Buddhist Psychology & Ethics. Her research work to-date has focused on the psychological impact of yoga on non-communicable diseases, mindfulness in relation to personality factors, the self-regulatory role of yoga in different cultures, and the efficacy of yogic practices in children with intellectual disabilities.
She played a key role in transitioning the world’s first and the oldest yoga research journal, Yoga Mimāmsa, started in 1924 at Kaivalyadhama, from a print to an online mode with the publisher, Medknow, Wolters Kluwer Health, as well as handled its editorial responsibilities from 2014-15. She has successfully convened 4 international conferences, organised 11 workshops, 1 national and international symposia each, authored/co-authored impactful publications, and disseminated her work at various academic and non-academic fora.
As an Assistant Professor at the G. S. College of Yoga & Cultural Synthesis, Kaivalyadhama, she supervises PhD students at the college’s research centre affiliated with Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Ramtek, Nagpur. She is a member of the college’s Academic Advisory Board and Board of Examinations, and served as its Principal I/C for a short period in 2020-21. She is also an Integral Member of the Kaivalyadhama Ashram. She is very passionate about unearthing the scientific treasure in Indian traditional knowledge systems, and unravelling this timeless knowledge to the world.
Mrs. Pratibha Rajbhoj
Research Officer
Mrs. Pratibha Rajbhoj
Mrs. Pratibha Hemant Rajbhoj working as a Project Coordinator and Research Officer in the Collaborative Research Centre of CCRYN at the Scientific Research Department, Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala. She serves as the Liaison Officer at Kaivalyadhama as well as the Secretary of the Independent Ethics Committee (IEC). She has completed her MSc (Microbiology) and MPhil from Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune. She has 10 years of experience in yoga research. Her research areas are inflammatory cytokines, hypertension, migraines, diabetes, and other lifestyle disorders with yoga therapy as an intervention. Furthermore, she has served as co-investigator and project coordinator in an AYUSH-funded study exploring the effect of yoga on pre-diabetic population. She is also working on the effect of Shuddhi Kriyas and Pranayama on healthy individuals. Several of her papers have been published in prestigious academic journals, making significant contributions in her field. Before joining Kaivalyadhama, she worked as a lecturer at the Pravara Rural Education Society's College of Pharmacy, Chincholi.
Mr. Sanjay Shete
Research Assistant (Biochemistry)
Mr. Sanjay Shete
Mr. Sanjay Shete is currently working as Research Assistant and Associate Editor of Yoga Mimamsa Journal. He has completed his B.Sc. and B.M. Tech from Savitribai Phule Pune University. He has also completed his M.Sc. in Biochemistry from Vinayaka Mission University. He is highly experienced researcher with over 22 years of experience in the field. He has published several research papers in leading academic journals, making significant contributions to his field of study. He is in-charge of pathology lab at SRD and has experience of more than 28 years in pathological laboratory testing.
Ms. Anita Verma
Research Assistant (Physiology)
Ms. Anita Verma
Ms. Anita Verma is currently working as Research Assistant and Editor of Yoga Mimamsa Journal. She has completed her Masters in Clinical Research from Cranfield University, UK. She has done her B.Sc. in Microbiology and PGDPM from Mumbai University. She has conducted research projects on yoga and micronutrient absorption in urban and rural school children. She is highly experienced researcher with over 12 years of experience in the field. She has published several research papers in leading academic journals, making significant contributions to her field of study. She has also undertaken several case studies and published in peer reviewed journals.
- Comparative effect of pranadharana, nadanusandhan, Shavasana and Meditation on selected psycho-physiological and biochemical parameters in healthy college students.
- Immediate effect of Shavasana and Meditation on bio-phase angle, RMR and Attitude towards yoga in healthy student volunteers.
- Education, Rehabilitation and Research Programme (ERRP) on yoga for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
- The effect of a pranayama module on reduction of hypertension.
- Effect of Yoga training on psycho-motor performance among Mumbai loco motormen.
- Studies on effects of modern & Indian modes of “Ahara” on bioenergetics with implications to holistic health.
- Psychological impact of a comprehensive yoga module in Cancer and Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): An empirical study.
- Breath, Stress and Health: A bio-cultural study of Hatha Yoga practice.
- Role of yoga in self-regulation: A cross-cultural study on Indian And Spanish hypertensives in comparison with normotensives.
- To study the efficacy of yoga practices on endocrine and psychological parameters in young unmarried girls with polycystic ovarian syndrome: A prospective study.
- Effect of yoga on diabetes in relation to HbA1c.
- Survey study: Effect of yoga on perceived psycho-physiological health amongst students of GS College.
- Effect of yoga practices on overweight and obese students of MIMER Medical College.
- Efficacy of Bhramari Pranayama on Sleep Quality and Psychological Well-Being in hypertensive patients.
- Projects under collaborative Research Centre Scheme completed
- Effects of Trataka kriya on stress, anxiety and mental well Being in school teachers"
- , “Neti Kriya as a therapeutic intervention for Chronic Allergic Rhinitis: A case study” Paper submitted to Journal has been accepted (Approved by CCRYN, yet to be initiated)
- Effects of Trataka kriya on stress, anxiety and mental well Being in parents of 9th and 10 std students
- Comparative Effect of Sheetali as single practice, and Sheetali with Anuloma Viloma Pranayama, on Blood Pressure and select Psychological Parameters
- Effect of selected yoga practices on migraine: a randomized controlled trial
- .Effect of classical Kapalabhati Kriya on the total antioxidant status and pulmonary functions of healthy individuals: A Self as Control Pilot Study
- .Effect of Agnisara Kriya on insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity in pre-diabetic population
- Projects in collaboration with other Institutes not yet initiated
- Biomechanical and Biochemical Exploration of effect of Yoga in Low Back PainEFFECTS OF YOGA ON OBESITYEFFECTS OF YOGA ON SELECTED PSYCHOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN NEW ENTRANTS OF PROFESSIONAL COLLEGE
Topics of Ph.D. Registered Students at Kaivalyadhama
- The Hatha Yogic Psycho-Spiritual Methods to Holistic Health
- The Effect of Trataka on the Digital Eye-Strain, Mental Health and Wellbeing of High School Children with Reference to the COVID-19 Pandemic - Ms. Dipti Ganesh Kale
- नाथसंप्रदायानुसार कुंडलिनी योग - एक विश्लेषणात्मक अध्ययन
- Study of Traditional Concepts of Ajapā Japa
- कोविड-19 च्या संसर्गा पश्चात निर्माण होणार्या लक्षणांवर यौगिक प्रक्रियांची परिणामकारकता- एक चिकित्सक अध्ययन
- The Effect of a Kriyā yoga module on stress and its related parameters, sleep, well-being and academic self-efficacy of adolescents - Mr. Sandeep Shaligram Wankhade
- योगीराज मनोहर हरकरे यांचे योगशास्त्रातील योगदान - एक अध्ययन
- The Effect of A Muti-Component Yoga Module on Insomnia and Related Psychological Problems: A Randomized Controlled Study - Mr. Shrikant Pitambar Wadile
- विश्वयोगी स्वामी सीतारामदासजी महाराज यांचे आध्यात्मिक योगजीवन - एक अध्ययन
- Kama in Yogic Life According to the Yoga Texts: A Critical Study
- संत श्री सुखदेवजी बुधोलिया उपाख्य भय्याजी महाराज विरचित अध्यात्मपर प्रार्थना ग्रंथाचे विश्लेषणात्मक अध्ययन
- A Comparative Study of the Principles and Practices of Hatha Yoga: As Revealed in Amrtasiddhi Yoga & Hathabhyasa-Paddhati
- The Effect of Viparitkarani Mudra on Ageing Related Parameters Among Adults. - Ms. Pratishruta Adhikari
Topics of Ph.D. Registered Students at Kaivalyadhama
- The Hatha Yogic Psycho-Spiritual Methods to Holistic Health - Mr. Chandrakant Gangadhar Shinde
- The Effect of Trataka on the Digital Eye-Strain, Mental Health and Wellbeing of High School Children with Reference to the COVID-19 Pandemic - Ms. Dipti Ganesh Kale
- नाथसंप्रदायानुसार कुंडलिनी योग - एक विश्लेषणात्मक अध्ययन - Mr. Krunal Dilip Mahajan
- Study of Traditional Concepts of Ajapā Japa - Ms. Minal Satish Chilekar
- कोविड-19 च्या संसर्गा पश्चात निर्माण होणार्या लक्षणांवर यौगिक प्रक्रियांची परिणामकारकता- एक चिकित्सक अध्ययन - Mr. Nilesh Prakash Mahajan
- The Effect of a Kriyā yoga module on stress and its related parameters, sleep, well-being and academic self-efficacy of adolescents - Mr. Sandeep Shaligram Wankhade
- योगीराज मनोहर हरकरे यांचे योगशास्त्रातील योगदान - एक अध्ययन - Mr. Sanjay Shrawan Khonde
- The Effect of A Muti-Component Yoga Module on Insomnia and Related Psychological Problems: A Randomized Controlled Study - Mr. Shrikant Pitambar Wadile
- विश्वयोगी स्वामी सीतारामदासजी महाराज यांचे आध्यात्मिक योगजीवन - एक अध्ययन - Mrs. Varsha Jambuwant Masurkar
- Kama in Yogic Life According to the Yoga Texts: A Critical Study - Ms. Sanika Bam
- संत श्री सुखदेवजी बुधोलिया उपाख्य भय्याजी महाराज विरचित अध्यात्मपर प्रार्थना ग्रंथाचे विश्लेषणात्मक अध्ययन - Mr. Prabhakar Bawane
- A Comparative Study of the Principles and Practices of Hatha Yoga: As Revealed in Amrtasiddhi Yoga & Hathabhyasa-Paddhati - Ms. Prajna Panda
- The Effect of Viparitkarani Mudra on Ageing Related Parameters Among Adults. - Ms. Pratishruta Adhikari
Congratulations to our Ph.D. Student
First Ph.D. holder
Mr. Nilesh Prakash Mahajan
Guide: Dr. Neeta Gade
Mr. Nilesh Prakash Mahajan
Approved Topic: कोविड-19 च्या संसर्गा पश्चात निर्माण होणार्या लक्षणांवर यौगिक प्रक्रियांची परिणामकारकता- एक चिकित्सक अध्ययन
Ph.D. holder
Mrs. Varsha Jambuwant Masurkar
Guide: Dr. Bandita Satapathy
Mrs. Varsha Jambuwant Masurkar
Approved Topic: विश्वयोगी स्वामी सीतारामदासजी महाराज यांचे आध्यात्मिक योगजीवन - एक अध्ययन
Ph.D. holder
Ms. Prajna Panda
Guide: Dr. Bandita Satapathy
Ms. Prajna Panda
Approved Topic: A Comparative Study of the Principles and Practices of Hatha Yoga: As Revealed in Amrtasiddhi Yoga & Hathabhyasa-Paddhati
For submission of thesis
Ms. Sanika Bam
Guide: Dr. Bandita Satapathy
Ms. Sanika Bam
Approved Topic: Kama in Yogic Life according to the Yoga Texts: A Critical Study
Students Pursuing Ph.D.
Ms. Dipti Ganesh Kale
Guide: Dr. Praseeda Menon
Ms. Dipti Ganesh Kale
Approved Topic: The Effect of Trataka on the Digital Eye-Strain, Mental Health and Wellbeing of High School Children with Reference to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Mr. Sandeep Shaligram Wankhade
Guide: Dr. Praseeda Menon
Mr. Sandeep Shaligram Wankhade
Approved Topic: The Effect of a Kriyā yoga module on stress and its related parameters, sleep, well-being and academic self-efficacy of adolescents
Mr. Shrikant Pitambar Wadile
Guide: Dr. Praseeda Menon
Mr. Shrikant Pitambar Wadile
Approved Topic: The effect of Yoga Module on Insomnia and related Psychological Problems: A randomized controlled study
Ms. Pratishruta Adhikari
Guide: Dr. Praseeda Menon
Ms. Pratishruta Adhikari
Approved Topic: The effect of viparita karani mudra on ageing related parameters among adults.
Mr. Chandrakant Gangadhar Shinde
Guide: Dr. Rajani Pradhan
Mr. Chandrakant Gangadhar Shinde
Approved Topic: The Hatha Yogic Psycho-Spiritual Methods to Holistic Health
Mr. Krunal Dilip Mahajan
Guide: Dr. Neeta Gade
Mr. Krunal Dilip Mahajan
Approved Topic: नाथ सांप्रदायानुसार कुंडलिनी योग- एक विश्लेषणात्मक अध्ययन
Ms. Minal Satish Chilekar
Guide: Dr. Neeta Gade
Ms. Minal Satish Chilekar
Approved Topic: Study of Traditional Concepts of Ajapā Japa
Mr. Sanjay Shrawan Khonde
Guide: Dr. Neeta Gade
Mr. Sanjay Shrawan Khonde
Approved Topic: योगीराज मनोहर हरकरे यांचे योगशास्त्रातील योगदान- एक अध्ययन
Mr. Prabhakar Bawane
Guide: Dr. Bandita Satapathy
Mr. Prabhakar Bawane
Approved Topic: संत श्री सुखदेवजी बुधोलिया उपाख्य भय्याजी महाराज विरचित अध्यात्मपर प्रार्थना ग्रंथाचे विश्लेषणात्मक अध्ययन