Inauguration of the Seminar
102 Years of Yoga
A Conversation for the Future
Sthairya means steadiness, firmness and composure of mind.
On its 102nd Foundation Day, Kaivalyadhama brings together experts in Yoga, mental health, research and education to explore how evidence-based yogic practices can support the mental well-being and resilience of young people.
Distinguished Guests
Chief Guest
Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji
Former President of India
Presided Over By
Justice B. N. Srikrishna
Former Judge, Supreme Court of India
Chairman, Advisory Board, Kaivalyadhama
Programme
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Keynote Address
The Science of Stillness: Yoga’s Evidence Base for Youth Mental Health
Dr B. N. Gangadhar
Former Director, NIMHANS and Former Chairman, National Medical Commission
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Lunch
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Manthan
A Quiz on Yoga and Well-Being
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Panel Discussion
From Campus to Care: Integrating Yoga into Student Mental Health Support
Panellists
Dr R. S. Bhogal
Research Director, Scientific Research Department (SRD),
Kaivalyadhama
Dr Ganesh Rao
Yoga Expert & Member Academic Committee,
Kaivalyadhama
Dr Swati Pandey
Assistant Professor,
Kaivalyadhama
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Experiential Session
Meditation Practice
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Cultural Programme
Keynote Address
Dr B. N. Gangadhar
Former Director, NIMHANS and Former Chairman, National Medical Commission
Panellists
Dr R. S. Bhogal
Research Director, Scientific Research Department (SRD), Kaivalyadhama
Dr Ganesh Rao
Yoga Expert & Member Academic Committee, Kaivalyadhama
Dr Swati Pandey
Assistant Professor,
Kaivalyadhama
Why This Seminar, Why Now
India’s centres of higher learning are facing serious concerns around student mental health. Academic pressure, isolation and the absence of accessible, stigma-free support can leave young people struggling long before they receive help.
Counselling and clinical care remain essential, but the response must also include preventive practices that help students manage stress, regulate emotions and develop resilience before a crisis takes hold.
Yoga as a Whole-Person Approach
Yoga offers a whole-person approach. Research conducted by Kaivalyadhama has recorded improvements in memory, attention, reasoning and emotional regulation among students practising Yoga. Studies from NIMHANS have also examined Yoga’s role in reducing stress, supporting emotional recognition and improving outcomes in depression and anxiety.
Memory
Attention
Reasoning
Emotional Regulation
From Stillness to Strength
Sthairya creates a space where scientific evidence, yogic understanding and practical experience can come together, moving the conversation from responding to distress towards building healthier & more resilient student communities.
BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION
102nd Foundation Day
Sthairya – A National Seminar on Yoga for Youth Mental Health and Resilience
- Thursday, 8 October 2026
- Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala
Registration Mandatory