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Kaivalyadhama has been actively engaged in improving the quality of life of cancer patients and survivors since 2015.
Our long-term study conducted on our residential “Beyond Cancer” programme offered from 2015-2017 showed remarkable improvements in the mental health and quality of life of cancer survivors even after 1 year of returning back to their normal lives. They also reported psychological empowerment in leading their life with increased resilience, peace and equanimity after completing the programme.
Aims to facilitate discourse on the scope, evidence & future of yoga in cancer care
Invites national and international experts to convene in a hybrid format
Provides a platform to discuss innovative approaches and best practices
Underscores Kaivalyadhama's commitment to advancing integrative therapies in cancer care
Aims to facilitate discourse on the scope, evidence & future of yoga in cancer care
Invites national and international experts to convene in a hybrid format
Underscores Kaivalyadhama's commitment to advancing integrative therapies in cancer care
Provides a platform to discuss innovative approaches and best practices
Professor and Director, Integrative Medicine Programme, Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, & Integrative Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Centre, USA
Research Assistant Professor, University of Rochester Medical Center, USA
Director of the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) at Tata Memorial Centre
Additional Professor and Consultant Hematologist-Oncologist in the Department of Medical Oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital
Padmashree Awardee, Founder consultant of HCG (HealthCare Global Enterprises) and the Director of the RL Jalappa Institute of Oncology under Sri Devraj Deemed Medical University
Professor, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
Advisory Director, Sri Sri Institute of Advanced Research (SSIAR), Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth (VVMVP)
Director at Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt of India
Director, Cancer Research Institute, Professor & Head, Dept. of Surgical Oncology, Swami Rama Himalayan University
Director and Professor of Yoga Therapy, Institute of Salutogenesis & Complementary Medicine (ISCM), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Puducherry, & Chairman International Centre for Yoga Education and Research, Puducherry
Head of Pulmonology at Jupiter Hospital and Nodal Chairman of the DR TB Centre at Sewree TB Hospital
Research Officer (Ayurveda), Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Mumbai
Director of the National Institute of Naturopathy (Ministry of AYUSH), Pune
Vice Principal, School of Yoga Therapy, ISCM, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Puducherry
Assistant Professor, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, Bengaluru
Co-founder of YogaVahini-centre for specialised Yoga therapy, training and research
Former Director ACTREC, TMC & Head Tumor Immunology Immunotherapy at ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar
Professor and Director, Integrative Medicine Programme, Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, & Integrative Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Centre, USA
Research Assistant Professor, University of Rochester Medical Center, USA
Director of the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) at Tata Memorial Centre
Director Academics & Prof. Dept of Medical & Pediatric Oncology , TMC
Padmashree Awardee, Founder consultant of HCG (HealthCare Global Enterprises) and the Director of the RL Jalappa Institute of Oncology under Sri Devraj Deemed
Medical University
Professor, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
Advisory Director, Sri Sri Institute of Advanced Research (SSIAR), Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth (VVMVP)
Maj Gen Amul Kapoor, Deputy Commandant Army Hospital (R&R), Delhi
Director at Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt of India
Director, Cancer Research Institute, Professor & Head, Dept. of Surgical Oncology, Swami Rama Himalayan University
Director and Professor of Yoga Therapy, Institute of Salutogenesis & Complementary Medicine (ISCM), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Puducherry, & Chairman International Centre for Yoga Education and Research, Puducherry
Head of Pulmonology at Jupiter Hospital and Nodal Chairman of the DR TB Centre at Sewree TB Hospital
Research Officer (Ayurveda), Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Mumbai
Director of the National Institute of Naturopathy (Ministry of AYUSH), Pune
Vice Principal, School of Yoga Therapy, ISCM, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Puducherry
Associate Professor, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, Bengaluru
Co-founder of YogaVahini-centre for specialised Yoga therapy, training and research
Former Director ACTREC, TMC & Head Tumor Immunology Immunotherapy at ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar
Professor and Director - Integrative Medicine Programme, Department of Palliative Care,
Rehabilitation, & Integrative Medicine,
MD Anderson Cancer Centre, USA
Research Assistant Professor,
University of Rochester Medical Center, USA
Director of the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC),
Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai
Director Academics & Prof. Dept of Medical & Pediatric Oncology,
Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai
Padmashree Awardee,
Founder consultant - HCG
Cancer Care Centre, Bengaluru,
Director - RL Jalappa Institute of Oncology, Sri Devraj Deemed Medical University
Professor, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
Advisory Director, Sri Sri Institute of Advanced Research (SSIAR), Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth (VVMVP), Bengaluru
Director - Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy,
Ministry of AYUSH, Govt of India, New Delhi
Director - Cancer Research Institute,
Professor & Head of Dept. - Surgical Oncology,
Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun
Director and Professor of Yoga Therapy, Institute of Salutogenesis & Complementary Medicine (ISCM), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Puducherry, & Chairman International Centre for Yoga Education and Research, Puducherry
Head of Pulmonology at Jupiter Hospital
Nodal Chairman - DR TB Centre at Sewree TB Hospital
Research Officer (Ayurveda), Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Mumbai
Director of the National Institute of Naturopathy (Ministry of AYUSH), Pune
Vice Principal, School of Yoga Therapy, ISCM, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Puducherry
Associate Professor, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, Bengaluru
Co-founder of YogaVahini-centre for specialised Yoga therapy, training and research, Bengaluru
Former Director ACTREC, TMC & Head Tumor Immunology Immunotherapy at ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar
Professor and Director - Integrative Medicine Programme, Department of Palliative Care,
Rehabilitation, & Integrative Medicine,
MD Anderson Cancer Centre, USA
Research Assistant Professor,
University of Rochester Medical Center, USA
Director of the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC),
Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai
Director Academics & Prof. Dept of Medical & Pediatric Oncology,
Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai
Padmashree Awardee,
Founder consultant - HCG
Cancer Care Centre, Bengaluru,
Director - RL Jalappa Institute of Oncology,
Sri Devraj Deemed Medical University
Professor, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
Advisory Director, Sri Sri Institute of Advanced Research (SSIAR), Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth (VVMVP), Bengaluru
Director - Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy,
Ministry of AYUSH, Govt of India, New Delhi
Director - Cancer Research Institute,
Professor & Head of Dept. - Surgical Oncology,
Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun
Director and Professor of Yoga Therapy, Institute of Salutogenesis & Complementary Medicine (ISCM), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Puducherry, & Chairman International Centre for Yoga Education and Research, Puducherry
Head of Pulmonology at Jupiter Hospital
Nodal Chairman - DR TB Centre at Sewree TB Hospital
Research Officer (Ayurveda), Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Mumbai
Director of the National Institute of Naturopathy (Ministry of AYUSH), Pune
Vice Principal, School of Yoga Therapy, ISCM, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Puducherry
Associate Professor, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, Bengaluru
Co-founder of YogaVahini-centre for specialised Yoga therapy, training and research, Bengaluru
Former Director ACTREC, TMC & Head Tumor Immunology Immunotherapy at ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar
Head of the Yoga Department,
Ghantali Mitra Mandal, Thane
Chief Medical officer, Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute & Research Centre, Mumbai
Professor and Director - Integrative Medicine Programme, Department of Palliative Care,
Rehabilitation, & Integrative Medicine,
MD Anderson Cancer Centre, USA
Research Assistant Professor,
University of Rochester Medical Center, USA
Director of the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC),
Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai
Director Academics & Prof. Dept of Medical & Pediatric Oncology,
Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai
Padmashree Awardee,
Founder consultant - HCG
Cancer Care Centre, Bengaluru,
Director - RL Jalappa Institute of Oncology,
Sri Devraj Deemed Medical University
Professor, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
Advisory Director, Sri Sri Institute of Advanced Research (SSIAR), Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth (VVMVP), Bengaluru
Director - Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy,
Ministry of AYUSH, Govt of India, New Delhi
Director - Cancer Research Institute,
Professor & Head of Dept. - Surgical Oncology,
Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun
Director and Professor of Yoga Therapy, Institute of Salutogenesis & Complementary Medicine (ISCM), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Puducherry, & Chairman International Centre for Yoga Education and Research, Puducherry
Head of Pulmonology at Jupiter Hospital
Nodal Chairman - DR TB Centre at Sewree TB Hospital
Research Officer (Ayurveda), Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Mumbai
Director of the National Institute of Naturopathy (Ministry of AYUSH), Pune
Assistant Professor, Gordhandas Seksaria College of Yoga & Cultural Synthesis, Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Lonavala
Vice Principal, School of Yoga Therapy, ISCM, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Puducherry
Associate Professor, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, Bengaluru
Co-founder of YogaVahini-centre for specialised Yoga therapy, training and research, Bengaluru
Former Director ACTREC, TMC & Head Tumor Immunology Immunotherapy at ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar
Head of the Yoga Department,
Ghantali Mitra Mandal, Thane
In-charge Medical and Therapy Team, Ishwardas Chunilal Yogic Health Centre, Kaivalyadhama, Mumbai
Joint Director of Research, Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute & Research Centre, Lonavala
Resident doctor, Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute & Research Centre, Lonavala
Assistant Professor, Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute & Research Centre, Lonavala
Senior Yoga Therapist, Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute & Research Centre, Lonavala
Senior Yoga Therapist, Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute & Research Centre, Lonavala
Yoga Lifestyle Coach, Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute & Research Centre, Lonavala
Yoga Therapist, Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute & Research Centre, Lonavala
Yoga Therapist, Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute & Research Centre, Pune
Pre-Conference Workshops | |
Time | Topic |
---|---|
10.00 a.m. onwards | Registration |
12.00 noon to 1.00 p.m. | Lunch |
1.30 p.m. to 3.00 p.m. | Workshop Outside-the-box designs: Using qualitative approaches in yoga research |
3.00 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. | Tea break |
3.30 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. | Workshop Yoga research: The proper choice of quantitative methods |
7.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. | Dinner |
Time | Topic |
---|---|
8.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. | Maharshi Patanjali Pooja |
9.00 a.m. onwards | Registration |
9.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. | Breakfast |
10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. | Inauguration ceremony |
11.30 a.m. to 11.45 a.m. | Tea Break |
11.45 a.m. to 12.45 p.m. | Key Note Address Yoga in cancer care: The state-of-the-art in integrative medicine |
12.45 p.m. to 1.45 p.m. | Lunch |
2.00 p.m. to 3.00 p.m. | Plenary Session #1 The scope of yoga in cancer care: Challenges and prospects of bridging ancient knowledge with modern medicine |
3.00 p.m. to 3.15 p.m. | Tea Break |
3.15 p.m. to 4.45 p.m. | Panel Discussion #1 Yoga’s potential in cancer prevention, long-term recovery and relapse prevention |
5.15 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. | Practical Workshops #1 – Five parallel sessions
|
7.00 p.m. to 8.00 pm. | Cultural Programme #1 Concert of Kabir folk songs |
8.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. | Dinner |
Time | Topic |
---|---|
7.00 a.m. to 8.15 a.m. | Practical Workshops #2 – Five parallel sessions
|
8.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. | Breakfast |
09.45 a.m. to 10.45 a.m. | Plenary Session #2 The integration of evidence-based yogic methods into cancer care delivery in mainstream healthcare: Current status and realistic roadmaps |
10.45 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. | Tea break |
11.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. | Panel Discussion #2 Evidence-based yogic interventions for meeting unmet psycho-socio-spiritual needs in the cancer care continuum |
12.45 p.m. to 1.45 p.m. | Lunch |
2.00 p.m. to 3.00 p.m. | Parallel Sessions Oral paper presentations 1 (Scientific) Oral paper presentations 2 (Philosophico-literary and interdisciplinary) Cancer diaries / Short-film contest about cancer stories |
3.00 p.m. to 3.15 p.m. | Tea break |
3.15 p.m. to 4.45 p.m. | Poster presentations |
3.15 p.m. to 4.45 p.m. | Case Dased Discussions Yoga therapy and integrative medicine in cancer care |
5.15 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. | Practical Workshops #3 – Five parallel sessions
|
7.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. | Cultural Programme #2 Theme based Nritya Yoga |
8.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. | Dinner |
Time | Topic |
---|---|
6.30 a.m. to 7.45 a.m. | Practical Workshops #4 – Five parallel sessions
|
8.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. | Breakfast |
09.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. | Plenary Session #3 The evolution of integrative medicine: Yoga therapy as a game-changer in cancer care |
10.00 a.m. to 10.15 a.m. | Tea served outside the hall |
10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. | Panel Discussion #3 Yogic methods and self-care management in cancer: The evolution of digital medicine |
11.30 a.m. to 11.45 a.m. | Tea break |
11.45 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. | Valedictory Best paper/poster award ceremony conference resolution |
1.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m. | Lunch |
Pre-Conference Workshops | |
Time | Topic |
---|---|
10.00 a.m. onwards | Registration |
12.00 noon to 1.00 p.m. | Lunch |
1.30 p.m. to 3.00 p.m. | Workshop Facilitator: Dr. Sat Bir Singh Khalsa |
3.00 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. | Tea break |
3.30 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. | Workshop Facilitator: Prof. Raghu Raghavan |
7.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. | Dinner |
Time | Topic |
---|---|
8.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. | Maharshi Patanjali Pooja Venue: Patanjali circle |
9.00 a.m. onwards | Registration |
9.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. | Breakfast |
10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. | Inauguration Ceremony (Live Streaming) Chief Guest: Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi Venue: Kudilal Main Hall 1 |
11.30 a.m. to 11.45 a.m. | Tea Break |
11.45 a.m. to 12.45 p.m. | Key Note Address (Live Streaming) Key Note Speaker: Dr. Lorenzo Cohen (Online) Chair: Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi Venue: Kudilal Main Hall 1 |
12.45 p.m. to 1.45 p.m. | Lunch |
2.00 p.m. to 3.00 p.m. | Plenary Session #1 (Live Streaming) Speakers:
Chair: Dr. Shubhada Chiplunkar Venue: Kudilal Main Hall 1 |
3.00 p.m. to 3.15 p.m. | Tea Break |
3.15 p.m. to 4.45 p.m. | Panel Discussion #1 (Live Streaming) 1. The role of yoga in addressing the risk factors for noncommunicable diseases and cancer Speaker: Dr. Sat Bir Singh Khalsa 2. Building long-term psychological coping capacities and resilience through yoga during cancer survivorship Speaker: Dr. Praseeda Menon 3. Yoga as a public health strategy in reducing the global cancer burden Speaker: Dr. Rima Dada Moderator: Dr. (Major) M. D. Ray Venue: Kudilal Main Hall 1 |
5.00 p.m. to 6.15 p.m. | Practical Workshops #1 – Five parallel sessions Session 1 Facilitator: Dr. Ranjeet Singh Bhogal Venue: Kudilal Main Hall 1 Session 2 Facilitator: Dr. Kashinath Metri Venue: Kudilal First Floor Hall 2 Session 3 Facilitator: Yogacharya Sandhya Dixit Venue: Vasishtha Hall 3 Session 4 Facilitator: Mr. Yogesh Vaidya & Mr. Rajesh Bhalerao Venue: Vyasa Hall 4 Session 5 Facilitator: Dr. Ananda B. Bhavanani Venue: Saraswati Hall 5 |
7.15 p.m. to 8.15 p.m. | Cultural Programme #1 (Live Streaming) Kahat Kabir Suno Bhai Sadho – Concert of Kabir folk songs Artist: Padmashree Dr. Kaluram Bamniya Venue: Kudilal Main Hall 1 |
8.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. | Dinner |
Time | Topic |
---|---|
7.00 a.m. to 8.15 a.m. | Practical Workshops #2 – Five parallel sessions Session 1 Facilitator: Dr. Sharadchandra Bhalekar Venue: Kudilal Main Hall 1 Session 2 Facilitator: Dr. Mritunjay Rathore Venue: Kudilal First Floor Hall 2 Session 3 Facilitator: Ms. Maxine Levy Venue: Vasishtha Hall 3 Session 4 Facilitator: Dr. Meena Ramanathan Venue: Vyasa Hall 4 Session 5 Facilitator: Dr. Padmini Tekur Venue: Saraswati Hall 5 |
8.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. | Breakfast |
9.45 a.m. to 10.45 a.m. | Plenary Session #2 (Live Streaming) Speakers:
Chair: Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Amul Kapoor Venue: Kudilal Main Hall 1 |
10.45 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. | Tea break |
11.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. | Panel Discussion #2 (Live Streaming) 1. Evidence-based yoga therapy for holistic care management of cancer patients and survivor Speaker: Dr. Amritanshu Ram 2. Evidence-based yogic interventions for psycho-sociospiritual well-being of caregivers and healthcare professionals in cancer Speaker: Dr. Ananda B. Bhavanani 3. The evidence for psycho-socio-spiritual dimensions of yoga in end-of-life cancer care Speaker: Dr. Shripad D. Banavali Moderator: Dr. Alpa Dalal Venue: Kudilal Main Hall 1 |
12.45 p.m. to 1.45 p.m. | Lunch |
2.00 p.m. to 3.00 p.m. | Parallel Sessions (Live streaming)
|
3.00 p.m. to 3.15 p.m. | Tea break |
3.15 p.m. to 4.45 p.m. | Case Based Discussion (Live Streaming) Evidence-based yogic interventions for meeting unmet psycho-socio-spiritual needs in the cancer care continuum Speakers:
Moderator: Dr. Ananda B. Bhavanani Venue: Kudilal Main Hall 1 |
5.00 p.m. to 6.15 p.m. | Practical Workshops #3 – Five parallel sessions Session 1 Facilitator: Dr. Ritu Prasad Venue: Kudilal Main Hall 1 Session 2 Facilitator: Shri. Shrikrishna Mhaskar Venue: Kudilal First Floor Hall 2 Session 3 Facilitator: Ms. Maxine Levy Venue: Vasishtha Hall 3 Session 4 Facilitator: Shri. Neeraj Singh Venue: Vyasa Hall 4 Session 5 Facilitator: Ms. Renu Jain Venue: Saraswati Hall 5 |
7.15 p.m. to 8.15 p.m. | Cultural Programme #2 (Live Streaming) Nritya Yoga - “Kalaayan Presents: Dwait - Adwait" Artist: Ms. Rama Kuknur Venue: Kudilal Main Hall 1 |
8.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. | Dinner |
Time | Topic |
---|---|
6.30 a.m. to 7.45 a.m. | Practical Workshops #4 – Five parallel sessions Session 1 Facilitator: Dr. Santosh Pandey Venue: Kudilal Main Hall 1 Session 2 Facilitator: Mrs. Saraswati Vasudevan Venue: Kudilal First Floor Hall 2 Session 3 Facilitator: Ms. Maxine Levy Venue: Vasishtha Hall 3 Session 4 Facilitators: Dr. Gayatri Gohil Venue: Vyasa Hall 4 Session 5 Facilitator: Ms. Mamta Bisht Venue: Saraswati Hall 5 |
8.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. | Breakfast |
9.15 a.m. to 10.15 a.m. | Plenary Session #3 (Live Streaming) Speakers:
Chair: Dr. Sunil Saini Venue: Kudilal Main Hall 1 |
10.15 a.m. to 11.45 a.m. | Panel Discussion #3 (Live Streaming) 1. The evolution of digital health technology in India for Speaker: Ms. Nanditha Janki 2. The “Untire” story: Digital yogic interventions for cancerrelated fatigue and mental health Speaker: Dr. Simon S. Spahrkäs (Online) 3. Unlocking the potential of digital tools for self-help in cancer care Speaker: Dr. Nikesh Shah (Online) 4. Leveraging and bridging emerging technologies and yogic methods for self-care management in cancer Speaker: Mr. Rajiv Rainier (Online) Moderator: Dr. Praseeda Menon Venue: Kudilal Main Hall 1 |
11.45 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. | Tea break |
12.00 p.m. to 1.15 p.m. | Valedictory Ceremony Chief Guest: Shri. Dinesh Waghmare Guests of Honour:
Best paper and poster award ceremony Venue: Kudilal Main Hall 1 |
1.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m. | Lunch |
As a curtain-raiser to the international conference, Kaivalyadhama will organise a pre-conference on “Outside-the-box designs: Using qualitative approaches in yoga research” and “Yoga research: The proper choice of quantitative methods.”
This workshop will be held on 4th December in the afternoon from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This workshop will be conducted by well-established international research faculty who have long-term expertise in using qualitative and quantitative methods in yoga and allied research.
This workshop will benefit students, doctoral and postdoctoral scholars, and research and teaching faculty, especially those working in the field of yoga, health sciences and psychology. All integrative medicine professionals such as yoga and naturopathy doctors and therapists, healthcare professionals from Ayurveda and other AYUSH disciplines, as well as medical professionals interested in making use of their patient documentation for research can also take advantage of the workshop.
This workshop is aimed at capacity building of people involved in yoga research, in turn improving the overall quality and scientific rigour of yoga research. As research methods is a core part of any course curriculum in the new Indian National Education Policy 2020, students and research scholars will find added academic value in gaining exposure to both quantitative and qualitative research methods. This workshop will up-skill the students for their research courses, projects and dissertations. Participants will also get a proper direction to search for resources to upgrade their research-oriented skills.
Takeaway: Participants will receive certificates of participation and useful study material.
Procedure to view LIVE Streaming
To participate in the pre-conference workshop, registration for the
main conference is mandatory
** Note: If you prefer to arrange your own accommodation, there are several categories of starred hotels near the venue. Please refer to the onsite guidelines for a list of recommended hotels.
We invite abstract submissions in two tracks – one, Scientific Papers and two, Philosophical Papers.
The abstract submission deadline for oral paper presentations is over. However, we continue to accept abstracts for poster presentations. Please send your abstract for poster today.
Email for correspondence: conference@kdham.com
Email us at conference@kdham.com
Landline: +91 02114-273001
Mobile: +91 7262026878
Cancellation Policy*: You may cancel your registration at any time at your own discretion. However, once the registration fee is paid, there will be no refund under any circumstances. Please refer to the terms and conditions for further details.
Refund Policy*: Once the registration fee is paid, there will be no refund available.
Cancellation Policy: You may cancel your registration at any time at your own discretion. However, the registration fee will not be refunded under any circumstances. For additional details, please refer to the terms & conditions for registering to the conference.
Refund Policy: Once the registration fee is received, no refunds will be issued under any circumstances.
© 2011 – 2024 Kaivalyadhama Shriman Madhava Yoga Mandir Samiti. All rights reserved.
Kaivalyadhama logo is a registered trademark of Kaivalyadhama Shriman Madhava Yoga Mandir Samiti.
Dr. Lorenzo Cohen is the Richard E. Haynes Distinguished Professor in Clinical Cancer Prevention and Director of the Integrative Medicine Program at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Distinguished Clinical Professor, Fudan University Cancer Hospital, Shanghai, China.
Dr. Cohen is a founding member and past president of the international Society for Integrative Oncology. Dr. Cohen is passionate about educating others on how to prevent cancer and maintain optimal health across the lifespan. As the majority of cancers are preventable, Dr. Cohen is conducting research to demonstrate that lifestyle factors can influence cancer outcomes.
Dr. Cohen leads a team conducting NIH-funded research and delivering clinical care of integrative medicine practices such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, massage, diet, exercise, acupuncture and other strategies such as stress management, music therapy, emotional writing and more aimed at reducing the negative aspects of cancer treatment and improving quality of life and clinical outcomes.
Dr. Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, Ph.D. is Director of Research for the Kundalini Research Institute, Research Associate at the Benson Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Research Affiliate at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, and an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He has conducted research on yoga since 2001 and has been a practitioner of Kundalini Yoga since 1971 and is a certified teacher. His research has evaluated yoga for insomnia, stress, trauma, and anxiety, and for workplace and public school settings. He works with the International Association of Yoga Therapists as scientific director for the annual Symposium on Yoga Research and editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Yoga Therapy. 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.
Dr. Po-Ju Lin is an Assistant Professor in Supportive Care in Cancer at the University of Rochester Medical Center. She is an internationally recognized expert in clinical and translational science, cancer control, symptom science and supportive cancer care, exercise oncology, behavioral medicine, and integrative oncology. She received her Ph.D. in Kinesiology and an M.P.H. in Human Nutrition from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. Dr. Lin is an exercise oncology professional, ACSM-certified clinical exercise physiologist, a registered dietitian, and a Yoga Alliance registered yoga instructor, bringing over 15 years of clinical research experience conducting multi-center phase II and phase III clinical trials.
Her research focuses on implementing behavioral interventions, including yoga, exercise, nutrition, and health education to address cancer-related toxicities in patients and survivors. Dr. Lin has expertise in clinical trial design, behavioral intervention development and delivery, wearable devices and digital health technology, patient-reported outcomes, objective physical activity, physical and functional assessments, and cancer control outcomes and analysis. She has published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at various conferences, aiming to enhance supportive cancer care through integrative approaches.
Dr. Simon S. Spahrkäs is the Head of Research at Tired of Cancer, where he leads a dedicated research team focused on improving the quality of life for cancer patients. His pioneering doctoral work demonstrated the clinical effectiveness of the Untire app in reducing cancer-related fatigue, establishing it as an effective, safe and scalable tool in supportive oncology. Committed to ensuring that innovative care is accessible to all, Dr. Spahrkäs and his team work on clinical evaluation, market access and reimbursement initiatives, so patients can benefit without financial barriers. Through these efforts, they bridge critical gaps in psycho-oncological support, empowering patients globally to beat their cancer-related fatigue and improve QoL.
Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi, Director of the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) at Tata Memorial Centre, is a leading figure in head and neck oncology. With over 350 peer-reviewed publications, he is recognized among the top 2% of scientists globally by Stanford University. He has played a pivotal role in commissioning two cancer hospitals in Varanasi and serves as the Global Coordinator for World Head Neck Cancer Day. Dr. Chaturvedi is a prominent anti-tobacco advocate, founding the Voice of Tobacco Victims campaign, which led to significant policy changes in India. He has received numerous awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Maxillofacial Surgeons of India in 2023. A visiting professor in 32 countries, he focuses on public health, cancer prevention, and tobacco cessation, making substantial contributions to oncology education and patient care initiatives.
Dr. Shripad D. Banavali is an Additional Professor and Consultant Hematologist-Oncologist in the Department of Medical Oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. He completed his MD in Internal Medicine in 1986 and underwent three years of Adult Oncology training at Tata Memorial under Dr. S. H. Advani. His research on Chronic Myeloid Leukemia earned him a Fellowship to work with Dr. Harvey Priesler in Cincinnati, USA, focusing on leukemia and CD 34+ hematogenic progenitor cells. In 1992, Dr. Banavali joined St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, where he achieved Board Certification in Pediatrics and completed his Fellowship in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology. After eight years in the USA, he returned to Tata Memorial Hospital, where he currently leads the Pediatric Leukemia/Lymphoma and Retinoblastoma section. Dr. Banavali has a strong interest in leukemia cell biology and has published over 200 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals.
Dr. Kodaganur S. Gopinath, MS, FAMS, FRCS (Edin), is a prominent Indian surgical oncologist known for his pioneering contributions to cancer research and treatment. He has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Dr. B. C. Roy Award and the Padma Shri in 2010, recognizing his outstanding work in oncology. Dr. Gopinath completed his medical education at JJM Medical College and pursued advanced studies in general surgery at King Edward Memorial Hospital in Mumbai. He further obtained FRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and FAMS from the National Academy of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.
Dr. Gopinath was instrumental in founding the Bangalore Institute of Oncology in 1989 and currently serves as the founder consultant of HealthCare Global Enterprises (HCG) and the Director of the RL Jalappa Institute of Oncology. He has also conducted extensive research on head and neck cancer, laparoscopic vs. conventional surgery, and rectal cancer.
In collaboration with S-VYASA University, Dr. Gopinath’s research focuses on integrating yoga into cancer care, particularly exploring its therapeutic benefits in cancer treatment and rehabilitation. His work with S-VYASA emphasizes the impact of yoga in enhancing cancer recovery and improving the overall well-being of patients.
Dr. Rima Dada is a distinguished professor at the Department of Anatomy, AIIMS, New Delhi, specializing in genetics. She has a rich academic and research background, holding an MD and Ph.D. in Genetics, and has received several prestigious fellowships (FNAMS, FIMSA, FSR, FIABS). Dr. Rima is renowned for her work in genetic diagnostic services, particularly in infertility, ART failure, endocrinal disorders, ocular disorders, and various childhood cancers.
Her notable contributions extend to lifestyle interventions on markers of aging and the role of yoga in health promotion and disease prevention. Dr. Rima has served on the editorial boards of numerous national and international journals and is a task force member of the Ayushman Bharat Wellness Initiative.
She has been honored with multiple awards, including the ICMR Shakuntala Amir Chand Prize, the GP Talwar Gold Medal, the Rashtriya Gaurav Award, the ICMR national award for her outstanding contributions to genetics, and Excellence & Innovation in Yoga Research, MA, Boston, USA. Additionally, she is ranked in the top 2% globally for Reproductive medicine research by Stanford University.
Dr. Rima has delivered 12 orations and has more than 235 indexed publications and 75 book chapters to her credit.
Dr. (Major) M. D. Ray is a renowned Professor of Surgical Oncology at Dr. B. R. A. IRCH, AIIMS, Delhi. With an MBBS from Kolkata, MS from Delhi, FRCS from Glasgow, and a PhD in Oncology from AIIMS, he is a highly respected educator, examiner for MCh, DNB, and PhD courses nationwide, and a key figure in cancer care.
Dr. Ray has designed four internationally adopted onco-surgical techniques and holds patents for two surgical instruments, with two more in process. He is the author of 14 surgical books, principal investigator of multiple translational and clinical research projects, and has published over 150 papers. Additionally, he serves as Editor-in-Chief of the European Journal of Clinical Oncology and is a member of ten professional societies.
Beyond medicine, Dr. Ray is an accomplished author of 22 literature books and a cultural ambassador, having represented India as an instrumental artist. He also led a medical team during the Kargil War in 1999, earning five government medals. His life philosophy, “humanity is the best religion, and honesty is the best policy,” defines his work and ethos.
Dr. Vinod Kochupillai completed her training as Medical Oncologist at University of Alabama, Birmingham, USA. She then returned to India and served at AIIMS, New Delhi, for 32 years. During her tenure at AIIMS as Professor & Head of Medical Oncology and the Head of Cancer Center, she developed full fledged Cancer Hospital and initiated DM & PhD programs in various disciplines. She has published nearly 200 research papers and has received several National and International awards/recognitions.
Post her superannuation from AIIMS, she worked as Medical Director in SRM college & Hospital at Chennai for few years; where she created the department of Medical Research. For the last 12 years she is working at International Art of Living Center located at Bangalore and is involved in research related to studying the effects of spiritual practices on body and mind.
Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Amul Kapoor brings over 15 years of expertise in medical oncology and internal medicine, having served as a medical oncologist at leading Oncology Centres within Army hospitals nationwide. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Kapoor has performed over 110 stem cell transplants and has contributed extensively to national and international medical literature. A dedicated advocate for cancer prevention, he has actively promoted healthy lifestyle choices and contributed to several public awareness programs. During his tenure at MDTC, CHSC, he established a dedicated Yoga Cell to support patients and caregivers in enhancing physical and mental well-being, aiming to improve quality of life through integrative practices. He organized collaborative yoga workshops with Kaivalyadhama and led a study investigating yoga’s role and potential in cancer care. Currently, Brig. (Dr.) Amul Kapoor serves as the Head of Department at MDTC, R&R Hospital, Delhi.
Prof. Shivarama Varambally, MBBS, MD, MAMS, D.Sc. (Yoga), is a Professor of Psychiatry and former Head of the Department of Integrative Medicine at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India. He previously worked as a consultant psychiatrist at Latrobe Regional Hospital, Australia. His areas of expertise include schizophrenia, severe mental disorders, integrative psychiatry, and the application of yoga in mental health. Prof. Varambally has authored around 300 research papers and conference presentations, including 168 PubMed-indexed peer-reviewed publications, an h-index of 35, and an i10 index of 105, with over 4,900 citations. His accolades include the Dr. SS Jayaram Award (2003), Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching from the University of Newcastle (2005), and Dr. Vimla Virmani Award (2014). He also serves as Vice-Chairperson of the Indian Psychiatric Society Taskforces on Mind-Body Medicine and Yoga and Meditation.
Dr. Raghavendra Rao Mohan earned his Bachelor’s degree in Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences from Mangalore University in 1998, graduating with second rank. He began his career at Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhan Samsthana, Bengaluru, where he progressed to assistant professor and completed research in areas such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular risk prevention, and cancer through yoga and naturopathy. His experience includes roles at prominent institutions like HCG Bangalore Institute of Oncology and collaborations with UCSF School of Medicine on yoga-related studies. Dr. Raghavendra completed his PhD in 2007 and became a Senior Scientist at Health Care Global Enterprises, leading the CAM program. With 111 international research publications and multiple awards, including the ASCO Conquer Cancer Foundation Merit Award, he has significantly contributed to integrative oncology. Currently, he serves as the Director of the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, and is the editor of the Indian Journal for Yoga and Naturopathy.
Dr. Sunil Saini, MBBS, MS (Surgery) BHU Varanasi, is a distinguished oncologist who started the first cancer clinic at Himalayan Hospital in 1992 and has been a faculty member in Surgical Oncology at the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences since 1995. He completed fellowships in Head & Neck Oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, and in Surgical Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Institute, New York. With 28 years of experience, Dr. Saini specializes in complex surgical procedures. As Professor & Head of the Department of Surgical Oncology and Director of the Cancer Research Institute at HIMS, Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) Dehradun, he has published over 100 articles. Recognized for his contributions with numerous awards, including the Uttarakhand Ratna Award, Dr. Saini continues to excel in cancer care, research, and education. Additionally, under Dr. Saini’s leadership, Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) emphasizes integrating lifestyle management in chronic illness care, offering yoga, stress management sessions, and Panchkarma services specifically designed for cancer patients. His most important contribution has been conceptualizing and leading the development of the largest comprehensive cancer institution in Himalayan region, focusing on cost-effective integrated cancer care.
Dr. Nita Nair is a highly skilled and accomplished breast cancer surgeon currently serving as the Lead Breast Surgeon at Apollo Hospital, Mumbai. With extensive expertise in the field, she has made significant contributions to breast cancer treatment and surgery.
Dr. Nair holds an MBBS degree from Grant Medical College, Mumbai, and completed her general surgery residency at P.D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre. She further specialized in Surgical Oncology, earning an M.Ch. from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, and an MRCS(Ed) from the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh.
Prior to her role at Apollo, Dr. Nair spent over 12 years as a senior consultant and professor of breast cancer surgery at Tata Memorial Hospital, one of India’s leading cancer care centers. Her experience spans both clinical practice and academic contributions, and she is highly regarded for her knowledge and competence in breast cancer surgery. Dr. Nair continues to lead advancements in breast cancer care, with a strong commitment to improving patient outcomes.
Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani is the Director of the Institute of Salutogenesis and Complementary Medicine (ISCM) and Professor of Yoga Therapy at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Pondicherry. He has been a key figure in numerous committees of the Ministry of AYUSH, including the Yoga Certification Board and National Board for Promotion of Yoga and Naturopathy. He is also a Consultant Resource Person for the WHO Collaborative Centre in Traditional Medicine (Yoga) and serves as Joint Secretary of the Indian Yoga Association and Vice President of the National Yogasana Sport Association.
A Gold Medallist in Medicine (MBBS), Dr. Bhavanani holds postgraduate diplomas in Family Health and Yoga. He has authored 28 books, 19 DVDs, and published over 300 papers on Yoga research. His work has earned more than 3100 citations, with an h-index of 28 and i10-index of 63.
Dr. Bhavanani is the son and successor of Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri and Yogacharini Kalaimamani Ammaji, Smt. Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani. He is also a classical Indian vocalist, percussionist, and choreographer. As an IAYT-certified Yoga Therapist, he has traveled extensively, conducting workshops, retreats, and conferences in countries such as the UK, USA, Italy, and Australia.
Dr. Amritanshu Ram has been a dedicated yoga teacher since 1995, following the completion of his yoga instructor course. With an academic background in microbiology and genetics, he transitioned into a yoga career, earning both his master’s and PhD in yoga. Dr. Ram has specialized in integrating yoga with medical care for individuals with breast cancer, significantly contributing to this field through his extensive research and practice.
Dr. Ram has authored over 30 publications, primarily focusing on the effects of yoga during various phases of cancer treatment. His expertise has been shared globally through numerous workshops and teaching engagements in countries such as Japan, Turkey, Singapore, and the USA. He has also presented at several prestigious cancer and yoga conferences.
In India, Dr. Ram has played an active role in the Government of India’s World Yoga Day celebrations. He has been instrumental in developing the common yoga protocol, training yoga teachers for international deputation, and establishing the voluntary certification scheme for yoga professionals under the Quality Control of India. Additionally, he conducts stress management workshops for professionals both in India and abroad.
Dr. Ram’s academic career includes his tenure as an assistant professor at Swami Vivekananda Yoga University, where he taught and guided doctoral students in yoga. Currently, he serves as the Head of the Department for Complementary and Integrative Oncology at Health Care Global Cancer Center.
Dr. Alpa Dalal is the Head of Pulmonology at Jupiter Hospital and Nodal Chairman of the DR TB Centre at Sewree TB Hospital. She co-founded Healthbank with her two sisters to promote wellness and educate people about investing in their health. Alongside her medical career, Dr. Dalal is a yoga and holistic health expert. She completed her Master’s in Kriya Yoga in 2014 and earned a Diploma in Yoga Teacher Training in 2009.
In 2012, Dr. Dalal introduced a Yoga and Meditation program at Jupiter Hospital, which later expanded to include sound healing with Tibetan bowls for holistic rehabilitation in 2017. Her focus on holistic practices has benefitted many patients by addressing both physical and mental well-being.
She has conducted and published research on the “Effect of Kriya Yoga on Neurocardiac Physiology.” In collaboration with the Chest Research Foundation, she also researched the impact of breathing exercises, meditation, and sound therapy on patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This research was presented internationally in Barcelona in 2019, showcasing the positive effects of integrating holistic therapies into conventional treatment for chronic respiratory conditions.
Dr. Manohar S. Gundeti is the Research Officer (Ayurveda) at Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Mumbai under Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, Govt of India. He is a postgraduate in Ayurveda from University of Mumbai and completed postgraduate Diploma in Epidemiology and short courses in Integrative oncology by MSKCC, OCCAM-NCI. Dr. Gundeti has more than 25 years’ experience of clinical practice, teaching and research in Ayurveda. He has been Principal Investigator for many clinical research projects and also authored many publications. Dr. Gundeti has keen interest and been engaged in cancer care and research and is the Principal Investigator for many clinical and preclinical research projects in collaboration with Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai.
Dr. Gundeti is a member of various professional bodies including Society for Integrative Oncology. He has been a member of various expert groups including NCiLi. Dr. Gundeti serves as member of Editorial Review Board of Journal of Research in Ayurvedic sciences (CCRAS) and Ayush Journal of Integrative Oncology (AJIO). He is an Associate Editor for Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (J-AIM) and a co-guest editor of special issue of J-AIM on Integrative Approaches to Care and Research.
Prof. (Dr.) K. Satya Lakshmi is the Director of the National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), Pune, under India’s Ministry of AYUSH. With over 30 years of experience in naturopathy and yoga, she began her career in clinical and teaching roles before taking on leadership responsibilities. Dr. Lakshmi has significantly expanded NIN’s academic and research initiatives, including collaborations with esteemed institutions like ESIC Medical College, Hyderabad, and Kaivalyadham, Lonavala.
A key achievement under her leadership was the NABH accreditation of NIN in 2018, the first in India for a nature cure institution. She also initiated the establishment of “Nisarg Gram,” a 25-acre facility focused on advanced naturopathy education and treatments. Dr. Lakshmi is a dedicated promoter of Gandhian principles in naturopathy, establishing fellowship programs and publications to highlight Mahatma Gandhi’s work in natural health. She is the Chief Editor of Nisargopachar Varta, a monthly magazine on naturopathy and yoga, and has published extensively on these topics. Her work has been recognized with awards, including the “Centre of Excellence in Naturopathy” for NIN in 2022.
Dr. Kashinath G Metri, BAMS, MD, PhD (Yoga), is an Ayurveda physician and Yoga Therapy consultant with over a decade of experience in teaching and clinical practice. Currently, he is working as an Assistant Professor of Yoga at the Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer. He is a well-known lifestyle consultant specializing in Ayurveda and Yoga, having treated more than a thousand patients with various non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension, heart disease, hypothyroidism, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Metri is actively involved in research, having published more than 80 research papers in international peer-reviewed journals. He has developed yoga modules tailored to chronic disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, asthma, and ankylosing spondylitis. In addition to his academic and clinical achievements, Dr. Metri has also mentored more than 100 PG dissertations and two PhD theses. Presently, he is guiding four PhD projects. His unique combination of qualifications—BAMS, MD (Yoga), and PhD in Yoga—positions him as a versatile expert in the integration of traditional and modern therapeutic approaches. Dr. Metri’s contributions to holistic health, particularly in developing yoga interventions for chronic conditions, have earned him a notable reputation in the fields of wellness, lifestyle consultation, and academia.
Ms. Ruby Ahluwalia is a senior Bureaucrat from Indian Civil Services 1987 batch. In 2009 she was diagnosed with stage 3 metastatic cancer.
Her experience where she noticed huge gaps in cancer care space made her to form ‘Sanjeevani … Life Beyond Cancer’ – a not for profit organization in 2012 which works towards holistic cure and rehabilitation of underprivileged cancer patients, through innovative long term solutions.
Sanjeevani is the only full stack cancer care organisation which works on the whole spectrum of cancer care space Pan India. It runs free centers in 30 Govt hospitals across 15 states and has impacted more than 12 lakh patients since its inception.
Ruby herself is a recipient of *Changemakers Award* by Grand Thornton and *Exceptional Contribution Award* in governance for bureaucrats apart from so many other awards. She was recently conferred with the *Social Impact Leader Award* by Business World. She has authored two books _Fragrance of a wild soul_ and Mann Baawra…
She has recently resigned from her job of a Civil servant to work full time for underprivileged cancer patients.
Ms. Nanditha Janki Sr. Operations Manager | Carer – Personalized Cancer Care Nanditha has over 6 years of extensive experience in the oncology field, working with multiple prominent pharmaceutical companies and she has collaborated closely with oncologists and healthcare professionals. Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in developing and implementing patient-centric programs aimed at improving the quality of life and overall outcomes for cancer patients. Her work in program development has been particularly impactful. She has built and managed several comprehensive support programs that cater to the diverse needs of oncology patients. These programs include essential services like nutrition counseling, physical therapy, mental health support, and adherence strategies that ensure patients receive the best possible care throughout their treatment journey. Nanditha’s expertise extends beyond patient care. She has conducted numerous workshops and training sessions for a wide range of healthcare workers, including Patient Care Coordinators, Navigators and Therapists. These training initiatives focus on enhancing the skills needed to deliver personalized, empathetic, and effective care to cancer patients, while also emphasizing the importance of cross-functional collaboration within healthcare teams. Her hands-on approach and commitment to oncology care have enabled her to develop a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by cancer patients and healthcare providers. Through her contributions, she has helped bridge gaps in care and created meaningful support.
Dr. Praseeda Menon brings over a decade of expertise in studying yoga’s psychological aspects. She has conducted longitudinal research on how yoga enhances mental health and quality of life in people with chronic health conditions including cancer survivors. She has successfully convened 3 international conferences, organised 11 workshops, 2 international symposia, 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, she supervises Ph.D. students at the college’s research center affiliated with Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Ramtek, Nagpur.
Prof. Raghu Raghavan is a Professor of Mental Health. His work encompasses global mental health (public mental health perspectives), resilience and wellbeing, culturally appropriate mental health literacies, intellectual disabilities, and ethnic disparities. He is the Director of the Institute of social Sciences Research and Innovation, and also Mary Seacole Research Centre – an interdisciplinary research centre focussing on mental health, migration, ethnicity and culture. He is passionate about inclusive research methodologies with diverse ethnic and cultural communities for developing collective community action for mental health and wellbeing. He is an international expert in community action research using interdisciplinary participatory research methodology with creative arts-based approaches for co-creating knowledge of lived expertise and cultural mental health perspectives in the UK and in India. He holds a number of UKRI and NIHR research grants, and has published widely with over 170 publications in peer reviewed journals and digital media on the theme of mental health knowledge and awareness of diverse cultural communities in the UK and India. He presented his work of resilience and forced displacement to the Overseas Development Committee at the UK Houses of Parliament. He is a Trustee of MeHeLP India Foundation, NGO working in urban and rural India promoting culturally appropriate mental health literacies.
Ms. Maxine Levy is a highly experienced British yoga teacher who conducts workshops and classes in London and internationally. Passionate about using yoga as a practical tool for mental and physical wellbeing, she emphasizes mindfulness, breath, and body. A cancer warrior herself, Maxine embraced the yogic way of life after recovering from a serious illness and transitioned from her career as an international contemporary art curator and documentary television producer to a yoga therapist. She has studied at Kaivalyadhama and under renowned yogis worldwide and now runs her own yoga studio in London, UK, where she continues to inspire and heal through yoga.
Mr. Prashant V. Joshi, B.E. (EE), M.A. M.Phil. (Computer Science), E-RYT 500, YACEP, C-IAYT is an electrical engineer, computer scientist, yoga teacher, therapist and a technology/management leader for the past 35 years in the US.
Mr. Prashant has introduced Yogic-leadership-principles in the academic and corporate world at all levels of management. He has brought Yoga to the tennis courts, executive boardrooms, mental health facilities and institutions of all sizes. He is an invited motivational speaker, a published author and a community servant leader globally.
Dr. Mritunjay Rathore is currently working as a Professor in the Department of Anatomy, AII India Institute of Medical science, Raipur and a certified yoga teacher, serving as the Secretary of the Indian Yoga Association (Chhattisgarh Chapter). He has more than 40 research papers on the role of yoga in disease prevention and management. A sought-after speaker at national and international conferences, Dr. Rathore specializes in the Biomechanics of Asanas, blending anatomy with yoga to create a unique, innovative approach.
His Anatomy-Based Yoga Workshops offer transformative learning for yoga students, revolutionizing traditional yoga teaching with scientific precision. Recognized for his contributions, he has been honoured with the National Dr. C. T. Thakar Award by the Indian Medical Association and the President’s Appreciation Award by the IMA Chhattisgarh Chapter.
Dr. Rathore aims to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern science, inspiring a holistic approach to health and well-being through yoga.
Enriched with over two decades of experience, Yoga Thilakam Dr. Meena Ramanathan is a Professor in Yoga Therapy & Vice Principal of School of Yoga Therapy of ISCM, SBV, Pondicherry. She is a recognized PhD Guide, IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist, recognized Yoga Chikitsa Acharya (Yoga Therapy Consultant). She strives to empower the lives of Divyanga (Children with Intellectual and physical disabilities), Silver Citizens and the Transgender Population. Dr Meena has more than 98 scientific papers, 26 abstracts, 3 books, has contributed to 6 chapters in books, 12 copyrights and 15 Compilations to her credit.
Dr. Padmini Tekur is an accomplished professional in the field of yoga therapy and integrative medicine. Born in Bellary, Karnataka, she holds an M.B.B.S. from Government Medical College, Bellary, and a Ph.D. from Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana. With over a decade of experience, she has served as a Research Fellow and Assistant Lecturer in Mumbai, Chief Yoga Therapy Consultant, and currently, as an Associate Professor in the Division of Yoga and Life Sciences at SVYASA. Dr. Tekur has treated various ailments, worked on research projects related to low back pain and adolescent obesity, and guided multiple postgraduate students.
She has conducted workshops across Europe and India, focusing on yoga therapy, stress management, and corporate wellness, including notable programs for Multiple Sclerosis patients in Slovenia. An avid learner, Dr. Tekur studies Yoga and Vedanta and has received several accolades, including the Best Research Fellow award at Sir J. J. Hospital. With 27 published papers to her name, her future plans include teaching yoga therapy, conducting clinical research, and promoting yoga as a way of life.
Ms. Saraswathi Vasudevan has over 30 years of experience in yoga and healing. Trained under Sri TKV Desikachar for 17 years, she specializes in adapting yoga to individual needs, rooted in the teachings of Patanjali and Sri T Krishnamacharya. She holds Master’s degrees in Nutrition and Psychology and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Yoga. Saraswathi worked for nearly two decades at Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai as a teacher, consultant, and therapist, contributing to yoga research and integrating scientific perspectives into yoga therapy.
In 2010, she co-founded YogaVahini, along with her husband Sundar, focussing on specialised yoga training, therapy and research with centres in Chennai, Hyderabad and a strong presence in Delhi-NCR. Her mission is to integrate personalised yoga therapy into mainstream health care in India. Saraswathi formerly served on the Voluntary Board of Directors of Yoga Alliance, which provides strategic direction advancing the development and livelihood of yoga professionals across the world. Her work is dedicated to making yoga therapy accessible and effective for diverse populations.
Prof. (Dr.) Shubhada Chiplunkar is the former Director of the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) at Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, and currently heads the Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Research Group at ACTREC. She earned her PhD from the University of Mumbai in 1983 and completed her post-doctoral fellowship at the Max Planck Institute, Freiburg, Germany.
With over 35 years of research experience, Prof. Chiplunkar specializes in cancer immunobiology, focusing on immune dysfunctions within the tumor microenvironment. She has developed immunotherapeutic strategies, particularly utilizing Gamma Delta T cells, and advises on cell-based therapeutics, including CAR T cells.
An active researcher, she serves on several scientific advisory committees for national organizations, including DBT, DST, and ICMR. Prof. Chiplunkar is the President of the Immuno-oncology Society of India and the Mumbai Immunology Group, and a member of the Education Committee of the International Union of Immunological Societies. She takes keen interest in projects related to Ayurveda and also initiated projects under “Science initiative in Ayurveda” program by DST.
Mr. Rajiv Rainier, Managing Director at Sapient, is committed to elevating the standard of mental and emotional care by developing innovative solutions that harness emerging technologies, evidence-based research, and the timeless wisdom of yogic sciences. Rainier blends his passion for yogic philosophy with expertise in strategic innovation and product development, honed through corporate and entrepreneurial experience, to create a meaningful and transformative change.
Beyond Rainier’s academic credentials, which include a master’s from New York University and executive programs from Harvard University and Stanford University, Rainier completed a 500-hour Indian Yoga Association certification from Kaivalyadhama, a 200-hour Yoga Alliance certification, and an advanced certification in meditation and mindfulness from the University of California Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center and Awareness Institute. Rainier also earned certifications in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindful Neuroscience Meditation from the University of California San Diego’s School of Medicine. Rainier, whose career includes senior roles at Sony Corporation and Deloitte Consulting, currently serves on the board of i3 Simulations that develops extended reality (XR) solutions powered by artificial intelligence (AI) for healthcare and education.
Dr. Nikesh R. Shah brings 20+ years of broad leadership, growth and technology expertise from a combination of global operations, healthcare consulting and startup experience at reputed multinational organizations such as Accenture, Capgemini and Cotiviti.
In his current role at Tata Memorial Centre, Nikesh leads the National Cancer Grid’s Koita Centre for Digital Oncology which is India’s first organization dedicated to transforming cancer care in India using digital technology. Prior to this role, he led a start-up building a cloud based digital health infrastructure platform and managed growth and expansion for a surgical oncology hospital group. He is experienced in managing large scale operations, enabling business transformation and driving technological innovation.
Dr. Nikesh R. Shah completed his MBBS from Mumbai University and a Masters in Health Administration from Cornell University. Nikesh has also completed Leadership Training from eminent institutes like HBS, IIM-A and ISB.
Shri. Shrikrishna Vasant Mhaskar is a distinguished yoga professional with over 50 years of experience in yoga practice and teaching. He holds advanced qualifications, including an M.A. in Yogashastra, an Advanced Teacher’s Diploma in Yogic Concepts, and a Therapy Instructor’s Course, focusing on yoga therapy, anatomy, and physiology.
Currently serving as the Head of the Yoga Department at Ghantali Mitra Mandal, Thane, Mr. Mhaskar has trained over 4,000 yoga teachers and contributed to several impactful yoga projects, including initiatives for jail inmates. He is an experienced examiner for multiple yoga certification levels under organizations such as the Indian Yoga Association, Kaivalyadhama, and Yoga Gurukul.
Mr. Mhaskar has authored two books, Know Yoga Live Yoga and Yoga Sadhana for Health and Happiness. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Yoga Ratna Award, the Yoga Chikitsa Acharya Award, and recognition as Karma Sanyasi Swami Dharmavratanand by Swami Niranjanand.
Dr. Gayatri Gohil has completed her B.A.M.S. from Smt Kamaladevi Gauridatta Mittal Ayurvedic College in 1995.
She has been working as a Chief Medical officer at the well-known and oldest institute of yoga – Kaivalyadhama since 2013.
She has expertise in various Ayurveda Naturopathy and Yoga Therapies.
She successfully organised various Workshops, lectures in Corporates and colleges. She is also a Teaching Faculty of Kaivalyadhama Yoga Centre for various courses.
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”, “Anatomy-Physiology of Yoga”, “Pranayama-Mudra-Meditation”, “Therapeutic applications of Hathayogic practices” and “the path of vipassana meditation”.
Dr. Sharadchandra 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. Ranjeet Singh Bhogal is the Joint Director of Research at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala, bringing over thirty years of research and teaching experience to the field of yoga. He previously served as the Principal of the Yoga College at Kaivalyadhama and currently holds the position of Editor-in-Chief for Yoga Mimamsa, a biennial scientific journal. An accomplished author, Dr. Bhogal has published seven books, including Yoga and Mental Health and Beyond (translated into multiple languages) and Yoga and Modern Psychology. He has contributed significantly to scientific literature with numerous research papers and has received various national and international accolades. A meditation expert, Dr. Bhogal is dedicated to spreading the message of classical meditation across Asia, America, and Europe, known for his approachable and supportive demeanor.
Dr. Ritu Prasad is a BNYS (Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences) and MBA professional with over six years of expertise in natural health and wellness. She is the author of Sattvic Ahar, a book focused on the benefits of a balanced, natural diet for both physical and mental well-being. Currently, Dr. Ritu leads the Naturopathy Department at Kaivalyadhama, an institute renowned for its holistic health practices, where she has helped integrate traditional naturopathy with modern wellness techniques. Specializing in acupuncture and acupressure, Dr. Ritu utilizes these ancient therapies to address a wide range of physical and emotional conditions. A respected speaker and educator, she shares her knowledge on natural healing at national and international forums, promoting preventive care and holistic lifestyle management as the foundation of long-term health.
Dr. Santosh Pandey, BNYS, MBA in Hospital Administration, is an esteemed expert in the field of Yoga Therapy and Naturopathy with over 24 years of clinical experience. He holds a Master Diploma in Yoga Therapy and has completed specialized post-graduate diplomas in Integrated Acupressure (PGDIA) and Integrated Naturopathy (PGDIN), making him well-versed in various holistic health practices. Dr. Pandeys journey into yoga and meditation began at a very young age when he was initiated into Kundalini Sadhana at just 8 years old. His deep dedication to spiritual growth and wellness through yoga has spanned over four decades. For the past 20 years, he has been actively teaching Chakra Meditation, a practice he believes plays a vital role in enhancing the overall health and well-being of individuals. His expertise in this area has helped countless people experience the transformative benefits of aligning the body’s energy centers for physical, mental, and emotional wellness. In addition to his clinical practice and teaching, Dr. Pandey has been a prominent figure in spreading the therapeutic benefits of yoga through workshops, seminars, and conferences, both nationally and internationally. His vast knowledge in the integration of Naturopathy, Yoga, and Chakra Meditation has earned him recognition in the field, including the prestigious President’s Gold Medal, which he received in 2005 for his outstanding contributions to Yoga and Naturopathy. Dr. Pandey continues to inspire and educate practitioners, patients, and students alike, emphasizing the profound impact of ancient healing practices in modern healthcare. His work not only supports physical health but also fosters mental clarity and emotional balance, making him a respected leader in the field of holistic well-being.
Yogacharya Sandhya Dixit stands as one of the most experienced teachers at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala, boasting an impressive 42 years of expertise in the field of yoga. Imitation into yoga happened under the guidance of Swami Digambar Ji, a disciple of Swami Kuvalyananda ji. With a distinguished career, she has actively led workshops and training camps at both national and international (Russia, UAE, Taiwan, Macow & Chaina) levels. Notably, her 10-day online workshop series in March 2020, titled ‘Yoga for Senior Citizens,’ conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush, received widespread acclaim and acknowledgment from thousands of participants. Since June 2020, Yogacharya Sandhya Dixit’s online Pranayama workshops have consistently garnered success. Participants in these workshops appreciate her unique teaching style, finding it both engaging and enriching. Her commitment and extraordinary contributions to the field of Yoga were recently recognized with the prestigious Swami Kuvalayananda Yoga Puraskar 2021, a testament to her dedicated and commendable work.
Shri. Neeraj Singh is a senior yoga teacher at Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Lonavala. He has been teaching Yoga and offering expert yogic counseling at Kaivalyadhama for many years, with his guidance, many people have benefited. He was the personal assistant and demonstrator of Dr. O. P. Tiwari on various workshops. Shri. Neeraj has been holding a Sunday Asana class on online workshop medium since 2020 with Kaivalyadhama, along with the collaboration of Yoga & Wellness Chandra, Japan (with a consecutive interpretation into Japanese by Dr. Motoko Saito who is a founder of Yoga & Wellness Chandra, Japan) and it has been a huge success. Shri. Neeraj has a deep knowledge of traditional Yoga.
The program will be led by Ms. Renu Jain, a dedicated Yogic Lifestyle Coach with a Master’s degree in Yogashastra from Kaivalyadhama. Her programs empower individuals to discover a healthier, happier way of life through complete self-awareness and enriched living. She has helped participants worldwide to manage autoimmune and other lifestyle-related disorders. Having personally dealt with autoimmune diseases through a yoga-based lifestyle, her teaching approach is experiential, simple, participative, and results-driven. Ms. Renu has represented Kaivalyadhama on various platforms and conducted numerous workshops. She is also the founder of Arka Yoga Mats, a leading brand of designer cotton yoga mats, and serves as a member of the Yoga Sectional Committee of the Bureau of Indian Standards. In addition to her yoga programs, Ms. Renu is an avid photographer and a passionate badminton player. She believes in living life to the fullest and inspires others to embrace yoga as a lifelong source of joy and well-being.
Ms. Mamta Bisht has been dedicated to teaching yoga for over 8 years, working with schools, institutes, and corporate settings. Her yoga journey began in 2015 while she was pursuing an M.A. in Philosophy. She went on to earn a postgraduate diploma in Yoga Education from Kaivalyadhama and later completed a master’s degree in yoga from Uttarakhand University. Her background in theater, radio, and the classical Indian dance form Kathak has greatly influenced her exploration of yoga’s philosophy and practice.
She teaches courses such as the Post Graduate Diploma in Yoga Therapy and the Certification Course in Yoga at Kaivalyadhama College in Lonavala.
Mr. Yogesh Vaidya is a dedicated Yoga Therapist at Kaivalyadhama’s Pune branch, specializing in yoga sessions for cancer survivors. He actively contributes to Kaivalyadhama’s outreach initiatives, bringing the transformative benefits of yoga to diverse communities. Through his work, Mr. Yogesh demonstrates a deep commitment to supporting individuals on their journey toward holistic health and well-being.
Shri. Rajesh Bhalerao is a dedicated Yoga Therapist at Kaivalyadhama’s Pune branch. With over 10 years of professional experience, Rajesh has worked at prestigious institutions such as Tata Cancer Hospital, where he gained valuable expertise in integrating yoga into cancer care. Additionally, his international experience in Shenzhen, China, provided him with a global perspective on therapeutic yoga practices. Rajesh is committed to promoting health and wellness through evidence-based yoga interventions tailored to individual needs.
Dr. Kaluram Bamniya, born on January 20, 1970, is a folk singer from Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, specializing in Kabir Bhajans and other devotional songs in the local Malwi dialect. His performances emphasize Kabir’s teachings on life and universal love. Over the years, he has performed on platforms such as Aakashwani and Doordarshan, and at various cultural events, including the Rajasthan Kabir Yatra (2017), Kabir Festival in Kathmandu (2009), and Vasantotsava in Pune (2013). He has also contributed as a music director in the film Kalichaat (2016) and performed at events like the Indore Literature Festival (2016) and the India International Center in Delhi (2017).
Dr. Bamniya has received numerous accolades, including a ‘B-high’ grade from India’s national radio broadcaster, the Tulsi Samman (2022), and Bheraji Samman (2022). He has been featured in documentaries on Kabir by Shabnam Virmani and actively participated in the Kabir Project conducted by Eklavya from 2010 to 2012. His work extends beyond performances, engaging with youth through workshops, including a Kabir Sadhana workshop at Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute in 2015. Dr. Bamniya’s music promotes Kabir’s philosophy of harmony and love, reaching diverse audiences across India.
Ms. Rama Kuknur is an accomplished Bharatnatyam dancer, trained under Dr. Sucheta Bhide-Chapekar at Kalavardhini. A Gold medalist in Bharatnatyam from the M.A. Dance course at Lalit Kala Kendra, Pune University, she excels in the Nritya Ganga Bani style, blending Bharatnatyam with Hindustani classical music. Rama has performed widely across India, including at prestigious venues like the Sawai Gandharva Music Festival.
She developed the “Applied Dance” learning module, which enhances the skills of dance students, and has led workshops for over four years. Through her platform “Kalaayan,” she promotes Indian classical arts in contemporary contexts, aiming to engage younger audiences. Rama’s performances are distinguished by her precise Nritta and expressive Abhinaya, creating a deep connection with audiences, and her work reflects a commitment to both innovation and tradition in the realm of classical dance.
Shri. Subodh Tiwari was born in the yogic atmosphere at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala. At a young age he received spiritual initiation from Swami Digambarji, the Director and Spiritual Head of Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute. In 1997 he decided to devote his life to the Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute and to serve it.
Mrs. Anjali Deshmukh, a devoted Yog Sadhak and Sevak, passionately supports individuals, including cancer patients, special children, and senior citizens from marginalized backgrounds. She leads a team dedicated to improving physical and emotional well-being through yogic practices. Ms. Anjali also guides yoga training courses at Savitribai Phule Pune University and oversees Kaivalyadhama’s Pune center for yoga-based studies.