The two-day National Conference titled “Yoga is Equanimity – Samatvam Yoga Uchyate” (Through the practice of Yoga: Combating Discrimination and Promoting Inclusivity) was organized by the Faculty of General & Adapted Physical Education and Yoga (GAPEY) at the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Coimbatore Campus on 25th & 26th June, 2024.
In the inaugural ceremony, Swami Garishthanandaji Maharaj, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya Institutions, presided over the function, Swami Buddhidanandaji Maharaj, Assistant Administrative Head, the chief guest of the function Dr. A. Subramanian (Secretary, Indian Yoga Association, Karnataka), Dr. R. Giridharan, Associate Professor and Head, GAPEY were the dignitaries on the dais who inaugurated the conference by lighting the lamp.
Swami Garishthanandaji Maharaj honoured the chief guest with a garland of appreciation, followed by the Keynote address by Swami Buddhidanandaji Maharaj, Assistant Administrative Head, RKMVERI.
In the conference a total of 358 attendees, comprising 204 delegates ( Delegates – 82; Parents – 65; Special Education Teachers – 25; Children with Special Needs – 32) and 154 participants, participated.
Insights of Day 1 – (25th June, 2024)
The First day, in the forenoon session the first speaker, Dr. A. Subramanian, Secretary, Indian Yoga Association, Karnataka spoke on “மாற்றுத்திறனாளிகளுக்கும் மனம் உண்டு” emphasizing the path symbolizing inclusivity, the need to create a world that embraces diversity and equality. He also added that education, livelihood, and infrastructure play crucial roles in empowering differently-abled individuals by addressing the gathering consisting of Physical & Special Educationists, Physiotherapists, Parents of Special Children and Yoga Therapists
Swami Dayadhipanandaji Maharaj, Medical Superintendent, Ramakrishna Mission Hospital, Mumbai spoke on “Yoga as a way of life” in which he insisted on physical postures, encompassing breath awareness, ethical guidelines, meditation, and holistic well-being by addressing attendees from various parts of Tamil Nādu educational institutions, special educational schools and NGO’s.
In the afternoon, three parallel sessions were held for the benefit of audience.
Parallel Session 1 Time: (2:15p.m. to 4:00p.m.) Venue: GKD Auditorium |
Parallel Session 2 Time: (2:15p.m. to 4:00p.m.) Venue: Conference Hall (COE) |
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Dr. Susheel Sharma (Cardiologist from the USA) discussed the “Science of Sports, A Cardiologist’s perspective” for Physical Educationists, Coaches, & paramedical professionals. His insights shed light on the intricate relationship between sports, exercise, and cardiac health, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance for optimal performance and longevity. | Dr. K. Kiruthiga, District Psychiatrist, District Mental Health Programme, Coimbatore, Consultant & Co- founder at Anandhan Mind Care Foundation, Thudiyalur, led a session on “Counselling for Parents of Children with Special Needs,” specifically for parents and special educationists & physical education professionals. |
Parallel Session 3 Fun way participation of CwSN’s |
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The Children with Special needs were divided into small groups and engaged with play activities in combination with yogic approaches. |
The final session of the day was paper presentation with a total of 13 delegates. Six delegates defended their articles at GKD Auditorium, while 7 delegates defended their articles at College of Education judged by two chair persons in each session.
Insights of Day 2 – (26th June, 2024)
On the second day forenoon session started with the lecture of Dr. K. Pavithra, Research Assistant, Centre for Indian Medical Heritage (CIMH), AVP Herbal Garden, Palakkad on the topic “Food as Medicines” for the target population of the conference emphasizing the basic needs for holistic approach and development through value aged food items, its importance in maintaining the physical culture and highlighting the current issues due to the adverse effects created by adulteration and junk food habits
The next speaker Dr. V. Judu Illavarasu, Assistant Professor, Humanities and Liberal Arts in Management, Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikodu, Kerala, delivered the talk on “Role of Yoga in managing implicit biases to Promote Inclusivity”. In his speech, the hidden prejudices that are manifesting in various ways, affecting the approaches in yoga communities and the deliverables which are available to promote inclusivity in the society.
The third session of Panel Discussion:
Swami Buddhidanandaji Maharaj, Swami Dayadhipananadaji Maharaj, Dr. A. Subramanian, Dr. V. Judu Illavarasu, Dr. K. Pavithra, Dr. R. Giridharan, Special Invitees, and the staff members engaged in the panel discussion to reform a resolution for “The Role of Teacher Trainees & Special Educators in Inculcating and Enhancing Values in Society.”
The forenoon session concluded with the second scientific session of the conference. Six delegates defended their articles at GKD Auditorium and 6 delegates defended their articles in College of Education conference judged by two chair persons in each session.
In the valedictory program, Dr. R. Giridharan, Associate Professor & Head, GAPEY, extended a warm welcome to all attendees. Swami Buddhidanandaji Maharaj, Assistant Administrative Head of RKMVERI, addressed the gathering, which centered on the importance of Teacher trainees and special educators in fostering societal values. Swami Dayadhipanandaji Maharaj, Medical Superintendent, Ramakrishna Mission Hospital, Mumbai delivered the presidential address. The Chief Guest, ‘Yogamitra’ Dr. Subramanian, Indian Yoga Association, Karnataka delivered chief guest address. Dr. V. Judu Illavarasu, Assistant Professor, Humanities and Liberal Arts in Management, IIM Kozhikodu, Kerala, gave a special address.
Feedback of the conference session were received, and selected delegates presented their insights about the conference, which rejuvenated the discussions and inspired new ideas.
The certificates were provided to all the delegates with the “best paper presentation award” judged among 25 presenters.
Dr. Dibakar Debnath, Assistant Professor, GAPEY, proposed the vote of thanks followed by National Anthem.
Faculty/Staff Name | Details |
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D Yuvaraj (Primary Coordinator) | GAPEY – Coimbatore Campus |
Dibakar Debnath | GAPEY – Coimbatore Campus |
Guest / General Public etc. | 179 (Male: 119, Female: 60) |
RKMVERI Faculty & Staff | 25 (Male: 25, Female: 0) |
RKMVERI Students | 154 (Male: 154, Female: 0) |