A three-month (400-hour) Yoga Wellness Instructor Certificate Course has been launched at the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR), Leh. The course is being conducted in collaboration with the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi, and the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa, Leh, in accordance with the course guidelines of MDNIY.

The course was formally inaugurated by Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Prime Minister Yoga Awardee and Founder President of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC). Dr. Tashi Thinlas, Director, Department of Ayush, Health & Medical Education, UT Ladakh, attended the event as the Guest of Honour. The inaugural session was presided over by Dr. Padma Gurmet, Director of the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR), Leh.

Dr. Padma Gurmet congratulated the participants on joining the first-ever Yoga Wellness Certificate Course in Ladakh. He encouraged the students to make the best use of the opportunity by actively participating in both the theoretical and practical components of the training programme. He also expressed gratitude to Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena for his efforts in promoting Yoga and Meditation in Ladakh for the well-being of citizens and reiterated NISR's commitment to promoting traditional health systems and wellness practices for the benefit of society.

Dr. Tashi Thinlas appreciated the efforts of the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa in promoting holistic healthcare and wellness through yoga education. He emphasized the growing significance of integrating Modern Medicine, Traditional Medicine and Yoga to achieve overall health and well-being. He also highlighted the scope of Yoga therapists in the Union Territory of Ladakh and the plan to incorporate Yoga in the health sector.

Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena highlighted yoga as a way of life that nurtures physical health, mental peace and spiritual well-being. He encouraged the students to embrace yoga with sincerity and dedication for their personal growth and to contribute towards a healthier society. He also invited the students and faculty to visit the Mahabodhi Meditation Centre during the course for meditation, stating that Yoga and Meditation go hand in hand.

Earlier, Shri Gopal Sharma, Course Coordinator, briefed the students on the programme schedule and course guidelines. The inaugural programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Dolma Tsering, formally marking the formal commencement of the three-month Yoga Wellness Instructor Certificate Course for the newly enrolled participants.

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SR/SV/SG