𝙎𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙧 𝙤𝙣 “𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙔𝙤𝙜𝙖 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙋𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙘 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝” 𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙩𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙎𝙤𝙬𝙖 𝙍𝙞𝙜𝙥𝙖 𝘿𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙁𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙔𝙤𝙜𝙖 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 2026

A seminar on “Integration of Yoga for Public Health” was organized at the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa (NISR), Leh, as part of Day 2 of the International Festival of Yoga and Meditation 2026. The event brought together distinguished guests, experts, practitioners, delegates, and participants to deliberate on the role of Yoga and traditional systems of healing in promoting public health and holistic well-being.

The delegates and participants received a warm welcome at NISR and were taken on an extensive tour of the institute, including its renowned museum showcasing the rich heritage of traditional medicine and healing systems. Following the visit, participants assembled in the seminar hall for the day’s proceedings.

Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Padma Gurmet highlighted the significance of the International Festival of Yoga and Meditation, describing it as one of Ladakh’s major annual events for more than seven years. He noted the steadily growing participation in the festival and appreciated the Government’s visionary initiative in conceptualizing and promoting the Yoga Festival. Dr. Gurmet also spoke about the rich tradition of Sowa Rigpa in Ladakh and its immense potential for recognition at the global level. He emphasized the growing relevance of Yoga and traditional systems of healing in preventive healthcare and holistic wellness, while underlining the importance of integrating Yoga with Sowa Rigpa to strengthen public health initiatives.

The seminar featured insightful presentations by eminent speakers from the fields of Yoga, education, health, and traditional medicine.

Ms. Shalini Mundada, Educator, Mentor and Advocate, delivered a talk on “Building Emotional Resilience Through Yoga.” She emphasized the importance of yogic practices in fostering emotional balance, mental wellness, focus, memory, and academic excellence among students. Highlighting the role of breath awareness and mindfulness, she described Yoga as a means to cultivate a calmer mind and remain fully present in everyday life. Referring to meditation as a “gym for the mind,” she encouraged participants to adopt regular yogic practices for personal growth and emotional well-being.

Speaking on “Emotional Fitness: A Skill for the Future,” Ms. Rishika Sangwan, Yoga Teacher from the renowned Yoga Institute, Mumbai, underscored the importance of emotional strength and mindfulness in today’s fast-paced world. She observed that an untrained mind often gives rise to unregulated emotions and noted that small, conscious changes in daily habits can significantly influence one’s personality and well-being. She stressed that Yoga helps individuals manage emotions effectively rather than suppressing them.

Prof. Tsering Thakchoe Drungtso, Professor of Sowa Rigpa, delivered a presentation on “Integration of Yoga with Sowa Rigpa.” He introduced participants to the rich tradition of Buddhist Yoga and explained its integration within the Sowa Rigpa medical system. He highlighted the complementary principles shared by these ancient knowledge traditions and their collective contribution to holistic healing. Prof. Thakchoe acknowledged the efforts of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in promoting Yoga globally, while noting that within the Buddhist tradition, Yoga is also practiced as a path to liberation, emphasizing physical discipline, mental well-being, breath regulation, and spiritual development.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Ishwar V. Basavaraddi, Former Director of the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), on “Integrative Medicine for the 21st Century: The Role of Yoga in Holistic Health and Well-being.” He highlighted the increasing global relevance of integrative medicine and discussed the growing scientific recognition of Yoga as an effective tool for preventive and promotive healthcare.

Sharing his reflections on meditation and compassionate living, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder President of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, emphasized the importance of meditation, compassion, and inner peace in achieving sustainable health and social harmony. He expressed gratitude to NISR for its collaboration and partnership in promoting wellness initiatives. Drawing from his personal experiences, he shared inspiring stories that illustrated the transformative power of compassion and stressed the importance of cultivating compassion within healthcare systems. He noted that both Yoga and meditation serve as powerful pathways for healing and inner transformation.

The formal vote of thanks was delivered by Sh. Gopal Sharma, Yoga Therapist, NISR, who expressed appreciation to all speakers, participants, organizers, and collaborating institutions for contributing to the success of the seminar.

The event concluded with a high tea hosted by the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa, providing an opportunity for participants to interact and exchange ideas on the integration of Yoga and traditional medicine for public health and well-being.