Three-Month Programme Aims to Train Yoga Instructors and Promote Holistic Healthcare in the Himalayan Region
In a significant step towards strengthening yoga-based wellness education in the Himalayan region, the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR), Leh, has launched the first-ever Yoga Wellness Instructor Certificate Course in Ladakh.
The three-month programme, comprising 400 hours of training, aims to develop qualified yoga instructors and promote holistic health and well-being through structured yoga education.
The certificate course is being conducted jointly by the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR), Leh, and the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi, in accordance with the curriculum and guidelines prescribed by MDNIY.
The programme was 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 and Medical Education, Union Territory of Ladakh, attended the event as the Guest of Honour, while Dr Padma Gurmet, Director of NISR, presided over the inaugural session, reports Jharkhand State News.
Addressing the inaugural batch, Dr Padma Gurmet congratulated the trainees and encouraged them to actively participate in both the theoretical and practical components of the programme. He also acknowledged the contribution of Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena in promoting yoga and meditation in Ladakh and reaffirmed NISR’s commitment to advancing traditional healthcare systems and wellness practices.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Tashi Thinlas highlighted the growing importance of integrating modern medicine, traditional medicine, and yoga to deliver comprehensive healthcare. He also pointed to the increasing demand for trained yoga therapists in Ladakh and said efforts are underway to integrate yoga more extensively into the Union Territory’s healthcare system.
Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena described yoga as a holistic practice that supports physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. He encouraged participants to pursue the course with dedication and invited students and faculty members to visit the Mahabodhi Meditation Centre during the training programme, emphasising the complementary role of yoga and meditation.
Earlier, Course Coordinator Shri Gopal Sharma briefed participants on the programme schedule and operational guidelines. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms Dolma Tsering, formally marking the commencement of the first batch of the Yoga Wellness Instructor Certificate Course.
