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IIT-Ropar lays foundation stone of yogic sciences centre, announces 10 fully funded scholarships

The institute said the initiative aims to position student wellbeing alongside academic excellence and could serve as a national model for higher education institutions seeking integrated approaches to learning and mental health support.

2 min readChandigarhUpdated: Jan 6, 2026 08:12 PM IST

The ceremony was presided over by IIT-Ropar Director Rajeev Ahuja and attended by mental health researcher Dr Ishan Shivanand, Atharva Poundarik, head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, and cardiologist Dr Bindukumar Kansupada. (Source: X/ @iitrpr)

The IIT-Ropar Monday held the groundbreaking ceremony for the Dr Ishan Avdhoot Shivanand Centre for Yogic Sciences and Holistic Development, a new facility aimed at promoting holistic health, mental wellness and spiritual development on campus.

The proposed centre will house multipurpose halls for yoga, meditation, gymnastics, stress management programmes, mental health counselling and research collaborations focusing on holistic and non-pharmaceutical interventions. The institute said the initiative seeks to address rising mental health challenges among students in premier educational institutions through scientifically validated wellness practices.

Alongside the centre, the IIT-Ropar and Dr Shivanand jointly announced the Dr Ishan Shivanand Scholarship for Gifted Youth, under which 10 fully funded scholarships will be offered to students from underprivileged backgrounds. The scheme includes five undergraduate and five postgraduate scholarships covering full tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses and access to programmes at the wellness centre.

The institute said the initiative aims to position student wellbeing alongside academic excellence and could serve as a national model for higher education institutions seeking integrated approaches to learning and mental health support.

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