HYDERABAD: This International Yoga Day, may be the State government can ponder over starting a course in Yoga in at least one of the universities in Hyderabad or in other districts. There are 25 universities, State government, Central government and private in the country, which offer various courses in Yoga. But, none of them exists in Telangana.
Around 25 universities in the country offer courses varying from certificate courses of few months duration to teacher training course, under graduation, post-graduation and one year PG diploma in Yoga.
A full-fledged PG course apart from certificate course is being offered in Andhra University at Visakhapatnam. Yoga and Consciousness department was established in 1985 which offers certificate course, PG diploma, two-year masters course and even PhD apart from conducting research projects in Yoga. But, Hyderabad does not even have any nationally or internationally renowned private Yoga institute as well. As a result, if someone from Hyderabad is interested in pursuing a career in Yoga, the only option is to migrate to some other state.
When contacted, Prof TV Ananda Rao, Professor & Director, Yoga and Consciousness department, Andhra University said, “Although private institutions offer various Yoga courses, but a university course has more value. Moreover, examiners from other universities are invited for better scrutiny and Yoga education is provided as per a well-developed curriculum.” He further said “Our students have opened Yoga institutes in India and even in countries like China, Hong Kong and few Southeast Asian countries.”
When a university starts a Yoga course it does not remain restricted to its students but others in society can also benefit. For example, Andhra University has an extension centre which imparts Yoga coaching to close to 300-500 people daily, Ananda Rao said.
Prof LB Laxmikanth Rathod, Principal, University College of Physical Education, Osmania University said, “Presently we have a paper on Yoga in the physical education curriculum. However, not just students of physical education but even those interested in learning Yoga will benefit if the university starts some course in Yoga,” he said.