Leh : A one-month certified yoga instructor course commenced on Saturday at the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, drawing participation from aspiring trainers, including Indian Army personnel, in a programme aimed at strengthening physical endurance and mental resilience in high-altitude conditions.
The course was inaugurated by Brig. Ankush Thakur, Deputy General Officer Commanding, 3 Infantry Division, who highlighted the growing importance of structured yoga training for troops deployed in Ladakh’s demanding terrain. He noted that such initiatives play a vital role in maintaining psychological stability and physical fitness, adding that collaboration between the Army and the meditation centre is expected to expand further.
Among those present were Bhikkhu Sanghasena, founder and spiritual director of the centre; Dr. I. V. Basavaraddi, former director of the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga; and Mumbai-based instructor Rishika.
Outlining the structure of the programme, Bhikkhu Sanghasena said the training is designed to move beyond postures and techniques, focusing instead on yoga as a disciplined way of life rooted in awareness and service. Participants will undergo daily practice sessions, meditation and group reflection exercises intended to prepare them for instructional roles across diverse settings. He also indicated that the centre is being developed into a specialised yoga research facility suited to high-altitude environments.
Dr. Basavaraddi emphasised the preventive and therapeutic dimensions of yoga, particularly its effectiveness in managing stress and enhancing overall well-being. His mentorship, organisers said, offers participants an opportunity to engage with one of the country’s leading figures in yoga education.
Speakers reiterated that yoga training should foster individuals capable of contributing to social harmony and collective well-being. They also acknowledged the sustained efforts of Bhikkhu Sanghasena in establishing the centre as a hub for yoga and meditation in Ladakh.
Course materials were distributed during the inaugural session, and dignitaries were felicitated with traditional khataks. The next training cycle is scheduled for September–October 2026.
