IIT Ropar establishes Dr. Ishan Avadhoot Shivanand Hall dedicated to Yogic Sciences
3 min read
By Surbhi Khichi
Ropar, (Punjab): Science-based Indian knowledge traditions received a new impetus today at IIT Ropar with three landmark initiatives led by Dr. Ishan Shivanand.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar, in collaboration with Dr. Ishan Shivanand, a renowned global mental health researcher, founder of Yoga of Immortals (YOI), and Adjunct Faculty at IIT Ropar’s Centre of Excellence for Holistic Wellbeing, organized several significant academic and institutional programs. The primary objective is to formally integrate evidence-based Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into modern higher education, research, and student welfare.
RISE Program: Building mental resilience in students
The current phase of the RISE (Resilience in Students Everyday) program, designed and conducted by Dr. Ishan Shivanand, concluded today with a Faculty Leadership Meet, reviewing its outcomes and impact. This advanced mental resilience training program has reached over 25,000 students across various institutions, including IIT Ropar.
The program addresses issues such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Students practiced evidence-based breathing, mindfulness, and visualization techniques in weekly structured sessions, aiming to develop mindfulness as a practical and measurable life skill. This initiative is a cornerstone in building emotionally intelligent, resilient, and self-aware students in a high-pressure academic environment.
Inauguration of Dr. Ishan Avadhoot Shivanand Hall of Yogic Sciences and Holistic Development
The Director of IIT Ropar, Professor Rajeev Ahuja, presided over the groundbreaking and inauguration ceremony of the Dr. Ishan Avadhoot Shivanand Hall of Yogic Sciences and Holistic Development.
This center will serve as a dedicated research and innovation hub focused on mental health and holistic well-being. The main objective is to scientifically validate ancient Indian yogic and meditative sciences and align them with modern research methodologies, with a particular emphasis on developing low-cost, scalable, and evidence-based mental health solutions to benefit the wider society.
Launch of Dr. Ishan Avadhoot Shivanand Scholarship
Further strengthening his long-standing commitment to research and inclusion, Dr. Ishan has launched a merit-based scholarship program.
Under this program, 10 outstanding undergraduate students each year—primarily from underprivileged backgrounds—will be supported for research and innovation in the fields of mental health, yogic sciences, cognitive science, and holistic well-being. The scholarship aims to cultivate future scholars who can bridge the gap between India’s civilizational knowledge traditions and contemporary scientific research.
Who is Dr. Ishan Shivanand?
Dr. Ishan Shivanand is an internationally renowned mental health researcher, professor, and yogic scholar. He is the founder of Yoga of Immortals (YOI), an evidence-based, non-pharmacological mental resilience and meditation protocol. His work connects ancient meditative traditions with modern psychology and neuroscience.
His research has been conducted at Rutgers University and presented at leading Ivy League institutions worldwide, including Harvard and Stanford. Rooted in rigorous academic research and vibrant yogic tradition, his approach integrates breathwork, meditation, and mindfulness into scalable frameworks for mental health, resilience, and performance—whether in healthcare, education, or professional settings.
His international bestseller book, The Practice of Immortality—published by prestigious publishers such as Hachette Book Group and Penguin Random House—is available in 4 languages in over 15 countries. With a deep commitment to youth welfare, Dr. Shivanand has directly impacted over 25,000 students across various institutions, including IIT Ropar, Bharati Vidyapeeth, and Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences.
