New Delhi : HL July 27, 2026
The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi, has strengthened its outreach in yoga education by launching a three-month (400-hour) Yoga Wellness Instructor Certificate Course in Leh in collaboration with the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR). The programme marks the first structured Yoga Wellness Instructor training initiative of its kind in Ladakh and is being conducted as per MDNIY’s academic guidelines.
The course was inaugurated by Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Prime Minister Yoga Award recipient and Founder President of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC). Dr. Tashi Thinlas, Director, Department of Ayush, Health and Medical Education, UT Ladakh, attended as the Guest of Honour, while Dr. Padma Gurmet, Director of NISR, presided over the ceremony.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Padma Gurmet welcomed the first batch of trainees and described the programme as a milestone for yoga education in Ladakh. He urged students to make the most of the opportunity by actively participating in both theoretical and practical sessions. He also acknowledged the contribution of Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena in promoting yoga and meditation across the region and reaffirmed NISR’s commitment to strengthening traditional healthcare systems.
Dr. Tashi Thinlas said the initiative reflects the growing importance of integrating modern medicine, traditional healing systems and yoga to promote holistic healthcare. He noted that trained yoga professionals could play an important role in preventive healthcare and wellness services in the Union Territory and expressed confidence that the programme would create new opportunities for aspiring yoga instructors.
Delivering the keynote address, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena described yoga as a complete way of life that nurtures physical fitness, mental peace and spiritual well-being. He encouraged participants to pursue the training with dedication and invited them to visit the Mahabodhi Meditation Centre during the course, emphasizing that yoga and meditation complement each other.
The inaugural session also included an orientation on the course curriculum and schedule by Course Coordinator Gopal Sharma, while Dolma Tsering delivered the vote of thanks. With the launch of the programme, MDNIY has expanded its efforts to develop qualified yoga wellness instructors and promote evidence-based yoga education in the Himalayan region.
