National Institute of Sowa Rigpa Leh introduces 400-hour Yoga Wellness Instructor Certificate Course

Leh: In a step towards expanding yoga-based wellness education in the Himalayan region, the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR), Leh, has launched the first-ever Yoga Wellness Instructor Certificate Course in Ladakh.

The three-month, 400-hour programme is aimed at developing trained yoga instructors and promoting holistic health and well-being through structured yoga education.

The course is being conducted jointly by the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR), Leh, and the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi, in accordance with the curriculum and guidelines prescribed by MDNIY.

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The programme was inaugurated by Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Prime Minister Yoga Awardee and Founder President of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC). Dr. Tashi Thinlas, Director, Department of AYUSH, Health and Medical Education, Union Territory of Ladakh, attended the event as the Guest of Honour, while Dr. Padma Gurmet, Director of NISR, presided over the inaugural session, reports Jharkhand State News.

Addressing the participants, Dr. Padma Gurmet congratulated the first batch of trainees and encouraged them to actively engage in both the theoretical and practical components of the programme. He also acknowledged the contribution of Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena in promoting yoga and meditation in Ladakh and reaffirmed the institute's commitment to advancing traditional health systems and wellness practices.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Tashi Thinlas highlighted the growing importance of integrating modern medicine, traditional medicine, and yoga to support comprehensive healthcare. He also spoke about the increasing scope for trained yoga therapists in Ladakh and noted plans to incorporate yoga more extensively within the Union Territory's health sector.

Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena described yoga as a practice that supports physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. He encouraged participants to pursue the course with dedication and invited students and faculty members to visit the Mahabodhi Meditation Centre during the training, emphasising the complementary role of yoga and meditation.

Earlier, Shri Gopal Sharma, Course Coordinator, briefed participants on the programme schedule and operational guidelines. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms Dolma Tsering, formally marking the commencement of the three-month Yoga Wellness Instructor Certificate Course for the newly enrolled participants.

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