PUNE: The ministry of science and technology has launched a new programme called SATYAM-”Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation”.

The programme is launched to strengthen research in the areas of yoga and meditation. An objective of SATYAM is to harness knowledge obtained in academic institutions and other related agencies for finding Science and Technology -led solutions that would enable us to cope with stress and strain associated with fast changing social, economic, environmental and professional circumstances.

The press statement issued by the ministry states that cutting-edge research under SATYAM will seek to identify various issues and challenges related to human well-being and address them. The programme will encourage research in two major thematic areas like investigations on the effect of Yoga and meditation on physical and mental health, and investigations on the effect of Yoga and meditation on the body, brain and mind in terms of basic processes occurring therein.

Given the ever increasing prevalence of physical and mental health problems, the holistic approach of Yoga and meditation is believed to have the potential to find beneficial treatment that is relatively safer and more cost-effective.

The government has decided to introduce Yoga in various sectors and also asked the state government to promote yoga.