NISR Seminar explores Yoga, Sowa Rigpa and integrative Medicine for better public health

Day 2 of International Festival of Yoga and Meditation 2026

LEH: The National Institute of Sowa Rigpa (NISR), Leh, hosted a significant seminar on “Integration of Yoga for Public Health” on the second day of the International Festival of Yoga and Meditation 2026, bringing together leading experts, healthcare professionals, educators, yoga practitioners, researchers, and delegates to discuss the role of traditional knowledge systems in advancing holistic healthcare, preventive medicine, mental wellness, and community well-being.

The seminar emphasized the growing relevance of integrating Yoga and Sowa Rigpa, the traditional Tibetan system of medicine, into modern public health frameworks. Speakers highlighted how traditional healing practices can complement contemporary healthcare systems and contribute to sustainable health outcomes, preventive healthcare, and overall wellness.

The programme began with a guided tour of the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa, including its renowned museum that showcases the history, evolution, and heritage of traditional medicine systems. Participants gained valuable insights into Ladakh’s centuries-old healing traditions before attending the seminar sessions.

Welcoming the participants, Dr. Padma Gurmet highlighted the importance of the International Festival of Yoga and Meditation, describing it as one of Ladakh’s premier annual wellness events that has witnessed steadily increasing participation over the past seven years. He appreciated the government’s efforts to promote Yoga as a powerful tool for physical health, mental well-being, and preventive healthcare while emphasizing the global potential of Sowa Rigpa.

Dr. Gurmet noted that the integration of Yoga and Sowa Rigpa medicine presents a unique opportunity to strengthen holistic healthcare systems and address emerging public health challenges. He stressed that traditional healing sciences are increasingly gaining recognition for their role in improving public health outcomes and promoting sustainable wellness.

The seminar featured a series of expert presentations on mental health, emotional resilience, integrative medicine, and traditional wellness systems.

Ms. Shalini Mundada, educator, mentor, and wellness advocate, delivered a presentation on “Building Emotional Resilience Through Yoga.” Addressing the growing mental health challenges among students and youth, she explained how yogic practices promote mindfulness, emotional balance, concentration, and self-awareness. Describing meditation as a “gym for the mind,” she encouraged participants to adopt Yoga as a daily practice for personal growth and psychological well-being.

Speaking on “Emotional Fitness: A Skill for the Future,” Ms. Rishika Sangwan, Yoga Teacher from the Yoga Institute, Mumbai, highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and resilience in coping with the pressures of modern life. She observed that Yoga equips individuals with practical tools to regulate emotions, foster positive behavioural changes, and lead healthier lifestyles.

A major highlight of the seminar was the presentation by Prof. Tsering Thakchoe Drungtso, Professor of Sowa Rigpa, on “Integration of Yoga with Sowa Rigpa.” He introduced participants to the concept of Buddhist Yoga and explained its deep-rooted connection with the Sowa Rigpa medical tradition. Elaborating on the shared principles of these ancient knowledge systems, he stated that both emphasize harmony between body, mind, and spirit as the foundation of health, healing, and well-being.

Prof. Thakchoe also acknowledged the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in promoting Yoga on the global stage and noted that within Buddhist traditions, Yoga serves not only as a physical discipline but also as a pathway to mental clarity, spiritual growth, and inner transformation.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Ishwar V. Basavaraddi, former Director of the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, on “Integrative Medicine for the 21st Century: The Role of Yoga in Holistic Health and Well-being.” He highlighted the growing global acceptance of integrative medicine and cited scientific evidence supporting Yoga as an effective intervention for preventive and promotive healthcare. He emphasized that combining modern medicine with traditional wellness practices can contribute significantly to healthier and more resilient societies.

Adding a spiritual perspective to the discussions, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder President of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, spoke about meditation, compassion, and inner peace. He emphasized that compassion should remain central to healthcare systems and described Yoga and meditation as transformative tools for healing, resilience, mental wellness, and social harmony.

The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Sh. Gopal Sharma, Yoga Therapist at NISR, who expressed gratitude to all speakers, participants, collaborating institutions, and organizers for contributing to the success of the event.

The programme ended with a high tea hosted by NISR, providing participants with an opportunity for networking, interaction, and exchange of ideas. The seminar reinforced Ladakh’s growing reputation as a hub for Yoga, Sowa Rigpa, traditional medicine, holistic wellness, meditation, and integrative healthcare, while highlighting the immense potential of Yoga–Sowa Rigpa integration in building healthier and more resilient communities.