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IQAC Science of Joyful Living

Science of Joyful Living

Title of the Practice:

The Science of Joyful Living: A Holistic and Experiential Approach to Well-being

Objectives of the Practice

  1. To cultivate holistic well-being by integrating body, breath, mind, and spirit.
  2. To address psychosomatic ailments and reduce stress through experiential learning.
  3. To foster clarity in decision-making, emotional resilience, and better interpersonal relationships.
  4. To internalize the teachings of H.H. Dr. Swami Rama and empower individuals to live joyful, purpose-driven lives.

The Context

Rooted in the timeless teachings of H.H. Dr. Swami Rama, particularly as expressed in his transformative work The Art of Joyful Living, the Science of Joyful Living (SOJL) workshop embodies a practical, experiential application of this wisdom. Swami Rama’s collaboration with American scientists in the 1970s helped bridge ancient yogic traditions with modern scientific understanding, laying the groundwork for a truly integrative health model.

At SRHU, this philosophy has been adapted into a structured program led by the Himalayan School of Yoga Sciences (HSYS). Through SOJL, the University offers a space for students, faculty, and staff to cultivate mindfulness, emotional resilience, and balanced living. It supports SRHU’s broader mission of nurturing compassionate, conscious individuals—particularly in healthcare—who can serve society with clarity, empathy, and purpose.

The Practice

Delivered as a structured, immersive workshop, SOJL is conducted across all levels—students, faculty, doctors, hospital staff, and administrative teams. It emphasizes a lifestyle-based, preventive approach aligned with national priorities on mental health and preventive care. The workshop combines lectures, multimedia presentations, and hands-on practicums.

Key Modules include

Introduction to the Science of Joyful Living

This foundational module introduces participants to the core philosophy and objectives of the Science of Joyful Living, rooted in the teachings of H.H. Dr. Swami Rama. It outlines the purpose of human life as freedom from pain, misery, and bondage and establishes the scientific and spiritual basis for self-transformation. Participants are introduced to the holistic framework of health—encompassing body, breath, mind, and spirit—and the practical potential of daily self-discipline and introspection.

Diet and Exercise

Yogic and Ayurvedic insights into nutrition, energy, and movement for sustained vitality.

This module emphasizes the role of proper nutrition and physical movement in maintaining holistic well-being. Based on yogic and Ayurvedic principles, participants explore the significance of sattvic (balanced and pure) food, mindful eating habits, and the timing of meals. Simple, adaptable exercise routines including yoga postures and yogic walking are demonstrated. The connection between food, prana (life energy), and mental clarity is highlighted.

Science of Breath

Yogic and Ayurvedic insights into nutrition, energy, and movement for sustained vitality.

This module emphasizes the role of proper nutrition and physical movement in maintaining holistic well-being. Based on yogic and Ayurvedic principles, participants explore the significance of sattvic (balanced and pure) food, mindful eating habits, and the timing of meals. Simple, adaptable exercise routines including yoga postures and yogic walking are demonstrated. The connection between food, prana (life energy), and mental clarity is highlighted.

Mind and the Psychosomatic Origins of Disease

Exploring mental patterns, suppressed emotions, and the science of healing from within.

This module explores how the mind directly influences physical health. Drawing upon scientific studies and yogic psychology, it demonstrates how suppressed emotions, chronic stress, and negative thought patterns can manifest as physical illnesses. Participants reflect on personal stressors and learn to recognize early mental triggers. Tools for self-regulation and mental hygiene are shared to prevent and manage psychosomatic disorders.

Four Primitive Fountains

Understanding and mastering basic urges (food, sleep, sex, self-preservation) for inner freedom.

An essential and unique part of Swami Rama’s teachings, this module covers the four basic urges or "primitive fountains": food, sleep, sex, and self-preservation. Participants learn how these natural drives, when unregulated, can dominate one's life and lead to imbalance. Through guided self-inquiry and discussion, they are taught how to observe and redirect these impulses consciously to enhance inner freedom and self-mastery.

Creative Use of Emotions

Developing emotional intelligence through reflection, breath awareness, and inner inquiry.

Emotions can be either disruptive or transformative. This module helps participants understand the energy behind emotions and how they can be constructively channelled. Techniques such as reflection, journaling, and breath regulation are introduced to navigate emotional highs and lows. The emphasis is on cultivating emotional intelligence, empathy, and self-compassion as tools for better relationships and improved mental well-being.

Meditation: What It Is and How to Do It

Introduction to practical meditation techniques used by Himalayan masters—focusing on internal silence and concentration.

The closing module demystifies meditation, moving beyond posture and ritual into the core experience of inner stillness. Participants are introduced to the philosophy of meditation, the stages of withdrawal of the senses (pratyahara), and concentration (dharana), leading toward meditation (dhyana). Simple yet profound practices are demonstrated, such as the 31 and 61-point relaxation techniques and guided visualization. The session closes with a group meditation practice and reflection.

Practices (Practicums)

  • Mindful Eating Practicum
  • Yoga Postures & Yogic Walk
  • Diaphragmatic & Alternate Nostril Breathing
  • 31-Point and 61-Point Relaxation
  • Systematic Relaxation & Guided Meditation

Speakers

S. NoSpeakerTitleTopics
1Dr. Vijay DhasmanaPresident, SRHU
  • Introduction to “Science of Joyful Living”
  • Mind & Psychosomatic Origins of Disease
  • Four Primitive Fountains
  • Creative Use of Emotions
2Dr. Renu DhasmanaHead Ophthalmology and Director Nursing, SRHUDiet and Exercise
3Dr. Vijendra Devi Singh ChauhanDirector General Academics, SRHUScience of Breath
4Dr. Prakash KeshaviahAdvisor - FinanceMeditation: What It Is and How to Do It

Evidence of Success

Following SOJL Programs have been conducted till date for the year 2024-2025 till date:

S. NoSOJL DateParticipantsTotal No.
130th & 31st August 2024Employees39
227th September 2024MBBS Students88
321st September 2024Yoga Students35
Clinical Psychology Students20
427th March 2025PG Students113

Problems Encountered and Resources Required

  1. Initial Resistance: Participants unfamiliar with yogic practices showed hesitation initially.
  2. Time Conflicts: Workshop scheduling had to be aligned with academic calendars.



Conclusion

The Science of Joyful Living is a living embodiment of SRHU’s founding ethos—to combine modern science with spiritual wisdom. It is not just a wellness initiative but a value-driven, replicable best practice that builds a compassionate, resilient, and purpose-aligned community. As a signature program of SRHU, it contributes to national missions on holistic health, preventive medicine, mental wellness, and character education.

Introduction to the Workshop

The Science of Joyful Living workshop is based on the teachings of H.H. Dr. Swami Rama. His pioneering experiments with American scientists in the early seventies laid the foundation to holistic approach in health and healing. Such workshops are conducted regularly for students, staff and faculty from time to time at Himalayan School of Yoga Sciences.

Swami Rama emphasized that the purpose of life is to be free from pain, misery and bondage. That much of our suffering is self-created and 70 – 80 percent diseases are psychosomatic which originate in the mind first. Research has proved that stress is a major cause of many illnesses like headaches, depression, anxiety, heart disease, high blood pressure, respiratory diseases and digestive disorders etc. and that harmony can be achieved through self discipline, healthy eating habits, yoga & meditation and creative use of emotions. Devoting a few minutes each day to such practices would help one to enhance communication skills, improve inter-personal relationships, sharpen decision-making and manage stress effectively.

This workshop is an endeavor to establish the concept of healthy mind & healthy body and helps in unlocking the hidden potentials, making us more creative and dynamic. The workshop consists of several inter-related modules where each module includes a lecture delivered using multi-media aids, a practicum and a slot for interaction with the faculty. It can be tailored into a one or two day workshop and can be customized to the requirements of a particular group or organization. The workshop comprises of the following interactive modules and practicum:
Interactive Modules Practicums
Introduction to “Science of Joyful Living” Eating Practicum
Diet & Exercise Yoga Postures
Science of Breath Yogic Walk
Mind & Psychosomatic Origins of Disease Diaphragmatic Breathing
Diet & Exercise Yoga Postures
Four Primitive Fountains Alternate Nostril Breathing
Creative Use of Emotions 31 Points Exercise
Diet & Exercise Yoga Postures
Meditation: “What it is & How to do it” 61 Points Exercise
Systematic Relaxation
Guided Meditation

The Science of Joyful Living Workshop is organized by the University on request for students and professionals, from other institutions and corporate. Individuals, Groups or Corporate desirous of organizing such workshops should send their queries to:
Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust
Swami Ram Nagar, P.O. Jolly Grant,
Phone: +91-135-2471133
Mail: pb@hihtindia.org

Introduction to the Workshop

The Science of Joyful Living workshop is based on the teachings of H.H. Dr. Swami Rama. His pioneering experiments with American scientists in the early seventies laid the foundation to holistic approach in health and healing. Such workshops are conducted regularly for students, staff and faculty from time to time at Himalayan School of Yoga Sciences.

Swami Rama emphasized that the purpose of life is to be free from pain, misery and bondage. That much of our suffering is self-created and 70 – 80 percent diseases are psychosomatic which originate in the mind first. Research has proved that stress is a major cause of many illnesses like headaches, depression, anxiety, heart disease, high blood pressure, respiratory diseases and digestive disorders etc. and that harmony can be achieved through self discipline, healthy eating habits, yoga & meditation and creative use of emotions. Devoting a few minutes each day to such practices would help one to enhance communication skills, improve inter-personal relationships, sharpen decision-making and manage stress effectively.

This workshop is an endeavor to establish the concept of healthy mind & healthy body and helps in unlocking the hidden potentials, making us more creative and dynamic. The workshop consists of several inter-related modules where each module includes a lecture delivered using multi-media aids, a practicum and a slot for interaction with the faculty. It can be tailored into a one or two day workshop and can be customized to the requirements of a particular group or organization. The workshop comprises of the following interactive modules and practicum:
Interactive Modules Practicums
Introduction to “Science of Joyful Living” Eating Practicum
Diet & Exercise Yoga Postures
Science of Breath Yogic Walk
Mind & Psychosomatic Origins of Disease Diaphragmatic Breathing
Diet & Exercise Yoga Postures
Four Primitive Fountains Alternate Nostril Breathing
Creative Use of Emotions 31 Points Exercise
Diet & Exercise Yoga Postures
Meditation: “What it is & How to do it” 61 Points Exercise
Systematic Relaxation
Guided Meditation

The Science of Joyful Living Workshop is organized by the University on request for students and professionals, from other institutions and corporate. Individuals, Groups or Corporate desirous of organizing such workshops should send their queries to:
Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust
Swami Ram Nagar, P.O. Jolly Grant,
Phone: +91-135-2471133
Mail: pb@hihtindia.org

Contact Us

Director IQAC

dir_iqac@srhu.edu.in
+91-135-2471151
   Admissions Form         

Admission Open For 2025

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Nursing Advisor at Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust

Dr. Kathleen M. McKeehan

Dr. Kathleen M. McKeehan is a highly regarded American nursing leader and researcher who has dedicated decades to advancing nursing education and clinical practices at the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust (HIHT) and Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) in Dehradun, India. Serving as the Nursing Advisor, she has been instrumental in shaping the Himalayan College of Nursing into a center of excellence, emphasizing the integration of compassionate care with modern medical technology.

Dr. McKeehan’s academic background is extensive, including a Ph.D. in nursing from the Case Western Reserve University and post-doctoral research at Ohio State University. Before her long-term commitment to the Himalayan Institute, she held prestigious academic positions, such as the Dorothy Rider Pool Professorship at Allentown College. Her research expertise spans oncology nursing, continuing education strategies, and innovation diffusion in healthcare settings.

At HIHT, she is a central figure in tradition and mentorship, often leading the symbolic Lamp Lighting and Oath Ceremony for new nursing students. Her work focuses on fostering a vibrant research culture and ensuring that nursing curricula meet international standards while remaining rooted in the visionary humanitarian principles of the institute's founder, H.H. Dr. Swami Rama.

Former Director, LBSNAA

Dr. Sanjeev Chopra (IAS Retd.)

Dr. Sanjeev Chopra (IAS Retd.) is a distinguished former Indian Administrative Service officer (1985 batch, West Bengal cadre), historian, and author. He is most widely recognised for his tenure as the Director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) from 2019 until his retirement in March 2021. Throughout his 36-year bureaucratic career, he served in high-profile roles, including Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of West Bengal and Secretary of Industrial Development in Uttarakhand.

Since retiring, Dr. Chopra has emerged as a prominent literary figure and public intellectual. He is the Founder and Festival Director of Valley of Words, an international literature and arts festival based in Dehradun. An acclaimed author, his works include We, the People of the States of Bharat: The Making and Remaking of India’s Internal Boundaries (2022) and The Great Conciliator: Lal Bahadur Shastri and the Transformation of India (2025).

He holds a PhD in Management and has been a fellow at prestigious institutions like Cornell University and the World Bank. Currently, he continues to contribute as a columnist for ThePrint and serves as a Senior Fellow in Contemporary History at the Prime Ministers' Memorial and Library.

FRSB, FRSB

Prof. Graham Roy Ball

Prof. Graham Roy Ball, FRSB, is a distinguished expert in bioinformatics and computational systems biology. He currently serves as a Professor at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), where he is the Director of the Medical Technology Research Centre. He also holds a significant role as the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of Intelligent OMICS Ltd, a company specializing in AI-driven biomedical discovery.

Prof. Ball's work focuses on applying Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and machine learning to solve complex biological problems. His research spans cancer systems biology, drug discovery, and the development of "molecular digital twins" for disease states. He is particularly noted for his work on the Nottingham Prognostic Index Plus (NPI+), a system that uses biomarkers to improve breast cancer patient stratification.

Before joining ARU, he was a Professor of Bioinformatics at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) for over two decades, where he led the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre’s biostatistics efforts. He has published more than 280 journal papers and holds multiple patents in the field of AI and omics data analysis. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (FRSB) and serves on the editorial boards of prominent journals like Proteomics.

Prof. & Researcher at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania

Dr. Vinay Nadkarni

Dr. Vinay Nadkarni, MD, MS, is a world-renowned leader in pediatric critical care and resuscitation science. He serves as a Professor and Endowed Chair at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. He is the founding director of the CHOP Academy for Resuscitation of Children and the Center for Simulation, Advanced Education and Innovation.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Nadkarni has served as President of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (2023-2024) and Co-Chair of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). His research focuses on advancing CPR quality, sepsis management, and pediatric life support, contributing to over 850 peer-reviewed publications. He has also been a key figure in global health initiatives, including the ABC Stop the Bleed program in India and missions with Operation Smile.

Dr. Nadkarni has received numerous accolades, such as the American Heart Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the AAP Distinguished Career Award. He continues to mentor over 150 clinician-scientists while leading international efforts to strengthen the "chain of survival" for critically ill children worldwide.

Former Director General, UCOST

Mr. Sudhir Chandra Nautiyal

Mr. Sudhir Chandra Nautiyal is a highly accomplished civil servant and technocrat who served an illustrious 29-year tenure in the Industries Department of the Government of Uttarakhand. While he is often associated with leadership in state councils, he is most distinguished for his role as the Director of Industries. During his service, he was instrumental in positioning Uttarakhand as a leader in the MSME and Startup sectors.

A leather technology engineer from HBTU Kanpur with a Master’s in Economics, Nautiyal’s career spanned the private sector, public sector banking, and the Ministry of MSME. He is credited with leading the state to secure the first position in the North India Geographical Indication (GI) festival in 2022, successfully promoting indigenous products like Munsiyari Rajma and Ringal Craft.

Currently, he serves as a member of the Pravasi Uttarakhandi Cell in the Chief Minister’s Office, where he continues to facilitate investment and entrepreneurship for the state’s diaspora. His proactive approach has made him a respected figure in Indian industrial circles, recently earning him recognition at the Raj Bhavan for his lifelong contributions.

Former Fellow University of Liverpool, United Kingdom

Prof. Prabhu Narayan Mishra

Prof. Prabhu Narayan Mishra is a renowned Management Guru and academician with over 40 years of experience in teaching, research, and consulting. He is particularly recognized for his tenure as a Fellow in the Department of Economics & Accounting at the University of Liverpool, UK, where he served from 1996 to 1997. His international academic footprint also includes serving as a Senior Visiting Faculty at Tulane University, USA.

In India, Prof. Mishra has held several prestigious positions, including Director of the Institute of Management Studies (IMS) and officiating Vice Chancellor of Devi Ahilya University, Indore. He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Allahabad and is widely known for pioneering the study of Indian Ethos in Management, blending ancient Vedic wisdom with modern business theories.

A prolific scholar, he has supervised numerous doctoral students and authored several books and research papers. Prof. Mishra is also a dedicated philanthropist, serving as the Founder President of organizations like the Shri Krishna Foundation and Utkarsha, which focus on spiritual wisdom and community development. His multifaceted career is marked by prestigious awards, including the Commonwealth Academic Staff Fellowship and the United Nations Fellowship.

Ex Director, National JALMA

Prof. Kiran Katoch

Prof. Kiran Katoch is a highly respected academic researcher and medical scientist who served as the Director of the National JALMA Institute for Leprosy and Other Mycobacterial Diseases (NJILOMD) in Agra. With over four decades of experience, she has been a leading figure in the research and treatment of leprosy and tuberculosis in India. Her work is characterized by a unique focus on bridging clinical medicine with laboratory research to improve patient outcomes in mycobacterial infections.

A prolific scientist, Prof. Katoch has authored or co-authored over 150 research publications in prestigious national and international journals. Her seminal contributions include studies on the efficacy of multidrug therapy (MDT) for leprosy and the investigation of cardiovascular involvement in leprosy patients. For her outstanding research, she was honored with the Dr. C. G. S. Iyer Oration Award in 1989.

Beyond her administrative and research roles, she has served as the Editor of the Indian Journal of Leprosy and the President of the Tuberculosis Association of India (TAI). Even after her tenure as Director, she remains active as an ICMR Distinguished Scientist Chair, continuing to advocate for integrated health systems and innovative research to solve local health challenges.

Executive-in-Residence, S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research

Mr. Prabhat Pani

Mr. Prabhat Pani is a distinguished corporate leader and academician with over 40 years of experience, currently serving as an Executive in Residence and Executive Director of the Centre for Impact in Sustainable Development at SPJIMR, Mumbai. An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, he began his career with the Tata Administrative Services (TAS) and has held numerous leadership roles across the Tata Group.

His corporate journey includes serving as the CEO of Ginger Hotels (Roots Corporation Ltd) and as the Executive Director of Taj SATS Air Catering. He also spent significant time in the telecom sector, holding senior roles at Tata Teleservices, Airtel, and BPL Cellular. Prior to his academic transition, he served as Head of Partnerships & Technology at Tata Trusts, where he led large-scale social impact initiatives.

At SPJIMR, Pani focuses on Sustainable Development and social sector interventions, bridging the gap between corporate efficiency and developmental needs. He is also a Senior Advisor at The Conference Board and continues to mentor social sector professionals. His work remains centered on building institutional capacity and leveraging technology for broad-based community impact.

Media Executive & Board Member, Times Group

Mr. A.P. Parigi

Mr. A.P. Parigi, is a veteran leader in the Indian media, entertainment, and telecommunications sectors with over 40 years of experience. He is most widely recognized as the Co-Founder of Radio Mirchi, where he served as the Managing Director and CEO of Entertainment Network India Ltd. (ENIL). Under his leadership, Radio Mirchi grew into India's largest private FM radio network, fundamentally changing the country's audio landscape.

Throughout his career, Parigi has held several high-profile roles, including Group CEO of Network18, CEO of BPL Mobile, and MD & CEO of Eros International Media. His strategic vision also spearheaded the Times Group’s entry into the Out-of-Home (OOH) media business. Beyond corporate leadership, he has served on the boards of major entities like Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd. (The Times of India) and has been an advisor to global institutions such as the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford.

An alumnus of the Delhi School of Economics and the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi, Parigi was the first non-American to receive the Rensselaer Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2009. Today, he continues to mentor next-generation leaders and advise organisations on growth, corporate governance, and digital transformation.

Former Director, IHBT

Dr. Sanjay Kumar

Dr. Sanjay Kumar, FNA, is a distinguished agricultural biotechnologist and the former Director of the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT). Currently, he serves as the Chairman of the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), where he oversees the selection of top-tier scientific talent for India’s agricultural research sector. His leadership is defined by a commitment to converting high-end biotechnology into sustainable livelihoods for farmers in the Himalayan region.

During his tenure at CSIR-IHBT, Dr. Kumar achieved major milestones, including the historic introduction of Heeng (asafoetida) and monk fruit cultivation in India. His research spans plant molecular biology and genomics, specifically focusing on how Himalayan flora adapts to extreme environments. A fellow of all three major Indian science academies (FNA, FNASc, and FNAAS), he has published over 120 research papers. His work continues to play a vital role in strengthening India's bio-economy and ensuring long-term food security through innovation.

Pro-Chancellor, Perdana University, Malaysia

Dr. Mohan Swami 

Dr. Mohan Swami is a distinguished physician, entrepreneur, and educational visionary who currently serves as the Pro-Chancellor of Perdana University, Malaysia. A graduate of Mysore University, India, he began his medical career in 1978. He initially gained prominence in Sabah, where he established the largest private medical group practice, laying the foundation for his extensive career in healthcare management and corporate leadership.

Dr. Swami is widely recognized as the driving force behind the establishment of Perdana University in 2011. Under his leadership, the institution launched as a landmark public-private partnership, collaborating with world-class entities like the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Beyond academia, he is the Executive Chairman of Chase Perdana Sdn Bhd and has held significant leadership roles in various multinational corporations across the healthcare, property, and hospitality sectors.

In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Swami is a deeply spiritual individual. He serves as the President of the AHYMSIN (Association of Himalayan Yoga Meditation Societies International) and Chancellor of Swami Rama Himalayan University. For his immense contributions to education and the Malaysian economy, he was conferred the title of Tan Sri. He also serves as the Honorary Consul of Botswana in Malaysia, bridging international relations through diplomacy and philanthropy.

Mahamandleshwar Juna Akhara

Swami Avdheshanand

Swami Avdheshanand is one of India’s most influential spiritual leaders and the Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Juna Akhara, the largest order of Hindu monks. Born on November 24, 1962, in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, he displayed a profound spiritual inclination from childhood. Seeking higher truths, he renounced worldly life at a young age to practice intense meditation and austerity as a hermit in the Himalayas.

His teachings are rooted in Advaita Vedanta, focusing on self-realization, universal brotherhood, and the harmony of all religions. Beyond his role as a monastic leader, he is a globally respected philosopher who has addressed the United Nations and the World Economic Forum, advocating for global peace and environmental sustainability.

As the founder of Prabhu Premi Sangh, he oversees extensive social welfare projects, including healthcare initiatives, educational programs for the underprivileged, and environmental conservation efforts like the "Green Kumbh." A prolific author and orator, his discourses reach millions via television and digital platforms. Known for his serene demeanor and intellectual depth, Swami Ji continues to bridge the gap between ancient Vedic wisdom and modern global challenges, guiding seekers toward a life of purpose and spiritual clarity.