Bureau of Indian Standards, Madurai as a part of Standards Promotion Activity conducted Manak Manthan – Discussion on Indian Standard IS 17913:2022 “Yoga Centre - Service Requirements” at The Gandhigram Rural Institute (DTBU), Gandhigram, Dindigul on 24 November 2023. The meeting was held in hybrid mode and 35 Yoga professionals, Members of Dindigul District Yoga association, Directors of Yoga centre, Yoga Teachers, Professors & Students of Yoga discipline from Gandhigram Rural Institute & Brahmakumaris participated in the discussion.

Yoga is a system of holistic living, having the roots in Indian tradition and culture. Although, Yoga is a spiritual tradition, the techniques of Yoga are being widely used for meeting the changing healthcare needs and wellness of mankind in present scenario. Therefore, Yoga has attracted global attention in recent years. The awareness about yogic practices is increasing among people from different walks of life, not only for promotion of health and wellness but also for the management of various diseases and disorders.

Many Yoga experts and medical professionals have been advocating yogic lifestyle for the prevention and management of stress induced, psychosomatic and lifestyle related disorders. It is felt that the Yoga facility should be propagated at a mass level adhering to the classical knowledge, so that people can derive maximum benefits. There are several Yoga centres functioning in the country at their own styles and patterns. With the increasing popularity of Yoga learning among the people, an Indian Standard for Yoga centres which forms the benchmark for services being provided has become inevitable. BIS has formulated this Indian Standard to guide these Yoga Centres to the minimum requirements to be included in the centres.

Shri S. D. Dayanand, Senior Director and Head, Bureau of India Standards, Madurai presented the welcome address and explained the program objectives. He informed the participants about the Sustainable Development Goals and Indian Standards being developed keeping in mind these Goals. He invited the participants to give their comments on the Indian Standard.

Dr. L. Rathakrishnan, Registrar, The Gandhigram Rural Institute, Dindugal delivered the Keynote address and shed light on the broader implications of the standards in the context of well-being and societal health.

Dr. R. Mani, Dean In-charge, School of Social Sciences, The Gandhigram Rural Institute, Dr. C. Sugumar, Director of Physical Education and Sports, The Gandhigram Rural Institute and Dr. T. Ravichandran, Assistant Professor, The Gandhigram Rural Institute also honoured the occasion.

An in-depth presentation on the salient features of IS 17913:2022 was presented by Smt. Hemalatha P Panicker, Joint Director, BIS, Madurai, and Shri D. Santhosh, Deputy Director of BIS, New Delhi. Their expertise guided through the intricacies of the standards and their practical implications.

After the presentation a detailed open house discussion was held and queries regarding the standards were clarified. Participants were also requested to send comments and technical queries related to the Indian Standard towards improvement of the Indian Standard.

During open House discussions, Shri S. K. Kanogia, Senior Director & Head, Service Sector Department clarified on the queries of the participants. He further informed that BIS can also consider certification of Yoga Centres if sufficient queries are generated. He however appealed to Yoga Centres to follow the requirements specified in this Standard.

Smt. Hemalatha P Panicker, Joint Director, BIS, Madurai delivered the vote of thanks.

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