Manipur University inaugurated a two-day national seminar on “Cognitive Readiness and Social Cohesion – Yoga as a Tool for Human Security in India's Frontier Region” at the Vice-Chancellor's Court Hall, Canchipur, on Thursday. Jointly organised by the Departments of Yoga and National Security Studies, the seminar brings together scholars, researchers and practitioners to examine how yoga can contribute to mental preparedness, emotional resilience, social harmony and a broader understanding of human security, particularly in the context of Manipur and the Northeastern region.

The seminar is sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research–North Eastern Regional Centre (ICSSR-NERC), Shillong, and Bank of Baroda. Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh, Vice-Chancellor (in-charge), Manipur University, attended the inaugural function as Chief Guest, while Prof. A. Rajmani Singha, Director, Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), Manipur University, was the Guest of Honour. Lt. Gen. Dr. Konsam Himalay Singh (Retd.), Visiting Scholar, Department of National Security Studies, presided over the function.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh emphasised the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in higher education and encouraged academic departments to work together in developing programmes that respond to emerging social challenges. Appreciating the joint initiative of the two departments, he observed that universities must look beyond conventional disciplinary boundaries and create opportunities for students to acquire knowledge and skills from different fields. He stressed that academic discussions should not remain confined to understanding past and present circumstances but should also identify future directions for education and society. Drawing an analogy from chemistry, he described a chemical bond as two hands joining together, symbolising cooperation and the continuous sharing of knowledge.

The Vice-Chancellor encouraged the organisers to explore the possibility of translating the seminar's academic discussions into future curriculum development and multidisciplinary learning opportunities. He also urged young participants to interact closely with experts, raise questions and make full use of the knowledge available through the seminar. He observed that meaningful academic engagement required students not merely to listen but also to think independently, exchange ideas and develop intellectual curiosity.

Speaking as Guest of Honour, Prof. A. Rajmani Singha described the seminar's theme as particularly relevant to the present circumstances of Manipur, where prolonged conflict has placed considerable strain on relationships between communities. Referring to the social disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent years of conflict, he observed that rebuilding trust, mutual understanding and social cohesion had become an urgent necessity. He explained that cognitive readiness involved the capacity to adapt, respond to changing circumstances and continue functioning effectively under difficult conditions, while social cohesion required individuals and communities to develop respect, empathy and a willingness to live together.

Prof. Rajmani maintained that human security should not be understood merely in terms of border protection but must also include the psychological well-being, dignity and relationships of individuals within society. He highlighted the importance of life skills such as self-awareness, effective communication, empathy, interpersonal relationships, critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making and the ability to manage emotions and stress. He observed that yoga could serve as a complementary tool in developing concentration, emotional regulation, mental calmness and thoughtful decision-making, all of which were important for responding rationally to external pressures.

Drawing attention to youth development, Prof. Rajmani also stressed the need for a comprehensive State Youth Policy in Manipur. Referring to his earlier experience with the National Service Scheme and youth-related policy initiatives, he expressed concern over the inadequacy of a dedicated policy framework to guide young people towards meaningful educational, professional and social opportunities. He maintained that youth development should extend beyond career preparation to include the ability to coexist peacefully with others, participate constructively in society and contribute to social harmony. A comprehensive youth policy, he suggested, could help provide clearer directions for skill development, career opportunities and the integration of young people into the wider national mainstream.

Presiding over the function, Lt. Gen. Dr. Konsam Himalay Singh (Retd.) emphasised that yoga should not be regarded merely as a religious practice or confined to breathing exercises and physical postures. He described it as a discipline that brings the mind, body and inner strength into harmony, enabling individuals to develop greater control over their thoughts and actions. Referring to his experience during the Kargil War, he recalled practising pranayama while serving at altitudes of approximately 18,000 to 19,000 feet, where oxygen availability posed a serious challenge. What began as a practical necessity, he explained, gradually helped him recognise the deeper relationship between physical endurance, mental discipline and an understanding of human needs.

Explaining the relevance of the seminar's theme to India's frontier regions, Lt. Gen. Himalay observed that the Northeast, particularly Manipur, faced complex social tensions shaped by historical circumstances and longstanding governance challenges. He maintained that education alone would not necessarily overcome social divisions unless accompanied by an understanding of human needs, compassion and mutual respect. He suggested that yoga, together with a broader understanding of human security, could contribute to the gradual restoration of social cohesion, although such a transformation would require sustained efforts rather than immediate solutions.

He further highlighted the relevance of yogic practices to leadership and decision-making, observing that individuals occupying positions of responsibility also required mental clarity, emotional balance and inner strength when confronting difficult situations. Referring to empathy and compassion as essential human qualities, he stressed that meaningful social cohesion must begin with the ability of individuals to harmonise their thoughts, emotions and actions before these qualities can be reflected in wider society.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Subhan T. Jadhav, Assistant Professor, Department of National Security Studies, Manipur University, raised a fundamental question about whether yoga could become a complementary tool for strengthening human security. He observed that the question deserved serious academic discussion and in-depth research, particularly at a time when the understanding of security was expanding beyond conventional military and territorial considerations. He explained that the seminar was structured around four major components: research paper presentations, poster presentations, exhibitions and practical yoga sessions.

Dr. Jadhav informed the gathering that the organisers had received 68 research papers, including 30 related to National Security Studies and 38 concerning Yoga. He said the response reflected the interdisciplinary nature of the seminar and provided an opportunity to connect two important areas of knowledge. Emphasising the relationship between academic research, policy and practical experience, he observed that meaningful progress required researchers and practitioners to engage with one another, with research informing policy and policy remaining grounded in reality.

Earlier, Dr. Md. Samir Hussain, Guest Faculty, Department of National Security Studies, Manipur University, delivered the welcome address. The inaugural programme included the ceremonial lighting of the candle and the release of the Book of Abstracts. Dr. I. Yaipharemba Singh, Head (in-charge), Department of National Security Studies, Manipur University, proposed the vote of thanks.

The academic programme also featured special lectures by Lt. Gen. Dr. Konsam Himalay Singh (Retd.) and Dr. Mantu Saha, former Scientist F, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, the latter participating online. The seminar will continue on October 9 with further academic deliberations and activities exploring the relationship between yoga, cognitive readiness, social cohesion and human security.

The two-day programme seeks to encourage interdisciplinary research and academic cooperation while examining how the principles and practices of yoga can contribute to individual resilience, responsible leadership and stronger social relationships in India's frontier regions.

 

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