KAIVALYADHAMA LONAVLA :
With the goal of restructuring society around spiritual values through a revival of the ancient Yogic discipline, Swami Kuvalyananda established the Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute on Vijaydashami day 1924, at Lonavla.

One of the first things that he undertook to do was bringing out “Yoga Mimamsa”, a Yogic Journal. Publication of Yoga Mimamsa was a pioneering step taken towards demystifying Yoga. Hitherto considered sacred and only for a chosen few, Yoga was presented now presented as a science. The journal managed to successfully bridge the gap between the spiritual and physical aspects of Yoga. The impact was soon felt and an enthusiastic team of people, dedicated to Yogic research, soon joined Swamiji, which finally led to a separate research wing named, Shriman Madhav Yoga Mandir Samiti. Making available to people the results of practical research undertaken in text form was the goal and it has been and continues to be effectively achieved.

As the work gained momentum, it gained recognition too. People now wanted to learn Yoga and groups of students started coming and learning the various Yogic practices which inevitably led to the foundation of a full fledged institute by the name of Gordhandas Seksaria College of Yoga & Cultural Synthesis in 1950. A systematic program was introduced, wherein able teachers effectively imparted the theoretical and practical aspects of Yoga.

Along with the spiritual and physical culturists, a number of patients suffering from various psychosomatic diseases started coming to Kaivalyadhama. The Rugna Seva Mandir was established to look after their therapeutic needs. In 1961, this turned into the Amolak Devi Tirathram Gupta Yogic Hospital, a first ever hospital of its kind in India, devoted exclusively to the treatment of chronic functional disorders through Yoga.

As the demand arose from other places, branches have been established in Mumbai, Rajkot, Delhi, Bhopal, Ahmedabad, USA and France.

It is no exaggeration to say that scientific Yoga is the largest contribution of Swami Kuvalyananda to the world and that Kaivalyadhama is the embodiment of that pursuit. When Swamiji set about in his quest for perfection, he was conscious of the fact that it was an arduous task and difficult goal to achieve. We do not claim that perfection has been achieved by Kaivalyadhama, but no one can decry it either as a house of imperfection. 75 years of existence is a testimony to its successful functioning. In its own way, it is a landmark in the field of Yoga and Indian culture.

INTRODUCTION TO THE SCHEME :
The scheme is formulated with a intention of introducing Yoga at the school level, so that it becomes part of the education from a very young age. The scheme covers batches of 30 teachers to be given in house training at Kaivalyadhama Lonavla, with the intention that the teachers thus trained will introduce the same in the schools and will continue as the resource persons without any additional burden to the school. The Yoga training also benefits the teachers themselves, both physically and psychologically.

TOTAL NUMBER OF BATCHES TRAINED :
FIRST PHASE : Six Batches
SECOND PHASE : Six Batches

REPORT OF THE FEEDBACK QUESTIONNAIRE FOR BMC & PMC TEACHERS :
Feedback on different aspects was taken from the Teachers who were trained under the scheme of promotion of Yoga in schools. The presentation is denoted in percentile.

As we can see the scores are good. Large number of teachers have given the feedback that they have high confidence in teaching Yoga. Large number receives positive response from the head of the schools. However as expected the schools lack in the facilities for imparting Yoga training.

Overall personal motivation of most of the teachers who have given the feedback is high and such we can conclude that they are trying to implement Yoga at their schools.

SALIENT FEATURES OF THE SCHEME AT KAIVALYADHAMA:
Syllabus : The syllabus framed by the institute has a wide focus with practical approach. It deals with transfer of knowledge to trainees about

a) What is Yoga, its philosophy?
b) Research conducted in Yoga with specific emphasis on benefits to the students.
c) Training in the art of imparting Yoga education, a methodology derived after research.
d) Yoga and value education.
e) Orientation of the teachers in child psychology .
f) Practice of asana, Pranayama and dhyan.
DURATION :
The Yoga Training is for a period of one month. Six days a week, and Sunday is a holiday. No other holidays are permitted during the training. If there are national holidays then the number of days will be added to the training period.

COST :
The scheme is FREE of cost to the teachers or the deputing institutes/agencies. It is sponsored by the Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India.

REQUIREMENTS :
The teachers should carry

a) Their personal belongings.

b) A plate, spoon, glass etc.

c) Bed sheet.

The institute will provide:

a) Lodging facilities i.e. dormitory to stay, mattress and blankets.

b) Simple vegetarian meals,

c) Study material.

d) Travel allowance up to Rs.1000/- per teacher for travel..

REPORTS OF PAST TRAINING :
The Govt. of Maharashra has shown keen interest in training its teachers in Yoga. If the scheme is continued the institute will be able to cover large number Govt. schools in Maharashtra. The state Govt. issues resolutions vide

i) The Secretary, Department of School Education.

ii) The Secretary Urban Development, for the Schools of various Municipal Councils through out the state of Maharashtra,

iii) The Brhahnmumbai Municipal Corporation.

iv) The Pune Municipal Corporation.

v) The Director of Social Welfare Department, in which we even trained physically challenged teachers, and others who can impart Yoga training for physically and mentally challenged students.

S.No	QUESTIONS	BMC	PMC
1	Yoga Training at Kaivalyadhama	100	100
2	Confidence in teaching Yoga	100	82.5
3	Sent on deputation to K'dhama	92	90
4	Principal's encouragemnet to teach Yoga	92	95
5	Satisfactory facilities to teach Yoga	52	60
6	Opportunities to teach Yoga in school	96	77.5
7	Teaching other subjects also	56	95
8	Is Yoga compulsory in school	56	47.5
9	Yoga classes in school hours	96	82.5
10	Audio-Visual aids & space for Teaching Yoga	24	62.5
11	Interest created by other means	84	77.5
12	Daily Self practice by teacher	68	80

DATES FOR THE TRAINING PROGRAMMES

15TH JUNE TO 14TH JULY 2007
15TH JULY TO 14TH AUGUST 2007
20TH AUGUST TO 19TH SEPT 2007

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