Department of Yoga

Home » Schools » Spiritual & Cultural Studies, Amritapuri » Yoga

overview

The Department of Yoga at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham advances the science, philosophy, and practice of Yoga through a unique integration of traditional wisdom and modern research. Rooted in the teachings of Satguru Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma), the department brings together Yogic sciences, contemplative practices, cognitive research, and community outreach to foster holistic well-being.

We offer evidence-based Yoga education, teacher training, interdisciplinary collaborations, and outreach initiatives that bring the transformative power of Yoga to diverse populations around the world. The department is guided by Amma’s vision of “Education for Life,” integrating classical Yogic knowledge with contemporary scientific approaches for the upliftment of individuals and society.

Amrita Yoga®

Amrita Yoga® is a school of Classical Yoga rooted in Amma’s vision of awareness, compassion, and selfless service. Developed under the guidance of Brahmacharini Shobha, Amrita Yoga® emphasizes embodied awareness, heart-centered intention, and integrated well-being. Programs include foundational training, retreats, workshops, youth programs, corporate sessions, and certified teacher training. Amrita Yoga® is offered across India and internationally in universities, schools, communities, and Amma’s centers worldwide.

message from
the chancellor

Amma’s guidance forms the foundation of all Yoga programs at Amrita. Her message on the practice of Yoga highlights the importance of inner awareness, compassion, and balance as the basis for personal and social well-being.

To Know More About Amma

Vision

To be a global leader in integrated Yogic education, research, and compassionate service, fostering inner transformation and societal well-being.

Mission

To uphold authentic Yogic traditions through rigorous practice, pedagogy, and scholarship.
To strengthen interdisciplinary research linking Yoga with neuroscience, psychology, and health sciences.
To design accessible wellness programs for youth, women, vulnerable communities, and rural populations..
To nurture Yoga professionals grounded in awareness, compassion, and selfless service.

TEAM MEMBERS

Brahmacharini Shobha
(Ms. Shobana Pillai)
Director, Amrita Yoga®
Assistant Professor, Amrita School of Spiritual & Cultural Studies
Head, Department of Yoga – Amritapuri Campus

Brahmacharini Hemaa
Program Manager & Intermediate, Instructor, Department of Yoga, Amritapuri

Brahmacharini Aswathy
Program Coordinator & Intermediate Instructor, Department of Yoga, Amritapuri

Our Team

Academic Programs

Workshops & Special Programs

Mind–Body Integration Retreats
Yogic Contemplative Methods (Bhāvanā Practices)
Yoga for Cognitive Well-Being
Community Yoga for Schools & Institutions
Teacher Training & Professional Certification
Youth and Children’s Yoga Programs
Senior Wellness & Lifestyle Workshops

Research & Projects

Flagship Research Themes

Yoga Therapy and Health Outcomes
Contemplative Neuroscience & Cognitive Enhancement
Yogic Psychology & Inner Well-Being
Multisensory Integration in Yogic Practice
Meditation, Bhāvanā & Bio-signal Analytics
Yoga for Social Transformation & Community Well-Being

Community Outreach

Yoga training in Amrita Vidyalayam schools
Rural youth empowerment programs
Women’s holistic health and wellness initiatives
Yoga-based rehabilitation in prisons and police departments
IAM® meditation programs for underserved populations
Social impact programs under Sustainable Futures & Live-in-Labs®

More info »

HIGHLIGHTED PROJECTS

Yoga Mahotsav 2024 – 100-Day Countdown to IDY

Brahmacharini Shobha represented Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham at Yoga Mahotsav 2024 organized with the Ministry of AYUSH. The event brought together thousands for a large-scale celebration of Yogic practice and cultural harmony.
Read More

Amrita Yoga® Global Outreach
Initiative

Workshops, retreats, and teacher training delivered across Europe, USA, Australia, New Zealand, and India, reaching youth, women, colleges, underserved communities, and rehabilitation centers.

Stress Reduction & Cognitive Performance Study

A collaborative initiative evaluating IAM-35 and Amrita Yoga practices on cognition, neural markers, and stress reduction. Conducted with AIMS Kochi and interdisciplinary cognitive science researchers.

Yoga & IAM® Meditation Transformative Program for Prisoners

This initiative delivers Yoga and IAM® meditation programs across correctional institutions in India, supporting emotional resilience, behavioral transformation, and rehabilitation.
Program Overview | About the Initiative

International Collaborators &
External Experts

The Department of Yoga collaborates with distinguished professionals, medical experts, and academic researchers from leading global institutions. Their expertise in regulatory science, neurology, mental health, neuroscience, social sciences, and clinical practice strengthens the department’s interdisciplinary approach, evidence-based research, and international collaborations.

Dr. Glenn B. Mannheim, M. D.

Pediatric Neurologist; Psychiatry; Independent Regulatory Consultant; Former FDA, USA

Dr. Mannheim brings extensive clinical experience in pediatric neurology and psychiatry, alongside deep expertise in regulatory science from his tenure at the U.S. FDA. He supports the department’s initiatives in integrative health, safety standards, and evidence-based Yoga research frameworks.

Dr. Andrew Mosholder, M. D.

Medical Officer & Epidemiologist (Ret.), Former FDA, USA

Dr. Mosholder contributes decades of expertise in pharmacoepidemiology, psychopharmacology, antidepressant and ADHD medication safety, suicide risk evaluation, and public health analytics, enhancing interdisciplinary studies on Yoga, mental health, and well-being.

Prof. Miriam Reiner, Ph. D.

Director, VR NeuroCognition Lab, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology; CEO & Founder, NeuCogs Ltd., Israel

Prof. Reiner is a leading researcher in applied neuroscience, VR-based cognitive enhancement, and immersive learning technologies. Her work strengthens collaborative research on cognition, attention, and the neuroscientific dimensions of contemplative practices.

Dr. Holi Birman, Ph. D.

Person-Centered Counsellor & Psychotherapist; Trainer & Facilitator; Social Researcher, Australia

Dr. Birman is a social scientist and psychotherapist with expertise in health sociology, mental well-being, and community research. She contributes insight into psychosocial factors, contemplative practices, and holistic frameworks that complement Yoga-based wellness studies.

Dr. Ana Sujata Madariya, M. D.

Obstetrician–Gynecologist & Surgeon; Reliant Medical Group, USA

Dr. Madariya brings clinical experience in obstetrics, gynecology, and women’s health, supporting collaborative initiatives in holistic care, preventive health, and Yoga-informed wellness programs for women across different life stages.