Using Yoga And Meditation To Address Covid-19 Related Health Issues: Union Govt Invites Proposals For Studies

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the union government has invited concept notes on potential interventions possible using yoga and meditation in fighting Covid-19.

The invitation for proposals under the Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation (SATYAM) programme wants ideas that will help improve immunity, improve the health of the respiratory system, identify interventions that will help overcome respiratory disorders.

Apart from these the proposals may also cover addressing mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression-related issues due to isolation and uncertainty brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic.

“The aim of this special call is to provide assistance to our society in today's critical condition arising due to pandemic COVID-19. Since, this is a need based call, therefore, proposed work should be completed within 6-12 months”, the call for proposals said.

"...but this has to be scientifically investigated. Sometimes, there is an empirical co-relation in something you do and something you see as an outcome, but you have to understand that scientifically", DST Secretary Ashutosh Sharma is quoted by the Press Trust Of India (PTI) as saying.