Jalandhar college introduces lateral entry for MSc Yoga
Yoga is steadily gaining momentum among the youth and to cater to this growing interest, Government Arts and Sports College, Jalandhar, has taken a significant step by introducing lateral entry for its MSc Yoga programme this academic session.
Students who have completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Yoga will now have the opportunity to directly join the second year of the two-year MSc Yoga course. Classes for the programme will commence on July 21.
The college had first launched the MSc Yoga programme last year with the aim of integrating the ancient Indian practice into formal sports education. While the initial admissions were modest, authorities are optimistic that this year’s response will be much better due to the increasing awareness about the numerous benefits of yoga among young people.
“Yoga is gaining popularity among the youth,” said Dr Ranbir Singh, Principal of Government Arts and Sports College. “With stress levels and depression becoming common, yoga and meditation are increasingly being seen as effective solutions. It also provides relief from various physical ailments and several areas are choosing it as their career option.”
The eligibility criteria for the Postgraduate Diploma in Yoga require a minimum of 50 per cent marks in graduation. Those who successfully complete the diploma will now be eligible for lateral entry into the second year of the MSc Yoga programme. This new system is designed to encourage more students to pursue higher studies in the field.
The college recently hosted the 79th day of Yogotsav, an event titled “Countdown 100 to International Day of Yoga,” with support from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. Coaches from the Punjab Sports Department, along with around 500 students from schools and colleges in Jalandhar, attended the early morning event.
Following the yoga session, an academic seminar was held where Dr Nidheesh Kumar Yadav, Associate Professor and Head of the Department at the Yogananda School of Spirituality and Happiness, Shoolini University, delivered a keynote address on the topic, “Yoga for one earth, one health.”
Founded in 1961 by then-Chief Minister Partap Singh Kairon, Government Arts and Sports College holds the distinction of being the first sports college in Asia and has played a key role in establishing Punjab as a powerhouse in sports. The late Olympian Som Nath was its founding principal and over the years, many notable figures have contributed to the college’s success. Its alumni include legendary hockey players like Surjit Singh and Harcharan Singh (Flying Eagle) and champion athletes such as Ishar Singh Deol and Jagdeep Singh.
As yoga moves beyond traditional spaces and integrates into academic and professional domains, institutions like Government Arts and Sports College are bridging the gap between ancient wellness practices and modern education.
The introduction of lateral entry into the MSc Yoga programme not only allows for academic advancement but also addresses the growing demand for qualified yoga professionals in the health, fitness and wellness sectors. The college’s initiative highlights a broader cultural shift towards holistic development, where physical education is increasingly focusing on mental and emotional well-being.
Jalandhar