DST funds JAMIA to investigate brain health benefits of Yoga

The students and staff will be enrolled from the University to participate in the study

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has received funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to investigate the mental health benefits of Yoga and Meditation. The research will be carried out in collaboration with Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY).

In the proposed research, the investigators will look at the brain imaging, brain activity, biochemical and neurophysiological parameters in University students who may be susceptible to stress, anxiety or depression and provide intervention to deal with these complications. The students and staff will be enrolled from the University to participate in the study over the course of a three-year study. Yoga and other psychological interventions will be carried out both at JMI and MDNIY.

The principal investigator from JMI is Dr. Tanvir Ahmad from MCARS who will collaborate with Dr. Sushma Suri, Dr. Meena Osmany, Department of Psychology and Dr. S. Lakshmi Kandan from MDNIY. Dr Ahmad said that the research work, has relevance following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic which has resulted in an upsurge in mental health issues across the globe. It is scientifically established that students undergo stress, anxiety and sometimes depression when they are exposed to new work culture in colleges and universities.

Notably, since last year, a large number of studies have shown increased neurological complications in the people who have been affected with COVID-19 as well as the family members. Further, the data unanimously presents concerns regarding the mental health of students, who have been at the receiving end. Now as the colleges and universities have started opening, the levels of stress, anxiety and depression in students have tremendously increased.

Prof. Mohammad Zulfequar, Director, MCARS said that this research work will benefit the students at large, as the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on their mental health. Therefore, the timely support provided by DST will help to recognise the students who may be in immediate need of interventions. Dr S.N Kazim Deputy Director, MCARS said that this research work will lead to the development of a comprehensive mental health database and JMI’s intervention will serve as a model for other universities and colleges across India as they are preparing to start the offline classes soon.

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