The document summarizes a one-day CME event on sleep, consciousness and meditation to be held on November 27, 2014 in Pondicherry, India. The event is being organized by the Department of Physiology and Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute. It will include lectures, a poster session and a meditation practice session conducted by experts in yoga. Participants are invited to register and submit abstracts for poster presentations by specified deadlines.

1. Department of Physiology &
Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (CYTER)
MAHATMA GANDHI MEDICAL COLLEGE & RESEARCH INSTITUTE
(SRI BALAJI VIDYAPEETH UNIVERSITY, PUDUCHERRY)
CME on “Sleep, consciousness and meditation: neurophysiological correlates”
27 Nov 2014
Invitation
It gives me an immense pleasure to invite you to CME on “Sleep, consciousness and
meditation: neurophysiological correlates” being organized by the Department of Physiology
and CYTER, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute, Puducherry on 27 Nov
2014. Apart from invited lectures and poster session, there will be practice session on meditation
conducted by experts in yoga. The topics are on physiology and holistic health science of yoga
and I urge you to motivate your friends and students to register at the earliest.
Posters: Abstracts of original research or reviews (max. 300 words including title, names of
authors, institutions) in the broad field of sleep, consciousness and meditation are welcome for
presentation as a poster and should be e-mailed to yoga@mgmcri.ac.in as a word document by
10 Nov 2014.
Warm regards,
Prof. Madanmohan
Organizing Chairman

3. Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth
Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute
Pillayarkuppam, Pondicherry - 607 402
One Day CME on
SLEEP, CONSCIOUSNESS & MEDITATION:
NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL CORRELATES
Organized by Department of Physiology and CYTER
Thursday, 27 November 2014 at MGMC & RI, Pondicherry.
Registration Form
Name: ………………………………………………………………………..….……….……
Designation: ……………………………………………………...………….…….………….
Affiliation: ………………………………………….………….…………..……………….…
Mobile:…. ………………………………… E. Mail: ..………………………………...……
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Signature: ..…………………………….…………..……. Date……….……..………….
Bank name: INDIAN BANK, Kirumampakkam Branch 0(913), Pondicherry
AC name: DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGY MGMCRI
AC Num: 6272947821
IFSC Code: IDIB000K087

4. Aims and objectives of CME
1. To update the knowledge of participants in the fields of sleep, consciousness and meditation.
2. To introduce them to the practices leading to meditation.
3. To encourage young participants to present posters on sleep, consciousness and meditation.

5. Department of Physiology & CYTER
MAHATMA GANDHI MEDICAL COLLEGE & RESEARCH INSTITUTE
(SRI BALAJI VIDYAPEETH UNIVERSITY, PUDUCHERRY)
CME on “Sleep, consciousness and meditation: neurophysiological correlates”
Programme
Date: 27 Nov 2014 Venue: Ground Floor Lecture Hall, College Block
8.00 – 9.00 AM Registration
9.00 – 9.30 AM Pretest
9.30 – 10.30 AM Practice session on meditation.
Meena Ramanathan. MSc, PhD. Coordinator- cum - yoga therapist, CYTER
10.30 – 11.00 AM Inaugural function
11.00 – 11.30 AM High tea
11.30 – 12.15 PM Neural correlates of consciousness.
Harsha Halahalli. MD, PhD. Prof. of Physiology, K.S. Hegde Med. Academy
12.15 – 1.00 PM Neurophysiological correlates of sleep and meditation.
Ravindra PN. MD, PhD. Professor of Physiology, Gadag Institute of Medical
Sciences, Gadag, Karnataka.
1.00 – 1.30 PM Lunch
1.30 – 2.30 PM Poster Session
2.30 – 3.00 PM Neurophysiological basis of conscious behavior.
Madanmohan. MD, DSc. Professor & Head, Dept. of Physiology, MGMC & RI
3.00 – 3.30 PM Therapeutic potential of meditation.
Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani. MD (AM) Deputy Director, CYTER, MGMC& RI
3.30 – 3.45 PM High Tea
3.45 – 4.15 PM Meditation and immunomodulation.
Ambarish V. MD, PhD. Assoc. Prof. of Physiology, M S Ramaiah Med. College
4.15 – 4.30 PM Post test
4.30 – 5.30 PM Open forum, feed back from participants and valedictory

6. NEURAL CORRELATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS
Harsha N Halahalli MD PhD
Professor, Department of Physiology
K.S. Hegde Medical Academy
Nitte University, Mangalore, Karnataka
E-mail: hnharsha@nitte.edu.in.
Abstract
As famously stated by David Chalmers, there is nothing that we know more intimately than
conscious experience, but there is nothing that is harder to explain. In this presentation, we will
begin by identifying some of the features of consciousness that will allow us to attempt a
working definition of consciousness. The highly private and subjective nature of consciousness
poses special problems to its study. Several aspects of consciousness which can be considered as
being related to the functions of consciousness have been easier to study within the neurobiology
framework. However other aspects of consciousness which concern the phenomenological
experience or conscious experience have been harder to address in neurobiological research. The
identification of the neural correlates of consciousness (NCC) – the basic brain system(s) whose
activity correlates directly with the states of conscious experience is regarded as a starting point
to investigate the harder problems of the neurobiology of conscious experience. Broadly,
neurobiological research is aimed at identifying the neural correlates of “being” conscious, of the
“background states” of consciousness (such as awake / asleep) and the “contents” of
consciousness. The effects of anesthetics and neurological conditions of coma and persistent
vegetative states have provided insights into the NCC of being conscious. Neurophysiological
techniques have helped in making substantial progress in understanding the NCC of the
background states of consciousness such as sleep and wakefulness. Newer neuroimaging
methods along with neurophysiological approaches are being used to investigate the NCC of the
contents of consciousness. Some of the evidence from such studies for the neural correlates of
consciousness will be presented and discussed.

7. NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL CORRELATES OF SLEEP AND MEDITATION
PN Ravindra MD, PhD
Professor, Dept of Physiology
Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences
Gadag, Karnataka
Abstract
Meditation as well as sleep bring about a positive regulatory effect on body and mind thereby
influencing various physiological functions and behavioral states. Even though, the common
mechanism of inducing sleep and meditation effect is efferent and sensory attenuation, meditation
and sleep are exclusively different phenomenon with commonalites and differences in their
neurophysiological mechanisms. Physiologically, both these states induces a state of
hypometabolism, but it is a natural and spontaneous phenomenon in sleep, whereas during
meditation it is a cognitive skill. Behaviorally, both sleep and meditation appear to be a passive
like state, but physiologically they are highly dynamic. Interactions of neuronal, humoral,
autonomic and cognitive mechanisms at various levels result in these two states, which in turn
regulate these mechanism. Thus, both meditation and sleep are self regulatory phenomenon with
global effects. Even though both bring about a sense of rejuvenation, they are different, yet
mutually influence each other qualitatively. Therefore, by understanding the commonality and
differences between meditation and sleep, and the effect of meditation on sleep aids in better
understanding of sleep function as an autoregulatory, global phenomenon.

8. Annexure V
NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL BASIS OF CONSCIOUS BEHAVIOR
Dr. Madanmohan, MD, DSc
Prof. & Head, Department of Physiology & Director CYTER
Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute
Abstract
The neuroendocrine mechanisms that regulate behavior of animals operate in humans also.
Several parts of the brain including limbic system and hypothalamus influence our behavior.
Damage to amygdale (at birth or accident) results in episodes of limbic rage. However, there is
extensive development of cerebral cortex (encephalization) in human brain. Prefrontal lobe is a
large association area that has extensive functional connections with other brain areas. Prefrontal
cortex is responsible for discrimination and judgment. Obviously, human behavior should be
modulated by higher brain areas and higher morals and not limited to limbic and animal
behavior.
Many neuroscientists assert that since behavior is generated at lower synaptic level, it has
nothing to do with higher morals and the “desired behavior” is the concern of social science and
not neuroscience. However, it needs to be emphasized that humans have free will, hence
responsibility. Our beliefs and values do influence our choices and behavior. Encephalization of
human brain is so high that our innate behavior (including sexual behavior) is regulated in a
complex, multi-tier mode.
Encephalization implies that our innate animal behavior is subject to physiological,
psychological and social modulation. Different parts of the brain are inter-related. Different
aspects of our development also are inter-related and each part develops best when no part is
neglected. Practice of desirable behavior needs constant repetition so that the transmission
through relevant neural pathways is facilitated. As demonstrated by Pavlov (classical
conditioning) and Skinner (operant conditioning), learning involves repetition. Hence, conscious
desirable behavior should be practiced repeatedly so that it becomes an automatic response.

9. THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF MEDITATION
Yogacharya Dr. ANANDA BALAYOGI BHAVANANI
MBBS, ADY, DPC, DSM, PGDFH, PGDY, FIAY, MD (AM)
Deputy Director, CYTER, MGMCRI, SBVU, Pondicherry.
E-mail: yoga@mgmcri.ac.in Website: www.sbvu.ac.in/cyter.html
Abstract
“Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet,” said Rudyard Kipling.
This dichotomy however seems to have been overcome in recent times, as many eastern
healing traditions have slowly and steadily percolated the health care system worldwide. This
is especially true of mind–body therapies that focus on the health promotive intrinsic
connections that exist between the human brain, mind, body, and individual behaviour. This
includes techniques of meditation (mantra meditation, mindfulness meditation, and others), qi
gong, tai chi, and yoga.In the USA, reported use of deep breathing, meditation, and yoga
increased between 2002 and 2007 with 12.7% of adults using deep-breathing exercises, 9.4%
practicing meditation, and 6.1% taking up yoga.Pain related issues were the top usage
statistics while more than 40% of adults with neuropsychiatric symptoms were drawn to the
usage of various mind–body therapies.
Documented health promoting benefits of mind-body practices such as yoga and meditation
include: Improvement in cardio-respiratory efficiency, exercise tolerance, dexterity, strength,
steadiness, stamina, flexibility, endurance, and neuro-musculo-skeletal coordination,
harmonious balance of autonomic function,increase in alpha rhythm, inter-hemispheric
coherence and homogeneity in the brain, improved sleep quality and cognitive functions,
alteration in brain blood flow and brain metabolism, and modulation of neuro-endocrine
axis.These eastern mind-body techniques seem to affect every cell bringing about better
neuro-effector communication, enhancing optimum functioning of all organ-systems while
increasing resistance against stress.
Scientific research in recent times has shown that the physiological, psychological and
biochemical effects of yoga and meditation are of an anti-stress nature. Streeter etal suggested
that yoga-based practices i) correct under activity of the parasympathetic nervous system and
GABA systems in part through stimulation of the vagus nerves, the main peripheral pathway
of the parasympathetic nervous system, and ii) reduce allostatic load. Other RCTs have
suggested that these practices act on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA) axis to
reduce cortisol levels, and reduce sympathetic tonewhile increasing vagal activity.This
suggest great therapeutic potential as an add-on adjunct to conventional therapies in
prevention, management and rehabilitation of psychosomatic conditions such as diabetes
mellitus, hypertension, bronchial asthma, musculoskeletal disorders, depression, anxiety,
cancer and de-addiction programmes and posttraumatic stress disorders.
Since lifestyle related diseases are alarmingly on the rise in our modern society, such a
healthyyogic lifestyle based on meditative awareness should be given a special place in
preventing and managing these conditions.

10. MEDITATION AND IMMUNOMODULATION
Ambarish V
Associate Professor, Department of Physiology
MS Ramaiah Medical College
Bangalore, Karnataka
Email: ambarishv@rediffmail.com
Anstract
Introduction: Meditation promotes mind and body relaxation, builds internal energy/life force
(prana), develops compassion, love, patience, generosity, forgiveness and enables us to enjoy
an indestructible sense of well-being while engaging in daily activity “Meditation” is derived
from the Latin verb meditari, meaning "to think, contemplate, devise, and ponder". Wilson
translates the most famous Vedic mantra 'Gayatri' thus: "We meditate on that desirable light of
the divine Savitri, who influences our pious rites". Several studies have demonstrated that
meditation eases many health issues, such as high blood pressure, depression, and anxiety.
Recently scientists the world over have been looking into how different types of meditation
practices bring about changes in the immune system, both at cellular level and at molecular level.
Here we discuss the outcomes of a few interesting studies addressing the effect of meditation on
immunomodulation.
Immune Changes at Cellular level: Daily practice of pranic meditation for as short as 10
weeks up-regulates the function and metabolism of phagocytes (Fernandes et al. J Altern
Complement Med. 2012;18:761-8). Presence of depressive symptoms in older adults
decreases the VZV-responder cell frequency (VZV-RCF), an immunological marker of shingles
risk. Practice of meditation resulted in improvements in health functioning and immunity to VZV
in older adults (Irwin et al. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2004 ; 1: 223–232). Practice
of Qigong meditation lowers numbers of total leukocytes and eosinophils, number and
percentage of monocytes, as well as complement C3 concentration (Manzaneque et al. Med Sci
Monit. 2004 ;10 :CR264-70). Natural killer cell activity and number increased significantly in
the mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) meditation group infected with the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The control group with same infection did not show any change
(Robinson et al. J Altern Complement Med. 2003 ; 9 : 683-94).
Immune changes at molecular level: Four weeks (20 minutes per day) practice of a type of
meditation called Integrative Body Mind Training (IBMT) increased the salivary
immunoglobulin A levels significantly in the meditatiors indicating a change in the basal
immune system and larger acute effects as duration of meditation increases (Fan et al. J Altern
Complement Med. 2010 ;16 :151-5). Thaddeus et al demonstrated that the secretion of pro-inflammatory
cytokine was reduced after bouts of meditation (Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2010
; 35 : 310–315).
Breast cancer patients in the meditation group re-established their natural killer cell activity
(NKCA) and cytokine production levels. In contrast, breast cancer patients in the non-meditation
group exhibited continued reductions in NKCA and IFN gamma production with increased IL-4,
IL-6, and IL-10 production. (Linda-Witek et al. Brain Behav Immun. 2008 ; 22: 969–981).

11. Annexure VI
CURRICULUM VITAE
Name & designation DR. MADANMOHAN
Professor & Head, Department of Physiology &
Director, Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (CYTER)
Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute. Pondicherry
Academic qualifications MBBS, MD (Physiology), MSc (Yoga), DSc (Yoga)
Official address Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute
Pillaiyarkupam, Pondicherry - Cuddalore main road
Pondicherry - 605006, INDIA.
Date of birth & age 21st February 1947, 67 years.
Nationality Indian
Teaching & research 44 years
experience
Teaching MBBS, MD, MSc, BDS & other paramedical courses.
Fields of research Yoga, yoga therapy, cardiovascular & respiratory physiology
and other areas.
Awards 1. Gold medal & scroll of honor, Annual Internal Oration (2009-10),
JIPMER Scientific Society.
2. Best Personalities of India Award and Gold Medal,
Friendship Forum of India.
3. Certificate of Excellence, Friendship Forum of India.
4. Honorary appointment to the Research Board of
Advisors (1999) of the American Biographical Institute.
Research experience & papers published:
1. 103 research papers (including original research work) in national and international journals.
2. 74 abstracts and 28 magazine articles.
3. Guided 34 PG’s (MD, MS, MSc, and PhD) students in their thesis work.
4. Guided 15 medical students in their ICMR Research Studentship.
5. Worked in 26 research projects as chief investigator / co-investigator.
Editorial / Advisory Board: (previous & present)
1. Ind J Physiol Pharmacol 2. Biomedicine
3. Medical Physiology Online 4. Yoga Vijnana
5. Anubhuti (JIPMER Hindi Magazine) 6. JIPMER Bulletin
7. International Journal of Yoga 8. ACYTER Bulletin
Membership of professional bodies:
1. Association of Physiologists and Pharmacologists of India
2. Alumni Association of NTTC, JIPMER
3. JIPMER Scientific Society
4. Indian Academy of Yoga
5. International Center for Yoga Education and Research
6. International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)

12. Organizing Secretary / Chairman:
1. CME on Reproductive Endocrinology, Aug 1990.
2. 23rd Annual Conference of Indian Association of Biomedical Scientists, JIPMER, Oct 2002.
3. National Workshop on Stress & its Management by Yoga Relaxation Techniques, March 2005.
4. National Workshop on Pranayam, Dec 2005.
5. CME on Postgraduate Physiology Education in India, Dec 2005
6. Symposium on Role of Yoga in Enhancement of Human Performance and Yoga in
Contemporary Medicine, Dec 2005
7. APPICON 2005, 51st Annual Conference of the Assoc of Physiologists of India, Dec 2005.
8. Workshop on Pranayam, 2006
9. Annual Conferences of Pondicherry branch of APPI.
10. National Seminar-cum-Workshop on Introducing Yoga in Medical Curriculum, March 09
11. Level I Accreditation Workshop on Kinanthropometry. International Society for Advancement
of Kinanthropometry (ISAK), JIPMER, 22 to 24 Dec 2009.
12. Workshop on Chakra Meditation for Healing. JIPMER, 01 Jan 2010.
13. Workshop-cum-Seminar on Yoga & Complementary Therapies for HIV/AIDS. JIPMER,
30 Jan 2010.
14. National Workshop-cum-Seminar on Role of Yoga in Prevention and Management
of Hypertension. JIPMER, 18-19 March, 2010.
15. National Workshop-cum-Seminar on Role of Yoga in Prevention and Management of
Diabetes Mellitus. JIPMER, 1- 2 March, 2011.
16. CME-cum-Workshop on Heart Rate Variability (HRV): a diagnostic and research tool.
MGMCRI, 12 June 2012.
17. CME-cum-workshop “Yoga and Lifestyle Disorders”. MGMCRI, 22 Nov 2013.
Professional achievements / academic experience:
1. Have devised new formulae for quick and accurate calculation of cardiac axis and published in
British journal (please see list of publications, new formulae, 1 & 2).
2. Member, National Scientific Programme Advisory Committee of APPI
3. President, JIPMER Scientific Society
4. Member, Board of PG studies, University of Madras and Sri Ramachandra
Medical College and Research Institute (Deemed University)
5. President, Pondicherry chapter of Association of Physiologists and Pharmacologists of India.
6. Member, JIPMER Research Council
7. Designed model question papers in physiology for Pondicherry University & SBV
Special trainings undergone:
1. Certificate in Medical Electronics. Anna University, Jan 1984.
2. Certificate in Educational Science. JIPMER, Oct 1988.
3. Certificate in Experimental Medicine & Surgery in Primates. AIIMS, Dec 1989.
4. CME in Clinical Physiology. JIPMER, Aug 1990.
5. Workshop on Biomedical Waste Management. JIPMER, Oct 1999.
6. Level One Anthropometrist, International Society for Advancement of Kinanthropometry.
JIPMER, Dec 2009.

13. Annexure VI
Harsha N Halahalli
Department of Physiology, KS Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte University, Deralakatte,
Mangalore – 575018; E-mail: hnharsha@gmail.com; Tel: +91-9731547660
Current Position: Professor in Department of Physiology
Professional Experience
Total 11 years of teaching experience. Recognized post-graduate teacher.
Education
M.B.B.S, 1991- 1997, Karnataka Medical College, Hubli
M.D (Physiology), 1999- 2001, Jawaharlal Institute of Post-graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER)
MPhil (Neurophysiology), 2002 – 2004, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS)
PhD (Neurophysiology) 2008 – 2012, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS)
Awards and Prizes
• Society for Neuroscience Graduate Student Travel Award - 44th Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience at
San Diego, CA, USA, 17th – 21st November 2010.
• RN Murthy Award - M.Phil Neurophysiology, 2004. National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences
(NIMHANS), Deemed University, Bangalore, India.
• VaithialingamVenkatasubbaReddiar Gold Medal - MD Physiology, 2001, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, India.
Research interests / experience
• Cognitive neuroscience, Neurobiology of schizophrenia
• Functional Magnetic Resonance (fMRI) experiment design, data acquisition and analysis; MRI morphometry
including whole brain voxelwise analysis
• Human Electroencephalography (EEG) and Event Related Potential (ERP) experiment design, data acquisition and
analysis
Selected Publications
1. Halahalli, H. N., John, J. P., Lukose, A., Jain, S., &Kutty, B. M. (2014). Endogenous-cue prospective memory involving
incremental updating of working memory: an fMRI study. Brain Structure and Function, 1-16.(IF: 7.84)
2. Bagepally, B.S., Halahalli, H.N., John, J.P., Kota, L., Purushottam, M., Mukherjee, O., Sivakumar, P.T., Bharath, S.,
Jain, S., Varghese, M., 2012. Apolipoprotein E4 and Brain White Matter Integrity in Alzheimer’s Disease: Tract-Based
Spatial Statistics Study under 3-Tesla MRI. Neurodegenerative Diseases 10, 145–148.(IF: 3.791)
3. John, J.P., Halahalli, H.N., Vasudev, M.K., Jayakumar, P.N., Jain, S., 2011. Regional brain activation/deactivation
during word generation in schizophrenia: fMRI study. The British Journal of Psychiatry 198, 213–222.(IF: 6.619)
4. John, J.P., Burgess, P.W., Yashavantha, B., Shakeel, M.K., Halahalli, H.N., Jain, S., 2009. Differential relationship of
frontal pole and whole brain volumetric measures with age in neuroleptic-naive schizophrenia and healthy subjects.
Schizophrenia research 109, 148–158.(IF: 4.748)
5. John JP, Halahalli HN. Role of aberrant glutamatergic neurotransmission in psychiatric disorders: focus on
schizophrenia. In: Mohandas E, Avasthi A, Venkatasubramaniam G, Neurobiology of Psychiatric Disorders. Jaipur:
Indian Psychiatric Society; 2010.
Extra-curricular interests
• Winner of the Penguin-BLOGPRINT Online Writing Contest in 2008 - a literary contest held by Sulekha.com in
partnership with Penguin Books India. “An Ageless Indus Tale - The Making of the Dancing Girl” – a short story won a
Cash Prize and was published in an anthology published by Penguin Books, India.

14. Annexure VI
Yogacharya Dr.ANANDA BALAYOGI BHAVANANI
MBBS, ADY, DPC, DSM, PGDFH, PGDY, FIAY, MD (Alt.Med)
Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani is Chairman of the
International Centre for Yoga Education and Research at Ananda
Ashram, Pondicherry, India (Uwww.icyer.comU). He is also
chairman of Yoganjali Natyalayam, the premier institute of Yoga
and Carnatic Music and Bharatanatyam in Pondicherry
(Uwww.rishiculture.orgU). He is son and successor of the
internationally acclaimed Yoga team of Yogamaharishi Dr.
Swami Gitananda Giri Guru Maharaj and Yogacharini
Kalaimamani Ammaji, Smt Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani.
He is a Gold Medallist in Medical Studies (MBBS) with postgraduate diplomas in both
Family Health (PGDFH) as well as Yoga (PGDY) and the Advanced Diploma in Yoga
under his illustrious parents in 1991-93. A Fellow of the Indian Academy of Yoga, he
has authored 19 DVDs and 23 books on Yoga as well as published more than a hundred
papers, compilations and abstracts on Yoga and Yoga research in National and
International Journals.
He is a Classical Indian Vocalist, Percussionist, Music Composer and Choreographer of
Indian Classical Dance in addition to his duties as Deputy Director of the Centre for
Yoga Therapy Education and Research (CYTER), MGMCRI, Pondicherry.
In recent years he has travelled abroad 14 times and conducted invited talks, public
events, workshops, retreats and been major presenter at Yoga conferences in the UK,
USA, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand. He is an Honorary
International Advisor to the International Association of Yoga Therapists
(Uwww.iayt.orgU), Australian Association of Yoga Therapists (Uwww.yogatherapy.org.auU)
and various Gitananda Yoga Associations all over the world (Uwww.rishiculture.orgU ).
He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Council for Yoga Accreditation
International (Uwww.cyai.orgU).

15. Dr. P.N. Ravindra MD, PhD
Prof. Dept. of Physiology
Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences
Gadag,Karnataka.
Contact: 9448934488
Email: ravindrapinna@gmail.com
After obtaining his MD pursued PhD from National Institute of Mental Health and
Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore. Worked on evaluating the efficacy of mindfulness
meditation on aging by assessing sleep, humoral and autonomic profiles. APPI has bestowed
on him Prakrit Mandir Award, a national award given for the best work in the area of yoga. Has
presented papers in various International and national conferences and seminars. Has
publications in prestigious peer reviewed journals. Gives regular yoga sessions for general
public, students and also therapeutic yoga classes for patients.
Education.
MD: Karnatak Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli,Karnataka
PhD: NIMHANS,Bangalore

16. Dr. Ambarish. V
Associate Professor of Physiology
M. S. Ramaiah Medical College
Bangalore-560054.
Phone: Res: 080-26720506
Mobile:
09886475610
Residence:
080-26720506
E-mail: ambarishv@rediffmail.com
Educational Qualifications: MBBS, MD, PhD
Presently:
• Editor of the International Medical Journal: “Journal of Advanced
Clinical and Research Insights.”
• PG/MD and UG/MBBS Physiology Examiner
• Reviewer of MD Physiology thesis under The Kerala University of Health
Sciences.
• On the list of Marquis Who’s Who for the year 2015.
Published many articles in indexed national and international journals as first
author.
Oral papers and poster presented in national and international conferences
AWARDS WON:
1. The Best-Oral-Paper-Award for the paper: ‘Changes in Plasma Glucose
Levels and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) With Graded and Regular
Exercise: Does This Have an Impact on Patients of Diabetes Mellitus?’
Presented at the 33rd Conference of The Research Society for The Study of
Diabetes in India (RSSDI) held at Bangalore from 23rd to 25th Sept. 2005.
2. First Prize in Poster Category for the paper: ‘Modulation of Plasma Pro-
Inflammatory Interleukins By Graded Physical Activity. Can This Have an
Impact on Pediatric Age Group?’ Presented at the 45th National Conference of
Indian Academy of Pediatrics (PEDICON) held at Bhubaneshwar, Orissa from
17th to 20th Jan. 2008.
3. The Samaja-Rathna Award conferred by Seva Bharathi and Aggarwal Samaj
for heading the Tsunami-Medical-Relief-Operations in Nagapattinam and
provinces of Pondicherry.
4. Nominated for the ‘Young Scientist Medal’ of Indian National Science
Academy (INSA) for the year 2009.
5. Felicitated by M. S. Ramaiah Medical College on eve of Doctor’s day in 2008
for contribution to research.

17. ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN SOCIAL SERVICE SECTOR:
1. Lead a team of doctors from MSRMCH to Tsunami affected areas in
Tamil Nadu for Medical Relief Operations under NGO Seva Bharathi,
from 31st Dec. 2004 to 6th Jan. 2005.
2. Took part in Flood Relief Operations undertaken by MSRMCH in
Gulbarga area in 2005.
3. Taken part in several medical camps in the countryside of Karnataka,
Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh States for the benefit of rural poor.
4. Lead a team of doctors in weeklong medical camps in villages surrounding
Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, with assistance from NGO Arun Jyothi. 18th
to 23rd Dec 2003.
5. Lead a team of doctors, under Vivekananda Kendra, to areas bordering
Pakistan, during the Gujarat Earth Quake from 5th to 17th Feb. 2001.
INVITED LECTURES DELIVERED:
1. Delivered a two lectures in Reva Institute of Technology on ‘General Health
and Hazards of Smoking’ on 17th and 27th August 2010.
2. Delivered a lecture at Bangalore Science forum on 1st June 2011 on ‘Harmful
effects of smoking’.
3. Interviewed by All India Radio on the topic “Effects on health with changes in
weather”.
4. Delivered a lecture on “Yoga and Cytokines” for a CME on Yoga at
Adichunchanagiri Medical College, Bellur, Karnataka.
5. Invited as a guest speaker for the topic “Meditation and immunomodulation” at
Mahathma Gandhi Medical College, Pondicherry, India.

18. UYoga Chemmal Meena Ramanathan
B.sc., M.A., C.Y.T., D.N.Y.S., P.G.D.Y., M.sc. (Yoga) P.hd (in progress).
Yogachemmal Mrs. Meena Ramanathan, is Coordinator-cum-
Yoga Therapist of CYTER, the Centre for Yoga Therapy
Education and Research at MGMCRI (Mahatma Gandhi
Medical college & Research Institute). She has completed
numerous undergraduate and post graduate degrees and
diplomas in Yoga, science and English and is currently
completing her PhD in Yoga at Tamil Nadu Physical Education
and Sports University.
A student of the Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga Paramparya, she
has been trained under the expert guidance of Kalaimamani
Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani and Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani. She has
been an integral part of that tradition for over a decade. Mrs. Meena Ramanathan has
admirably trained thousands of students under the auspices of Pondicherry University
as Coordinator Yoga courses in the Community College, as well as faculty of
Annamalai University, Manonmaniyam University, MGR University and Yoganjali
Natyalayam. She is coordinator of Outreach Programs of Yoganjali Natyalayam and is a
guest faculty at ACYTER, JIPMER. For the past 5 years, she has been giving practical
Yoga training to staff and students of Pondicherry University.
Mrs. Meena Ramanathan has authored and co-authored a dozen books, and, half a
dozen papers on Yoga in English and Tamil, in various journals. Her books on
Thirukkural and Yoga, Applied Yoga, GherandaSamhita and Primer of Yoga Theory are
best sellers. She has received many awards such as Yoga Rathna, Yoga SevaMaamani,
Yoga Chemmal, Bangalore Sundaram Award, Yoga Jyothi, Chellammal Award,
AnnaiSivakami Award and Mahan AravindarAnmigaSudar Award. She has been doing
yeomen service for the past decade for the cause of senior citizens and special children
of Pondicherry.