In news-During the year 2020-21, the Department of Science and Technology(DST) had announced a special call under the SATYAM programme to combat with Covid-19 and related viruses.
About SATYAM programme-
- The Department of Science and Technology has been implementing this Programme since the year 2015-16.
- DST conceptualized the SATYAM programme under its Cognitive Science Research Initiative (CSRI).
- The programme is aimed to foster scientific research on the effects of yoga and meditation on physical & mental health and on cognitive functioning in healthy people as well as in patients with disorders.
- During 2020-2021, DST announced a special call under SATYAM programme to combat with Covid-19 and related viruses in order to explore the effect of yoga and meditation as add-on therapy under three broad thematic areas viz. immunity, respiratory system and stress, anxiety & depression.
Themes under the programme
Basic themes being covered under SATYAM include:
- Investigations on the effect of Yoga and Meditation on physical and mental health and well being.
- Investigations on the effect of Yoga and Meditation on the body, brain, and mind in terms of basic processes and mechanisms.
Who can apply for the programme?
- Scientists/academicians with research background in ‘Yoga and Meditation’ and having regular positions are allowed to participate in this initiative.
- Practitioners actively involved in yoga and meditation practices are also encouraged to apply in collaboration with academic and research institutions of repute.
Cognitive Science Research Initiative (CSRI)
- The Department of Science & Technology (DST) had initiated this programme in 2008 during 11th Five year plan.
- CSRI facilitates a platform for the scientific community to work for better solution of challenges related with cognitive disorders and social issues through various psychological tools & batteries, early diagnosis & better therapies, intervention technologies and rehabilitation programmes.
Objectives-
It is aimed to revolutionize research in various fields, such as:
- Nature and origins of mental disorders, of physiological, social and neuro-chemical origins.
- Design of better learning tools and educational paradigms.
- Design of better software technologies and artificial intelligence devices.
- Streamlining of social policy formulation and analysis.
Source: PIB
