Morarji Desai National Institute Of Yoga

Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) is a yoga university. Fully recognised by the Indian government - and funded by the same - this is one of only a small handful of its kind in the world. Amazingly, although MDNIY is widely known within India, almost no-one else has heard of it. 

The one year Diploma in Yoga Sciences (DYSc.) for Graduate is the most demanding course offered and is a comprehensive education in all aspects of Yoga. The DYSc is a full time regular course with a yearly intake of 120 students. Scholarships and fellowships for Indian students are available and MDNIY provides subsidies for hostel accommodation during the course.

The Institute also runs other, shorter yoga courses. Notable examples (among many) are: - the Certificate in Yoga Science (CYSc.)

- Pranayama and Meditation programme

- Healthy Aging Programme

- Yogic Management of Executive Stress

- Yogic Management of Lifestyle related Disorders

- Yoga Programme for Women

- Yoga Workshop for Children.

These short courses run from two-day weekend sessions to three months of full-time study for the Certificate in Yoga Science.

Like any other university, MDNIY is a hub of scientific research. Those completing their PhD in Yoga work on their theses in the halls of a modern and well-maintained campus. Despite a handful of places each year being set aside specifically for foreign students, the student body is made up almost entirely of locals. The very few foreign students who do attend are warmly welcomed and will quickly make friends.

As MDNIY is heavily subsidised by the government, even a full-fee paying student will be pleasantly surprised by the inexpensiveness of all courses. This is one of the best-kept secrets of the yoga education world: a modern, friendly campus with world-class teachers and extremely modest fees.

The campus is much like any other modern university in the world. The architecture is clean, the grounds are inviting and well-kept, the classrooms are bright with natural light, and the amenities are up-to-date. Hatha yoga is taught here, along with Raja, Kriya and therapeutic yoga for a variety of ailments, whereby yoga is applied in specific ways to treat illnesses ranging from alcohol addiction to Parkinson?s disease. Attendance at the daily open classes is welcomed. Accommodation is offered for an additional cost, and includes evening meals ? for a slightly lower per-semester price than the invaluable diploma.

For students who are passing through and have less than a year to devote to their yoga studies, there is a plethora of shorter courses, which are particularly useful for foreigners not living in India and whose time in the country may be limited. like the diploma, these are all taught to the highest standard available in the yoga world today. Yoga is taught as a healing tool, and the campus has a Yoga Therapy Outpatient Department that is open every day.