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Inauguration of International Yoga Research Foundation

May 1, 2023 | Cheruvikkal, Thiruvananthapuram

A Sanctuary for Science and Spirituality

Nestled in the tranquil village of Cheruvikkal, surrounded by lush plantations in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram District, the International Yoga Research Foundation (IYRF) was inaugurated on May 1, 2023, as a unique center bridging ancient wisdom and modern science. Carefully selected by Sri M for its natural serenity and deep yogic heritage, this peaceful setting offers:

  1. Ideal environment for spiritual growth and inner peace.
  2. Perfect backdrop for scientific inquiry into yoga.
  3. Connection to Kerala's rich cultural traditions.

Our Threefold Mission


Scientific Validation


Conduct rigorous research on yoga and meditation using:

  1. Neuroscientific measurements (EEG, fMRI)
  2. Physiological biomarkers
  3. Psychological assessments


Knowledge Preservation


  1. Document traditional practices
  2. Develop standardized research protocols
  3. Create archive of yogic knowledge

Holistic Application

Translate findings into practical programs for:

  1. Healthcare integration
  2. Educational systems
  3. Community wellbeing

Campus Facilities


Initial Phase (Completed):


  1. Meditation Hall (35 capacity) - For silent contemplation
  2. Yoga Hall (45 capacity) - For practice and research
  3. Discussion Rooms - Academic collaboration
  4. Office Spaces - Administrative work

Future Developments:


  1. Research & Data Center
    A hub for compiling, analyzing, and sharing yogic research findings globally.
  2. Comprehensive Research Library
    Housing ancient yogic texts alongside modern scientific studies.
  3. Advanced Laboratories
    Equipped for precise measurement of yoga's physiological and psychological effects.
  4. Guest Accommodations
    Comfortable lodging for visiting scholars, researchers, and practitioners.
  5. Amphitheatre
    An open-air performance and discussion arena for talks, cultural programs, Satsangs, film screenings, and community gatherings under the sky—merging dialogue with nature.

Visionary Words

Sri M emphasized during inauguration:
"This center will scientifically validate what yogis have known for centuries - that these practices optimize human wellbeing at all levels. We will demonstrate how ancient wisdom meets modern science."

Join Our Journey

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Foundation Stone Laying and MOU Signing Ceremony

February 17, 2024 | IYRF Campus, Thiruvananthapuram

Morning Ceremony: Foundation Stone Laying

On the morning of 17 February 2024, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Kerala, laid the foundation stone at the permanent campus of International Yoga Research Foundation (IYRF), located near HLL Life Care R&D Centre, Aakkulam-Sreekariyam Road (Kerala - 695017). This historic moment was witnessed by esteemed dignitaries including:


Padma Bhushan Sri M(President, The Satsang Foundation and Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University)
Sri Kadakampally Surendran (Hon'ble Member of Legislative Assembly)
Dr. V.P. Joy (Former Chief Secretary)
Prof. Avinash Pande (Director, Inter University Centre for Yogic Studies)
Prof. SK. Ishtiaque Ahmed (Registrar, Maulana Azad National Urdu University)

"This marks the beginning of our journey to scientifically understand yoga's
impact on human consciousness."

— Shri Pinarayi Vijayan

MOU Signing Ceremony

Following the foundation ceremony, a significant Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Maulana Azad National Urdu University and IYRF, formalizing their academic partnership.This event marked the formal alliance of key stakeholders, with IYRF and Maulana Azad National Urdu University leading the charge as primary partners.

"This collaboration bridges spiritual wisdom with scientific methodology in consciousness studies."

— Dr. V.P. Joy

Vision for the Future

Sri M shared IYRF's research vision:

"Our center will generate rigorous scientific data on yoga and meditation practices, addressing the current gap in academic validation."



C.V. Kunjiraman, Executive Member of The Satsang Foundation - Kerala, concluded the program by detailing IYRF's upcoming research initiatives and inviting institutional collaborations.

Join Our Journey

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Watch MOU Signing
Read Press Release


Landmark Yoga Colloquium Inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister

February 17-18, 2024 | Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram

Event Overview

The International Yoga Research Foundation (IYRF), in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) and other leading institutions, hosted the groundbreaking "Colloquium on Yoga and Life Sciences and Beyond" (YLSB 2024). This two-day scientific gathering marked a pivotal moment in yoga research, bringing together over 150 experts from medicine, neuroscience, and traditional yoga practice.

Hon'ble CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurates YLSB 2024 with Sri M and other dignitaries.


Distinguished Participants


The event was graced by:


  1. Chief Guest: Shri Pinarayi Vijayan (Hon'ble Chief Minister of Kerala)
  2. Padma Bhushan Sri M (Founder, IYRF)
  3. Dr. V.P. Joy (Former Chief Secretary of Kerala)
  4. Prof. Avinash Pande (Director, Inter University Centre for Yogic Sciences)
  5. Dr. Sanjay Behari (Director, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute)
  6. Dr. Rekha Nair (Director, Regional Cancer Centre)
  7. Prof. SK. Ishtiaque Ahmed (Registrar, Maulana Azad National Urdu University)

Key Announcements


Chief Minister Vijayan unveiled Kerala's ambitious yoga initiatives:


  1. Establishment of 1,000 Ayush Yoga Clubs across local bodies
  2. ₹18.65 crore investment in yoga infrastructure development
  3. Plan to achieve 100% physical literacy through yoga in 10 years
  4. Positioning Kerala as a global health tourism destination

Scientific Program Highlights


Day 1: Foundations of Yoga Research

Morning Session:

  1. "Yoga in Space Exploration" by Pushkar Ganesh Vaidhya
    1. Examined yoga's role in astronaut mental health and performance
  1. "Yoga and Entrepreneurship" by Karthik Raghavendran (Neurostellar)
    1. Introduced a prototype wearable device tracking yoga's physiological benefits
Afternoon Session:

  1. "Yoga and Biomolecules" by Dr. Sreenivas Gopala (SCTIMST)
    1. Presented biochemical evidence of yoga's cellular impact
  1. Panel Discussion: EEG Study on Sri M
    1. Demonstrated remarkable alpha/beta wave patterns during meditation
    2. Comparative analysis showed yoga's measurable neuroplastic effects
Day 2: Clinical Applications

Medical Specialties Track:

  1. Obstetrics/Gynecology: Dr. Anju Namasivaya showed yoga reduces pregnancy complications by 32%

  2. Pediatrics: Dr. Vinita Nair presented case studies of yoga improving ADHD symptoms

  3. Oncology: Dr. Rekha Nair demonstrated yoga's role in reducing chemotherapy side effects

  4. Metabolic Disorders: Dr. S.R. Raghav shared global data on yoga for diabetes management

Key Finding: 78% of presented studies showed statistically significant benefits from yoga integration




Research Breakthroughs


  1. EEG Evidence : Sri M's brain scans revealed unique activation patterns during meditation
  2. Molecular Impact : Yoga shown to influence gene expression related to stress response
  3. Therapeutic Protocols : Developed for 12 clinical conditions including PCOS and hypertension

Cultural Program


Evening sessions featured:

  1. Traditional Kerala martial arts demonstrations
  2. Yogic chanting performances
  3. Interactive meditation workshops

Concluding Ceremony


Sri M's closing address emphasized:


  1. The Rig Vedic principle of "Sangachhadhwam" (walking together)
  2. Need for collaborative research between institutions
  3. Vision for yoga as "the medicine of the future"

Over 200 delegates attended the landmark event

Next Steps

IYRF announced:
  1. Research Partnerships with 5 new institutions
  2. Longitudinal Study on yoga's preventive health benefits (2024-2027)
  3. Annual Colloquium to be established as premier yoga research forum

IYRF Library Initiative


Launched on: November 5, 2023

Location: IYRF Campus, Cheruvikkal, Trivandrum, Kerala


Honouring a Vision, Igniting a Legacy

On the auspicious occasion of Sri M's birthday, the International Yoga Research Foundation (IYRF) took a significant step toward fulfilling a long-cherished dream—establishing a dedicated library on Yoga, Meditation, and Conscious Living.

Since its inception, the IYRF Library has evolved into a vibrant hub of learning, reflection, and inner inquiry
Highlights of the Journey

A Sacred Beginning

The first book—symbolically and lovingly donated by Swami Golokananda of the Ramakrishna Mission, Trivandrum— marked the library's ceremonial opening and set the tone for a sacred space of wisdom and study.


A Growing Treasure Trove

Today, the library hosts over 500 carefully curated books spanning:


  1. Yoga & Meditation
  2. Vedanta & Indian Philosophy
  3. Consciousness Studies
  4. Ayurveda & Well-being
  5. Neuroscience & Mind-Body Research


A Collective Effort
The library continues to grow through the generous contributions of satsangis, scholars, and well-wishers—each offering books, time, and ideas to nurture this shared vision.

A Platform for Ideas
The space now welcomes conversations, study circles, and reflective discussions, laying the foundation for more structured research and learning engagements in the future.
What Lies Ahead
Deepening Our Collection

We aim to expand the library with both timeless spiritual classics and cutting-edge research, making it a living repository of scientific and spiritual wisdom.


Programs & Engagement
Upcoming plans include:

  1. Book Clubs & Reading Circles
  2. Guest Lectures by Scholars
  3. Workshops & Discussion Series
  4. Research Fellowships & Internships
Join the Journey

Would you like to support this initiative?

  1. Contribute Books - Enrich our collection with meaningful titles.
Key Projects in Progress

Advanced Research Block

A state-of-the-art facility designed to support interdisciplinary studies at the intersection of Yoga, Neuroscience, Psychology, and Consciousness Studies. This block will house dedicated labs, faculty rooms, and collaborative spaces for scholars and scientists.


Meditation Hall

A serene, acoustically balanced hall to support silent retreats, group meditations, and inner work. This sacred space is envisioned as the spiritual heart of the campus, fostering stillness and collective harmony.


Guest Houses

Comfortable and eco-conscious residential units for visiting researchers, volunteers, spiritual seekers, and faculty members. These facilities will promote a live-in research and learning environment.


Amphitheatre

An open-air performance and discussion arena for talks, cultural programs, Satsangs, film screenings, and community gatherings under the sky—merging dialogue with nature.


Recreation & Wellness Club

A space for rejuvenation and connection, the club will offer facilities for mindful movement, artistic expression, and holistic health—reinforcing the balance between study, reflection, and play.


A Vision Rooted in Conscious Growth

Each of these initiatives is designed to reinforce IYRF's core mission—to be a living laboratory for the exploration of inner and outer well-being through the timeless lens of Yoga and modern science.