JAMMU: Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Higher Education, Shantmanu, today inaugurated a three-day Yes Plus workshop organized by the Art of Living Foundation at Government Gandhi Memorial Science College.
In his inaugural address, Shantmanu highlighted the importance of integrating wellness and mindfulness into higher education. He emphasized that academic learning should be complemented with practices that strengthen mental health, promote stress management, and cultivate emotional resilience, empowering students to confidently face future challenges.
Shantmanu added that workshops like these encourage youth to embrace both responsibility and inner strength, essential qualities for nation-building. He described the initiative as a significant step towards aligning education with overall wellness, happiness, and holistic growth.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Principal Prof. Romesh Kumar Gupta reaffirmed the college’s commitment to nurturing the holistic development of students, stating that such workshops enrich the educational experience by balancing intellectual pursuits with emotional well-being.
The workshop, conducted by Arunima Sinha, Senior Instructor, Art of Living, along with instructors Jaspreet Kour and Bhargavi Raj, introduced students to guided breathing techniques, meditation practices, and interactive activities designed to foster inner calm, concentration, and positive thinking.
Participants engaged enthusiastically and recognized the importance of such initiatives in today’s fast-paced academic environment. Around 80 students, including NSS volunteers, NCC cadets, postgraduate students, and college faculty, attended the workshop.
Later, Shantmanu distributed the Tricolour to all participants. Linking the spirit of the programme with Independence, he remarked that true freedom lies not only in political independence but also in living a stress-free, mindful, and harmonious life.
