The School of Sports and Yogic Sciences at KIIT Deemed to be University, in collaboration with Kreeda Bharati, organised a National Seminar on “Emerging Nation Building through Indian Traditional Sports Science and Yoga” on November 16, 2025, at the Viswanathan Anand International Chess Hall, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar.
This event gathered eminent dignitaries, researchers, professors, and experts from across the country, highlighting a significant academic gathering in the field of Sports and Yogic Sciences.
The seminar featured Prof. (Dr.) Shyam Sundar Rath, Vice Chancellor of the National Sports University (NSU) in Imphal, as the Keynote Speaker. Sj. Raj Chowdhury, Hon’ble General Secretary of All India Kreeda Bharati, attended as the Chief Guest, along with Sri Damodar Pradhani, President of Kreeda Bharati Odisha, and Dr. Ashok Kumar Nayak, Purbapranta (Eastern Region) President of Kreeda Bharati.
The program commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp and included a warm welcome address by Dr. Gaganendu Dash, Director General of the School of Sports & Yogic Sciences, KIIT Deemed to be University.
Prof. (Dr.) Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, Registrar of KIIT DU and Guest of Honour, highlighted the importance of integrating traditional knowledge systems with modern scientific applications.
During their speeches, Sri Damodar Pradhani, Prof. (Dr.) Shyam Sundar Rath, and Sj. Raj Chowdhury emphasized the relevance of Indian traditional sports, indigenous knowledge, and yoga in shaping national character, empowering youth, and strengthening cultural identity. They noted that resilience, discipline, mental wellness, and social harmony—essential elements of nation-building—are deeply rooted in India’s ancient traditions. Drawing references from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, they illustrated how archery, wrestling, endurance training, meditation, and disciplined practice were integral to the lives of warriors and leaders, showing that sports and yoga have long been a way of life in Indian civilization. They emphasized that this timeless wisdom remains highly relevant today and can inspire modern generations to reconnect with India’s rich heritage through sports and yoga.
The speakers underscored that India’s traditional sports and yogic heritage combine physical strength, mental balance, and moral values. They noted that yoga is a timeless discipline that harmonizes body, mind, and spirit. Reviving traditional games and practices, supported by contemporary research, has the potential to position India as a global leader in wellness and sports sciences.
All dignitaries expressed their deep appreciation for Prof. (Dr.) Achyuta Samanta, Hon’ble Founder of KIIT, KISS, and KIMS, for providing an exemplary platform for conducting the seminar. They praised his visionary leadership in promoting sports education, research, and holistic well-being. The speakers highlighted how Dr. Samanta has transformed KIIT and KISS into models of holistic education, where students and athletes are nurtured academically and physically. Under his leadership, KIIT has developed world-class sports infrastructure within an academic institution, offering unprecedented opportunities for young talent to excel in diverse sports while pursuing quality education. They noted that his commitment to creating an environment that integrates academics, sports, culture, and character-building has enabled countless students and athletes to grow into confident, disciplined, and globally competitive individuals.
Dr. Samanta welcomed the distinguished guests and emphasised the need to adopt sports- and yoga-driven lifestyles for improved health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.
Two technical sessions were conducted, chaired by leading academicians, including Prof. (Dr.) Dinesh Prasad Swain, Prof. (Dr.) Sakti Ranjan Mishra, Dr. Manmohan Rout, and Dr. Sasmita Tripathy. Scholars and researchers from various institutions presented papers on traditional sports science, yogic studies, physical education, and allied disciplines, enriching the dialogue with diverse perspectives.
During the valedictory session, reflections were shared by Dr Manmohan Rout, Dr. Gaganendu Dash, Prof. (Dr.) Sushant Kumar Dash, Dr. Satyanarayan Mishra, and Dr. Ashok Kumar Nayak. Guests were honoured, certificates were distributed, and the event concluded with the Shanti Mantra Path and the KIIT Anthem.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Dr. Ashok Kumar Nayak, Purbapranta President of Kreeda Bharati (Odisha).
The seminar served as a dynamic platform for scholarly exchange and reaffirmed the significance of Indian Traditional Sports Science and Yoga in shaping a healthy, progressive, and resilient nation. Its successful execution further strengthened KIIT’s role as a national leader in sports education and yogic research.
