1-Month Certified Yoga Instructor Course inaugurated at Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre.

1-Month Certified Yoga Instructor Course inaugurated at Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre.
Leh, May 2, 2026: A ‘One-Month Yoga Instructor Course’ was inaugurated today at the Mahabodhi Yoga & Meditation Centre, Leh. The course is joined by the aspiring instructors, including Army personnel, to begin a meaningful journey of self-development and service through yoga.
The Chief Guest for the occasion was Brig. Ankush Thakur, Dy GOC 3 Infantry Division. He was joined by Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder and Spiritual Director of Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre; Dr. I. V. Basavaraddi- the Former Director of Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga and currently visiting Professor at Mahabodhi Yoga Institute; and Ms. Rishika, Yoga Instructor from Yoga Institute Mumbai.
On the occasion, special appreciation was extended to Dr. I. V. Basavaraddi- a pioneering figure in India’s yoga education landscape, who will be mentoring participants — offering a rare and valuable learning experience.
Chief Guest Brig. Ankush Thakur lauded the initiatives of Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre under the patronage of Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena is developing a beautiful and enriching landscape which is also equipped with a world class Yoga Training Institute. He said, “Yoga training imparted by MIMC is helping the personnel of the Indian Army deployed in this high altitude. It is of immense importance for the mental and physical well-being of the Army personnel.” He exuded confidence that the partnership between the Army and MIMC will further be extended.
In his address, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena highlighted that the course is designed to train participants not only in yoga practice and instruction but also in understanding yoga as a lifestyle rooted in discipline, awareness, and service. Structured sessions, daily meditation, and group reflection will help participants deepen their practice and prepare to share it meaningfully with others. He also informed that Centre will be developed as a high standard Yoga Research Centre especially designed for this high altitude region.
Also speaking, Dr Dr. I. V. Basavaraddi emphasized that this training goes beyond techniques and postures. He dwelt about the various aspects of Yoga and its usefulness in staying mentally as well as physically fit and also the reducing stress level.
The speakers emphasized that Yoga is aimed at nurturing compassionate and conscious individuals who can contribute to peace, harmony, and well-being in society. They acknowledged the visionary leadership of Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, whose dedication over three decades helped establish MIMC as a leading centre for yoga, meditation, and humanitarian service in Ladakh. On the occasion, the esteemed dignitaries also distributed course material among the participants.
Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena also felicitated the esteemed dignitaries with traditional scarf (khatak) and mementos.
This course reflects MIMC’s commitment to promoting yoga and meditation in the region. MIMC is proud to be Ladakh’s first Yoga Certification Board (YCB)-accredited institute, recognized by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. In 2021, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder and Spiritual Director of MIMC, was honoured with the Prime Minister’s Yoga Award, a national recognition that brought pride to Ladakh.
It was also announced that the next Yoga Instructor Course will be held in September–October 2026, inviting wider participation from across the region and beyond.