Division of Yoga & Humanities

The Division of Yoga and Humanities (DYH) is one among the five academic divisions of S-VYASA Deemed to be University. As part of its vision to integrate ancient Indian wisdom with contemporary education, the Humanities division has recently become active, marking a significant milestone in the university’s interdisciplinary initiatives. Humanities is the study of human culture, expression, and history. It explores how individuals and societies make sense of the world through literature, history, philosophy, art, and language. By nurturing critical thinking, empathy, and cultural awareness, Humanities plays a crucial role in holistic education, shaping individuals who can engage meaningfully with the world.

Strengthening this vision, the School of Performing Arts, housed within the Humanities division, is a vibrant space dedicated to the study and practice of dance, music, sculpture, painting, theatre, and more. Performing Arts serves as a universal language of expression, transcending boundaries through movement, melody, and storytelling. Rooted in tradition yet continuously evolving, dance holds a profound place in this discipline. It blends rhythm, discipline, and creativity to communicate emotions and narratives. Recognizing its cultural significance, S-VYASA has launched specialized certification programs in Performing Arts, beginning with two foundational courses: Kolata and Nattuvanga.

Kolata, a lively folk dance of Karnataka, is an expressive art form that combines rhythmic movements with coordinated stick patterns. Deeply embedded in Karnataka’s cultural landscape, it nurtures community engagement, agility, and artistic storytelling. The Kolata Certification Course immerses students in its technique, history, and performance, ensuring the preservation of this dynamic folk tradition.

Complementing this, Nattuvanga, for Bharatanatya, brings performances to life through intricate rhythmic and melodic accompaniment. Mastering Nattuvanga requires precision, musicality, and synchronization. The Nattuvanga Certification Course is designed to equip students with the technical and artistic expertise needed to excel in this specialized domain.

Through these pioneering initiatives, S-VYASA reaffirms its commitment to preserving and promoting India’s artistic and cultural heritage. These programs not only nurture students in desi art forms but also take a holistic educational approach, integrating Art Appreciation and Yoga to provide a well-rounded and immersive learning experience.

The university has recently introduced a Ph.D. program in Performing Arts, creating new avenues for advanced research and in-depth exploration of the discipline. It will also establish Performing Arts as a serious academic field, strengthening the Humanities division’s impact while ensuring that Indian artistic traditions continue to thrive on a global scale.

VISION

“Be and Make”, is to bring the holistic vision of Yoga and its great legacies to the world to usher in holistic health for the entire mankind.

MISSION

To combine the best of the East (Yoga and spiritual lore) with the best of the West (Modern scientific research) wherein, the science and spirituality are amalgamated for peaceful and mutually useful society” for Self - Reform.

Why Choose Us?

From our classrooms to the world stage

Comprehensive Curriculum:

Courses designed to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience in real-world healthcare settings.

State-of-the-Art Training Facilities:

Access to modern physiotherapy and occupational therapy labs with cutting-edge equipment.

Clinical Internships:

Hands-on training in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and healthcare institutions.

Experienced Faculty:

A team of seasoned healthcare professionals and academic experts guiding students.

Strong Industry Partnerships:

Collaborations with leading healthcare institutions for enhanced learning and career opportunities.

Certification Programs:

Elevating learning with a focus on innovation

Undergraduate Programs

Kolata: A course in Karnataka’s traditional folk dance, focusing on rhythm, coordination, and storytelling.
Nattuvanga: Training in rhythmic and melodic accompaniment for Bharatanatya performances.
Ph.D: A Ph.D. in Performing Arts
These programs include elements of Art Appreciation and Yoga for holistic learning.

OUR FACULTIES

Dr. Karuna Vijayendra

Dean (Division of Yoga and Humanities,)

Dr. Ramya C.R.

Dr. Karuna VijayendraDean
Division of Yoga and Humanities

Dr. Karuna Vijayendra is an acclaimed dance historian and researcher with over 28 years of experience. Renowned as the youngest Dance Historian during her early career, she has authored seven publications and over 90 research articles in English and Kannada. Her pioneering work includes decoding ancient and medieval Indian dance techniques such as the Mahaanata early form of dancing shiva from Badami, ‘Kumbha Nritya’ of Vedic tradition, ‘Mandala Nritya’, ‘Perani Paddhati’, and the ‘Gaundali Vidhi’ of the Hoysala dynasty, among others.She has worked as a domain expert and as technical editor for the book, ‘Neo Desi Karanas a sequential link’, decoding 800-year-old Karnataka desi dance tradition along with her Guru Vidushi Late, Smt.Sundari Santanam.

Her stage productions - the revisualisation of Karnataka’s forgotten temple dance traditions, particularly ‘Vicitra Chitra Nartana’, a dance tradition performed by Hoysala queen Shantaladevi, have been widely celebrated. Ranga Vaibhoga a documentary based on her Ph.D. thesis, directed by Sri Suneel Puranik, received the National (two Rajata Kamal) Award for its contribution to art and culture.

She has served as a research fellow and project associate at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts and has held numerous honorary positions, including as a member of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s Censor Board and a jury member for national-level dance and film festivals. & Prasar Bharati -DDChandana dance Audition. She is Chair, HOD department of Bharatnatyam, Arya University, Milpitas, California, USA.

As a visiting faculty member for prestigious universities, she has inspired students globally with her expertise in dance history, temple traditions, aesthetics, and sculptural studies. Passionate about bridging theory and practice, she continues to mentor scholars, conduct heritage tours, and deliver lectures, fostering appreciation for India’s rich cultural legacy. She believes in the philosophy of Nṛtyō Rakshati Rakshitāḥ - “Dance protects those who protect it.”