The twister, that tries to transform the rudimentary incumbents into enthusiastic budding managers, appraising what to admit and what to achieve during the stay in GIM is all about the orientation program. This is conducted at starting of every academic year.
Popularly known as NSS, the scheme was launched in Gandhiji's Centenary year, 1969. Aimed at developing student's personality through community service. NSS, is a voluntary association of young people in Colleges, Universities and at +2 level working for a campus-community linkage.
The cardinal principle of the NSS programme is that it is organised by the students themselves, and both students and teachers through their combined participation in community service, get a sense of involvement in the tasks of nation building.
Started initially in 37 universities involving 40,000 volunteers, the scheme has grown over the years and it is implemented today with an involvement of more than 2.6 million volunteers spread over in 200 Universities, Polytechnics and +2 Systems. The efforts of NSS volunteers have been widely acclaimed by the community, universities, colleges and general public as the NSS volunteers have been rendering selfless service to the community.
The Motto of NSS "Not Me But You", reflects the essence of democratic living and upholds the need for self-less service. NSS helps the students develop appreciation to other person's point of view and also show consideration to '/other living beings. The philosophy of the NSS is well doctrined in this motto, which underlines/on the belief that the welfare .of an individual is ultimately dependent on the welfare of the society on the whole and therefore, the NSS volunteers shall strive for the well-being of the society.
The symbol for the NSS has been based on the giant Rath Wheel of the world famous Konark Sun Temple (The Black Pagoda) situated in Orissa, India. The wheel portrays the cycle of creation, preservation and release and signifies the movement in life across time and space, The symbol thus stands for continuity as well as change and implies the continuous striving of NSS for social change.
The NSS Symbol is embossed on the badge. The eight bars in the wheel represent the 24 hours of a day. The red colour indicates that the volunteer is full of young blood that is lively, active, energetic and full of high spirit. The navy blue colour indicates the cosmos of which the NSS is tiny part, ready to contribute its share for the welfare of the mankind.
The scheme is funded by both Central and State Governments in the ratio of 7:5 to organise Regular Activities (RA) and special Camping Programmes (SCP). An amount of Rs.160/-per volunteer per annum is released towards Regular Activities (RA) and Rs.300/- per volunteer per Special Camping Programme (SCP) which is of 10-days duration to be organised in the adopted villages/communities. In addition, the Government of India provides 100% financial assistance to run NSS Regional Centres, State Liaison Cells and TOCs/TORCs, The Central Government also provides -100% financial assistance for implementation of NSS Programmes in Jammu & Kashmir and Union Territories without Legislatures.
Yoga system has its origins in ancient India as a spiritual practice for Self-Realisation. However, in modern times science has tested and attested that yoga has a deep influence not only on spiritual dimension, the byproducts of yoga practice encompass areas such as enhancement of human potential and also help in regulation of health in its practitioners.
Practice of Yoga is a holistic approach. The practitioner is benefited in different dimensions. These benefits are reported by the practitioners‘ subjective experiences as well as the huge body of research in this area gives sufficient scientific evidence for the psycho physiological benefits of yoga practice.
Different components of Hatha Yoga such as Asanas (bodily postures), Pranayama (breathing practices), Shat Kriyas (cleansing techniques), Bandhas (locking procedures) and Mudras (psychological attitudes) produce various psycho physiological benefits. Some of them are self- regulating. As a part of modernization, people adopt different life styles that are deviating from the norm to a great extent. Some of these deviant patterns of life style include poor dietary habits and faulty sleep patterns. When followed for a long period of time will result in several physiological problems such as digestive disorders, respiratory problems, circulatory problems and headaches etc., and psychological problems such as anxiety, irritability, uncontrolled anger, poor concentration, low self-concept and deviant behavior etc.
Yoga with its holistic approach can be used as a self-regulating strategy. Regular Yoga practice which includes the different elements of hatha yoga results in: 1. quick removal of the toxins from the body 2. improved circulation among all the minute areas of the body and thereby ensures ample nourishment to various parts of the body. 3. Balanced energy levels are maintained 4. One-pointedness of the mind is attained. 5. Stress levels are reduced. These effects can bring about various health benefits to yoga practitioners.
Impact of Yoga practice is experienced not only for health problems; Yoga has something to offer for the enhancement of human potential. People who do not have significant health problems can practice Yoga and improve their skills in various fields. In brief every aspect of Yoga aims at obtaining one-pointedness of the mind either in gross or subtle ways. As a result of this one-pointedness the practitioners can relax body and mind; one can overcome stress related problems. In addition to this, one can enhance cognitive skills to a considerable extent. Scientific studies have provided significant amount of evidence to state that yoga practice improves concentration, memory and reduces fluctuation of attention. Hence reduces distraction.
Research findings in the area of Yoga also suggest that regular yoga practice enhances self-concept, improves personality, interpersonal relationships and productivity. Thus this ancient system of yoga can cater to the needs of people in all walks of life. These benefits are time-tested and scientifically attested.
With an intention to make the students of GITAM Institute of Management (GIM) experience the benefits of this ancient system, Yoga practice has been included in the curriculum of Management Courses of GITAM Institute of Management. Students are encouraged to practice yoga to enhance concentration and to overcome academic stress. GITAM Institute of Management has introduced Yoga practice for the students of MHRM, MBA and BBM courses from the academic year 2000-2001. After this initiation Yoga practice is being taught regularly at GIM.
With the objective of the benefits of this ancient knowledge to students of Management courses, GITAM Institute of Management (GIM) has provided good infrastructure for practicing Yoga and Meditation. A well-furnished Meditation hall and a spacious Yoga hall are provided for students, staff and faculty of GITAM University. GIM has introduced Yoga practice as a part of its curriculum from the academic year 2013-14. In one semester of their management course, Yoga is being taught as a subject for all the students of GIM. At the end of the semester their practice is being evaluated in an examination.
In order to improve awareness of GITAM students, Yoga related programs such as Yoga Exhibition, Yoga Asana competitions and Essay Competitions on Yoga related topics are conducted at GIM on different occasions such as GIM Anniversary Day, Gandhi Jayanthi and International Yoga Day. Since 21st June 2015, every year International Yoga Day is being celebrated by involving all the colleges of GITAM University. Yoga demonstrations, Flash Yoga Program, Yoga rally, Yoga competitions, Meditation camps are organized on this occasion.