Our History
From a humble yoga research unit in 1981 to India's premier integrative medicine university — a chronicle of vision, perseverance, and healing.
VK YOCTAS Founded
The Seed is Planted
Under the visionary leadership of Dr. H.R. Nagendra and Dr. R. Nagarathna, the Vivekananda Kendra Yoga Therapy, Research & Training Centre (VK YOCTAS) was established in Bengaluru. This marked the beginning of a systematic, scientific exploration of Yoga's therapeutic applications — a bold departure from prevailing medical orthodoxy.
VK YOCTAS Founded
The Seed is Planted
Under the visionary leadership of Dr. H.R. Nagendra and Dr. R. Nagarathna, the Vivekananda Kendra Yoga Therapy, Research & Training Centre (VK YOCTAS) was established in Bengaluru. This marked the beginning of a systematic, scientific exploration of Yoga's therapeutic applications — a bold departure from prevailing medical orthodoxy.
Renamed VKYOGAS
Research Deepens
The organisation expanded its research mandate and was renamed the Vivekananda Kendra Yoga and Gitayana Samsthana (VKYOGAS). Clinical research programmes in Yoga therapy for chronic diseases began in earnest, laying the empirical foundation that would eventually attract international scientific attention.
Renamed VKYOGAS
Research Deepens
The organisation expanded its research mandate and was renamed the Vivekananda Kendra Yoga and Gitayana Samsthana (VKYOGAS). Clinical research programmes in Yoga therapy for chronic diseases began in earnest, laying the empirical foundation that would eventually attract international scientific attention.
Renamed VYASA
National Recognition Grows
As the institution's scope expanded far beyond Yoga alone — encompassing Ayurveda, Naturopathy, and integrative medicine — it was renamed VYASA (Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana). By now, Arogyadhama was treating thousands of patients annually and publishing research in peer-reviewed journals worldwide.
Renamed VYASA
National Recognition Grows
As the institution's scope expanded far beyond Yoga alone — encompassing Ayurveda, Naturopathy, and integrative medicine — it was renamed VYASA (Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana). By now, Arogyadhama was treating thousands of patients annually and publishing research in peer-reviewed journals worldwide.
S-VYASA Deemed University
A Historic Milestone
The University Grants Commission (UGC) of India conferred Deemed University status upon S-VYASA — making it the world's first and only university dedicated entirely to Yoga science. Arogyadhama became its hospital division, where research and healing were practiced as one unified mission.
S-VYASA Deemed University
A Historic Milestone
The University Grants Commission (UGC) of India conferred Deemed University status upon S-VYASA — making it the world's first and only university dedicated entirely to Yoga science. Arogyadhama became its hospital division, where research and healing were practiced as one unified mission.
ICMR Advanced Research Centre
Scientific Validation
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recognised Arogyadhama's research excellence by designating it a Centre of Advanced Research in Yoga and Neurophysiology — one of only a handful of institutions in India to receive this distinction. Landmark studies on Yoga's effect on diabetes, hypertension, and psychiatric disorders were conducted during this period.
ICMR Advanced Research Centre
Scientific Validation
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recognised Arogyadhama's research excellence by designating it a Centre of Advanced Research in Yoga and Neurophysiology — one of only a handful of institutions in India to receive this distinction. Landmark studies on Yoga's effect on diabetes, hypertension, and psychiatric disorders were conducted during this period.
International Yoga Day — Global Leadership
56,000 Patients, 7,500 Camps
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed International Yoga Day to the United Nations — and the UN adopted June 21st unanimously — S-VYASA and Arogyadhama played a pivotal role in designing the official protocol. In a single year, the team conducted 7,500 yoga camps across India, treating over 56,000 diabetic patients — a world record in healthcare outreach.
International Yoga Day — Global Leadership
56,000 Patients, 7,500 Camps
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed International Yoga Day to the United Nations — and the UN adopted June 21st unanimously — S-VYASA and Arogyadhama played a pivotal role in designing the official protocol. In a single year, the team conducted 7,500 yoga camps across India, treating over 56,000 diabetic patients — a world record in healthcare outreach.
Padma Shri — Dr. H.R. Nagendra
National Honour
India's fourth-highest civilian honour, the Padma Shri, was conferred upon Dr. H.R. Nagendra for his decades of contributions to Yoga science and integrative medicine. This recognition brought the institution global visibility and validated four decades of quiet, dedicated work.
Padma Shri — Dr. H.R. Nagendra
National Honour
India's fourth-highest civilian honour, the Padma Shri, was conferred upon Dr. H.R. Nagendra for his decades of contributions to Yoga science and integrative medicine. This recognition brought the institution global visibility and validated four decades of quiet, dedicated work.
350 Beds · 400+ Research Papers · 45,000+ Patients
The Journey Continues
Today, Arogyadhama stands as a 350-bed inpatient hospital treating patients from over 50 countries, with a clinical team of specialists across 11 departments. The research legacy continues: over 400 papers in PubMed, ongoing clinical trials, and a new generation of scientists and healers being trained within the walls of Prashanti Kutiram.
350 Beds · 400+ Research Papers · 45,000+ Patients
The Journey Continues
Today, Arogyadhama stands as a 350-bed inpatient hospital treating patients from over 50 countries, with a clinical team of specialists across 11 departments. The research legacy continues: over 400 papers in PubMed, ongoing clinical trials, and a new generation of scientists and healers being trained within the walls of Prashanti Kutiram.
Continue Exploring
Meet the founders who made this journey possible, or return to the full About overview.