Aligarh: Various departments and units of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) organised seminars and talks to mark the inaugural World Meditation Day.
The research scholars of the Department of Business Administration organised a seminar on meditation, underscoring the importance of meditating not merely as a spiritual exercise but also a profound tool for individual and collective transformation.
The Chairperson of the Department, Prof Salma Ahmed, praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of mindfulness in the work setting. She motivated the students to make an effort to practise meditation and inculcate mindfulness in everyday activities.
The seminar began with formal addresses, followed by a group discussion on meditation.
Ms Zeba Danish introduced the topic, discussing the challenges of meditating in the digital era and advocating for harmony between mindfulness and technology. Onaiza Sultan stressed that true meditation transcends screens, while Areeba Naseem highlighted its role in stress management, citing Indian government initiatives.
MBA student Asjad Ali Khan explained how soothing music aids meditation by regulating heart rate, and Arhamullah Khan expanded on the therapeutic effects of music, focusing on biochemical reactions. Mohammad Kashif Naseem discussed meditation’s corporate benefits, linking it to productivity, emotional intelligence, and focus. Mohd Anas Ibrahim elaborated on its workplace relevance, calling it a key to fostering calm, solution-oriented mindsets.
Keshav Kaushik outlined meditation’s physical health benefits, including reduced blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and slowed aging. Maryam Ahmad shared a philosophical perspective, connecting meditation to inner peace through Sufism, Taoism, and Stoicism, using fables to illustrate her points.
The group discussion involved 15 participants, who explored solutions to encourage business organisations to prioritize employees’ well-being.
The seminar was conducted by Tooba Bilgrami, whereas Rushda Kalim proposed a vote of thanks.
The Department of Linguistics organised a talk on the importance of mediation. Dr Pallav Vishnu and Dr Sabahuddin Ahmad explored the scientific and philosophical dimensions of meditation and its benefits in today’s stressful life.
STS School of AMU observed world meditation day with a program focusing on the significance of meditation in promoting mental well-being and enhancing focus.
Dr. Tanweer Husain Khan delivered a lecture, emphasizing the transformative power of meditation in reducing stress, improving concentration, and fostering emotional resilience. Practical techniques, including mindful breathing and visualization exercises, were introduced during the session.
Principal Mr. Faisal Nafis highlighted the importance of incorporating meditation into daily life.
AMU City Girls’ High School organised the World Meditation Day event in the school assembly ground.
Ms. Tehmina Ashraf, Science teacher delivered a talk on the importance of meditation in achieving mental clarity, reducing stress, and enhancing focus.
The highlight of the program was an eight-minute meditation session led by Mr Mohammad Mohsin, PHE teacher. Students and teachers participated in the session, sitting in silence and practicing mindfulness.
The Principal, Mr. Md. Javed Akhtar emphasised the need for incorporating meditation into daily life, especially for students, to improve concentration and emotional well-being.
The Ahmadi School for the Visually Challenged also organised the World Meditation Day event.
Ms. Sana Shamshad delivered a lecture on mental health, emphasising the importance of understanding and managing stress and anxiety.
She explained the causes of stress and anxiety, and how they affect mental and physical health. She shared practical strategies for coping with them and also described tips for effective meditation, such as choosing a quiet place, sitting comfortably, focusing on breathing, and practising mindfulness regularly.
Students participated in a demonstration session under the guidance of Ms. Hira Afzal where they performed various meditation postures, breathing exercises and meditation techniques that can be incorporated into daily routine.
Principal Dr. Naila Rashid said the programme not only made the students aware but also motivated them to adopt meditation as a tool for achieving mental peace and overall well-being.
