Context: Recently, the Department of Science and Technology has invited proposals to study appropriate intervention of yoga and meditation in fighting COVID-19 and similar kinds of viruses.
Key Points

• The proposals have been invited under the Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation (SATYAM) programme of the DST, a department under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

According to the ‘Call for Proposals’ uploaded on the Department of Science and Technology's website, concept note should cover 

• aims and objectives of proposed work;
• existing literature;
• methodology;
• expected outcome;
• budget requirement and details of host institutions along with detailed biodata of the principal investigator with latest publications included in scientific journal databases.

It states that the project may address 

• improving immunity;
• improving respiratory system;
• and interventions to overcome respiratory disorders

“COVID-19 usually has three dimensions -- related to stress (worry, sitting at home), respiratory and the immune system.

• "The aim of this special call is to provide assistance to our society in today's critical condition arising due to pandemic COVID-19. 
• Since, this is a need based call, therefore, proposed work should be completed within 6-12 months.
• Scientific Investigation: The effects of yoga and meditation on the life of a person during such stressful times have to be scientifically investigated.
• Sometimes, there is an empirical correlation in the actions and the outcome, but it needs to be understood scientifically.
• Modern Tools: All the participants are expected to work together using the modern tools of life science and bio-sciences to understand what works and what does not.
• If something works then what is the efficacy and in what conditions does it work.
• Holistic Target: The project may address improving immunity, improving respiratory systems and interventions to overcome respiratory disorders and other dimensions like stress, anxiety and depression-related issues due to isolation, uncertainty and disruption in normal life.

About Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation (SATYAM)

• Department of Science and Technology (DST), in 2015, conceptualized a new research program- ‘Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation’ (SATYAM)- under its Cognitive Science Research Initiative (CSRI). 
• As Yoga and Meditation are interdisciplinary endeavors that interface with Neuroscience, Medicine, Psychology, Philosophy, and so on, therefore an interdisciplinary approach is needed to converge different & diverse disciplines as well as approaches & methods in the study of yoga and meditation. 
• Thus comprehensive research on yoga and meditation is expected to address various challenges confronting physical and mental health. 
• This new programme is aimed to foster scientific research on the effects of yoga and meditation on physical & mental health and on cognitive functioning in healthy people as well as in patients with disorders.

Basic themes being covered under SATYAM include, among others, 

• investigations on the effect of Yoga and Meditation on physical and mental health and well being, and 
• investigations on the effect of Yoga and Meditation on the body, brain, and mind in terms of basic processes and mechanisms.

Who can apply?

• Scientists/academicians with research background in ‘Yoga and Meditation’ and having regular position are invited to participate in this initiative. 
• Practitioners actively involved in yoga and meditation practices are also encouraged to apply in collaboration with academic and research institutions of repute. 
• Interested researchers are required to submit research proposals in their area of expertise along with Endorsement Certificate from the Head of the Institution and detailed bio-data of PI and Co-PIs.

Project duration: The project is tenable for a maximum period of three (3) years.

About Cognitive Science Research Initiative (CSRI)

• Cognitive Science is the study of human mind and brain, focusing on how mind represents and manipulates knowledge and how mental representations and processes are realized in the brain. 
• With this aim, the Department of Science & Technology (DST) had initiated a highly focused programme "Cognitive Science Research Initiative (CSRI)" in 2008 during 11th Five year plan. 
• It facilitates a platform to scientific community to work for better solution of challenges related with cognitive disorders and social issues through various psychological tools & batteries, early diagnosis & better therapies, intervention technologies and rehabilitation programmes.

Activities Supported under CSRI are as follows

• Individual R&D Projects;
• Multi-centric Mega Projects;
• Post Doctoral Fellowship and;
• Support for Schools, Training, Workshops, Conferences etc

Its Objectives

• Nature and origins of mental disorders, of physiological, social and neuro-chemical origins.
• Design of better learning tools and educational paradigms.
• Design of better software technologies and artificial intelligence devices.
• Streamlining of social policy formulation and analysis.