The central government on Friday launched a research programme in the fields of yoga and meditation, an official statement said.
"The objective of SATYAM (Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation) is to harness knowledge obtained in academic institutions and other related agencies for finding science- and technology-led solutions that would enable us to cope with stress and strain associated with fast-changing social, economic, environmental and professional circumstances," a ministry of science and technology statement said.
The programme will encourage research on the effects of Yoga and meditation on physical and mental health and on basic processes occurring in the body, brain and mind, it added.
"Cutting-edge research under SATYAM will seek to identify various issues and challenges related to human well-being and address them," the statement said.