Asha Foundation

Although mechanistic studies on Yoga and meditation have demonstrated their efficacy over the past few decades, very few studies have focused on the Yogic state of Samaadhi, characterized by an ultimate state of peace and happiness. In this study, we probed electrophysiological correlates of Samaadhi in a Yogi par excellence. This research was conducted in the 1980s and is now being brought to the public domain. We characterized changes in muscle, cardiac, and brain electrical activity, as well as breathing during about 30 minutes of meditative Samaadhi using a multichannel polygraph system during two experiments in 1985 and 1988. Spectral analysis was carried out using computers in the late 1980s. During meditation, we observed a substantial reduction in breathing amplitude (to <5% of pre-meditation levels) and subjectively measured heartbeat and pulse amplitude. Cardiac electrical activity remained intact, but the data pointed to the possibility of a considerable reduction in cardiac mechanical activity. Muscle contractions were consistent and substantially higher. A unique pattern of alpha as well as beta activity was observed in frontal electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes, and alpha activity with occasional beta activity was observed in occipital EEG electrodes. During an epoch of eyes open state (within the meditation phase), EEG patterns resembled a deep meditative state, such as high occipital alpha and beta activity and frontal beta activity, which is strange because occipital alpha activity typically vanishes with the eyes open. Taken together, we provide preliminary evidence for the electrophysiological correlates of Samaadhi. The patterns observed from multiple modalities, taken together, were unique and different from those typically seen in adults. They were distinct from the electrophysiological correlates of three typical states of consciousness (awake, dreaming, and sleeping). Further research with the latest technologies and analytical tools is required for a better mechanistic understanding of the state of Samaadhi.

This all-encompassing strategy for improving the pharmaceutical supply chain management process places a strong emphasis on responsibility, transparency, and traceability. Role-based access control, secure hashing algorithms, and blockchain (Hyperledger Fabric) technologies work together to reduce the risk of counterfeit medications and guarantee accurate drug monitoring. In a drug traceability system made possible by blockchain technology, every participant in a supply chain is assigned a unique identity and has access to a shared, decentralized database that follows the transit of pharmaceuticals along the supply chain. To ensure data security and integrity, MedGuard uses the SHA-256 hashing technique for data validation and the PBFT (Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance) consensus algorithm for network node consensus. To maintain the integrity and security of the data, each participant is only permitted to add new records to the database; they are not permitted to edit or remove alreadyexisting records. All things considered, a blockchain-based drug traceability system might greatly improve the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products and help protect patients and the public from the risks associated with fake or tainted drugs. The complete solution is currently accessible as the “MedGuard” online application.”

Youth living with HIV (YLHIV) face multidimensional challenges, including stigma, mental health struggles, and socioeconomic instability, which are further magnified among adolescents and young adults with perinatally acquired HIV (APHIV). Peer-led differentiated service delivery (DSD) models providing tailored support for this population have demonstrated improved outcomes, though their adaptation and implementation in India remain underexplored. We examined multi-stakeholder perceptions within a peer-support DSD intervention in India, the I’mPossible Fellowship, designed to address the health, educational, and livelihood needs of APHIV. Between May and December 2023, we enrolled three stakeholder groups involved in the I’mPossible fellowship intervention: (1) intervention deliverers (APHIV “fellows”), (2) facilitators (“supervisors” of APHIV), and (3) beneficiaries (APHIV “peers”). To examine fellows’ roles and growth, we conducted in-depth interviews with fellows (n=8; 75% female; mean age: 22.5 years) and supervisors (n=7). Aiming to explore fellow-peer interactions and perceived program impact, we conducted three focus group discussions with purposefully sampled peers (n=18; 66.7% male; mean age: 16.7 years). Data collected were audio recorded, transcribed, and translated from Kannada to English for coding and analysis. Thematic deductive analysis was combined with data triangulation across participant groups to synthesize findings. Five key themes emerged, highlighting the layered influences of the I’mPossible Fellowship. First, mentorship was an important theme that provided informational and emotional support for peers; second, peer influence arising from peer-to-peer interactions contributed to a sense of trust and affirmation. Third, personal growth experienced by fellows stimulated their motivation to fulfil their mentorship roles effectively. Fourth, complex systemic challenges, such as stigma and discrimination, hindered educational and employment advancement of APHIV. Fifth, sustainability, through robust post-fellowship systems and continued mentoring support, was emphasized by supervisors and fellows as crucial for supporting APHIV in transitioning to independent living. This study highlights the pivotal role of fellows and the bi-directional power of peer mentorships in addressing the multilevel factors that enhance outcomes for APHIV. By providing knowledge and empathy to their peers and serving as credible role models with lived experience of HIV, fellows within the I’mPossible fellowship exemplify a successful DSD model incorporating the three essential attributes of peer support: informational, emotional, and affirmative support. While these findings underscore the importance of integrating peer-led interventions into HIV care frameworks to support youth with HIV, this also reframes youth as active agents of change, recognizing their capacity for empowerment and meaningful societal contribution rather than passive recipients of care.

Objectives: Continuous connected breathing (CCB) is a high-frequency breathing technique without breath retention. This study examines changes in electroencephalogram (EEG) band power and heart rate variability (HRV) before, during and after breathwork intervention of 3 rounds of 40 CCB versus normal breathing in healthy volunteers. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three healthy volunteers, aged between 19 and 23 years, participated in the study (n = 15; female = 7; mean age = 21.5 years) group, while the control group consisted of 18 individuals (n = 18; male = 11; mean age = 19.6 years). After acquiring baseline measures, the study group engaged in 40 CCB practice online for 10 days, while the control group continued with their usual activities. EEG and HRV signals were recorded for both groups after the 10 days. Post-intervention, the study group practised 40 CCB breathwork, while the control group breathed normally during signal acquisition. EEG was recorded for 1-min durations at five different time events (1st, 4th, 5th, 7th and 10th min) according to the protocol. HRV was continuously recorded for the entire 10 min, and 1-min readings corresponding to the EEG recording time intervals were analysed. EEG signals were acquired using an Enobio-8 cap with dry electrodes in pre-frontal (FP1 and FP2), temporal (T7 and T8), central (C3 and C4) and occipital (O1 and O2) regions. HRV data were acquired from Polar H7/H10 chest strap sensors through Bluetooth using Elite HRV app on android phone and data were later processed with Kubios software. EEG signals were processed using MATLAB software to extract EEG power for delta (0– 3.5Hz), theta (4–7 Hz), alpha (8–13 Hz), beta (14–29 Hz) and gamma frequencies (30–50 Hz). The EEG power and HRV signals were later arranged as before-after and during time events and statistically analysed for within and between-group changes using t-tests for significance of means. Results: There was an overall quantitative change in EEG band power of −2 units within the study group and −0.03 within the control group. A significant decrease was found in overall delta (−2.27), theta (−1.7), alpha (−1.8) and beta (−2.27) brain waves in pre-frontal (FP1, FP8), temporal (T7, T8) and occipital (O1, O2) regions after breathwork compared to before within the study group. A significant increase was found in beta (+2.8) band power in the control group with a higher increase in the left compared to the right hemisphere. Bilateral average change ranged from −1.6 to −2.6 in the study and −0.1 to +4.9 in the control group. HRV parameters were reduced after intervention in both groups but without significance. The parameters improved after the intervention compared to during within the study group, though not significant. Conclusion: 10 days of practice of 40 CCB breathworks (3 rounds) for 5 min/day may reduce EEG power in delta, theta, alpha and beta waves. It may help to maintain autonomic balance with an increase of HRV in the recovery phase after an initial decrease during breathwork. Further studies are recommended to test the consistency of outcomes.

The colloquium presents multiple perspectives on managing social organizations. Social organizations have emerged from not-for-profit organizations. They meet an important unfulfilled need of collective societal good. Some social organizations have a strong legacy. There is no standard way of governing/administring/managing social organizations. The management style needs to be context-specific. The impact of social organizations are also varied. Often the emphasis is on effectiveness rather than efficiency. The articles draw on the experience of the founder/co-founder, managers and academicians who have worked with/for social organizations to provide insights on the management and various challenges these organizations face.

The State where people mainly depend on agriculture in which 92% farmers are marginal and small out of which 56% are in category of near to landless, compelled to work as laborers. In this condition they require an additional source of income so that they can spend their life easily. In this situation goat farming may be a source for their bread and butter. In goat farming there is hug potential to grow the rural economy and increase the standard of living. Majorly Goat farming is a secondary source of income in Bihar but with minimum investment and low technical skill set it play very important role in the bedtime specially for poor people. In the context of Seemanchal region, if a person has three mother goats, with an average arrangement they can earn up to 20,000 rupees per year. This research shows that how goat farming is a source of income generation and source of livelihood & also shows that female member of family can contribute to boost in economy of family. Bihar is the 4 th largest goat population (12.82 million Goat) in India. Goat farming is not only for poor families, goat rearing is also sustainable and profitable option for different categories of rural households.