As per the directions received from ADG, HRM & Training Manager, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, requesting all ICAR Institutes to conduct an online training program on “Effective Health Management for Enhancing Work Efficiency of ICAR Employees” for all categories of permanent staff, to equip participants with information to manage their health, so that they are able to discharge their duties effectively in the present pandemic situation, a two-days online training programme was organised on 7th and 8th October, 2020. All Scientists, Technical and Supporting staff, Contractual staff, Research Associates, Senior Research Fellows and Young Professionals of ICAR-DWR, Jabalpur, participated in this training programme. A total of 110 participants participated in this online training. The employees who had the facility of computer system, participated from their computer systems. Whereas, sitting arrangements with proper physical distancing were made in the conference hall and in the committee room of Directorate, for the employees who did not have their own computer system.

The HRD Section of ICAR-DWR, Jabalpur, consulted with some of the eminent personalities in the relevant fields suggested by HRM Unit, ICAR and accordingly finalized the speakers. The first session of the training programme started in the first half on 07th October, 2020, with the welcome address of Dr. P. K. Singh, Director, ICAR-DWR, Jabalpur. He emphasized on the importance of a healthy body and mind with a positive attitude for achieving greater height in professional career, since a healthy person can discharge his/her duties more effectively and efficiently with full justification. On this occasion, Dr. P. K. Singh wished that all the participants will take active interest in all the lectures delivered during this two-days training programme. The first online lecture of the training programme was delivered by Dr. D. U. Pathak, Senior Surgeon, Shalby Hospital, Jabalpur, on the topic ‘Physical health management’. He highlighted on the importance of physical, mental and social well-being and the measures like proper diet, exercise, yoga and sleep to balance all these three aspects in day-to-day life. The take home messages of this session were- don’t eat if you are not hungry, drink plenty of water, start walking for good health, make more social connections, develop good hobbies, enjoy worship and make families joint ones. The next session of the training programme was held in the second half on 07th October, 2020. During this session Sh. Ajay Tiwari, a very renowned yoga teacher in Jabalpur (M.P.), delivered a lecture on the topic ‘Positive thinking and motivation’. He emphasized on the physical and mental benefits of ‘positive thinking’ as demonstrated by multiple scientific studies. A ‘positive mindset’ gives more confidence, improves mood, and even reduces the likelihood of developing conditions such as depression, hypertension and other stress-related disorders. The third session of the training programme was held in the morning half on 08th October, 2020. During this session Dr. Nidheesh Kumar Yadav, Department of Yoga Science, Patanjali University, Haridwar (U.K.), delivered a lecture on the topic ‘Mental and spiritual health management’. During his lecture, Dr. Nidheesh Kumar Yadav talked about the scientific basis of the yoga practices and spirituality for mental health. He also stressed upon cultivating spiritual practices to help uncover what is most meaningful in your life. By clarifying what's most important, one can focus less on the unimportant things and thereby eliminate stress. The final session of the training programme was held in the afternoon half on 08th October, 2020. During this session Dr. Jyoti Mishra, Director, Life Care Naturopathy Research Centre, Jabalpur (M.P.), delivered a lecture on the topic ‘Stress management during COVID-19 times’. She stressed on the fact that, if you are living with high levels of stress, you put your entire well-being at risk as stress disrupts the emotional equilibrium, in addition to damaging the physical health. Also, stress narrows the ability to think clearly, act efficiently, and enjoy life. She also talked about the tips for stress management for living a living balanced life having time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun and the resilience to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on.

The topics were appreciated by the staff of ICAR-DWR, Jabalpur and the programme was described as a much needed one during the present pandemic situation. The staff clarified their doubts regarding healthy sleep, stress management, diet, positive thinking, mystical and spiritual practices etc. and had productive interactions at the end of each session with the invited speakers. The Training Program Director and Director, ICAR-DWR, Dr. P.K. Singh oversaw the smooth conduct of the event, while Dr. Pawar Deepak Vishwanath, Nodal Officer, HRD-Cell and Sh. Mr. Sandeep Dhagat, Asst. Chief Tech. officer coordinated the training programme. Sh. Sujeet Verma, Administrative Officer, Sh. M.S. Hedau, Finance & Accounts Officer, Sh. G.R. Dongre, Sr. Technical Officer helped in smooth conduct of the training programme. Sh. Basant Mishra, Sr. Technical Officer, Convenor of the training program proposed the vote of thanks.