Apollo AyurVAID, a pioneering chain of next-generation precision Ayurveda hospitals and part of Apollo Hospitals Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vivekananda Yoga University (VaYU), USA. VaYU is the first yoga university outside India dedicated to graduate education and research in yoga, licensed by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE), State of California. It offers online MS and PhD programs in Yoga therapy and philosophy and is the first Indian Knowledge Systems university to achieve candidacy accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
This partnership aims to make globally accessible, accredited continuing education in Yoga, Ayurveda, and Integrative Medicine.
Focus on Academic Programs and Research
Under the agreement, Apollo AyurVAID and VaYU will co-develop academic programs, training, upskilling initiatives, and evidence-based research in integrative medicine. They will also offer best-in-class clinical internships and foster outreach opportunities to bring Ayurveda and Yoga to a global audience.
A Transformative Step for Global Learning
Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Rajiv Vasudevan, Founder, MD & CEO, Apollo AyurVAID Hospitals, said,
“This partnership with VaYU marks a transformative step in advancing our mission of delivering credible, evidence-based Ayurveda care integrated with Yoga. By combining VaYU’s expertise in yoga education and research with Apollo AyurVAID’s protocol-driven, precision Ayurveda management, we are building a powerful platform that creates new pathways for global learning in Indian health sciences. Together, we will offer precision Ayurveda, Yoga, and Integrative Medicine training courses through degree and certificate programs, made available globally through VaYU. This collaboration will equip the next generation of healthcare professionals and accelerate the mainstreaming of scientific Yoga and Ayurveda.”
Enhancing Learning Through Clinical Immersion
Dr. Sree N. Sreenath, Founder President, Vivekananda Yoga University, highlighted the value of clinical exposure:
“Our collaboration with Apollo AyurVAID represents a unique opportunity to bridge academic excellence with clinical expertise. VaYU students to gain hands-on Ayurveda & Yoga experience at Apollo AyurVAID centres via immersive observership and internship programs. We will also organise seminars, conferences, and lectures to bring Indian knowledge systems to a wider audience. This partnership strengthens VaYU’s mission of combining scientific rigor with ancient wisdom while expanding opportunities for students and communities worldwide.”
Capacity Building and Global Reach
As per the press release, the partnership will focus on capacity building. Apollo AyurVAID staff will receive specialised training in yoga therapies through VaYU’s degree and certificate programs. They will develop and deliver Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine training courses globally. This includes collaborations with third-party partners on VaYU’s academic platform.
To maximise impact, the collaboration will leverage innovative technologies and scalable practices, ensuring rapid dissemination of knowledge and widespread adoption.