Agencies Promoting Health, Sports, and Yoga
This chapter discusses different agencies and awards in India that contribute to health, sports, games, and yoga promotion. Awards play a crucial role in enhancing performance and encouraging participation, while agencies monitor and facilitate various activities in these fields.
1. Major Agencies in India
Several key institutions oversee health and physical education in the country, each with unique functions and responsibilities:
National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
- Establishment: Formed in 1961 to improve school education.
- Functions:
- Provide research and training in educational practices.
- Develop curriculum and instructional materials, including those for health and physical education.
- Assist governments in policy formulation regarding educational programs.
- Key Units:
- National Institute of Education (NIE): Focuses on curriculum research.
- Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET): Develops educational technology.
- Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE): focuses on vocational education.
- Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs): Serve specific regions for teacher education and curriculum support.
- Health and Physical Education Role: NCERT incorporates health education into the national curriculum and develops syllabi approved by the National Steering Committee.
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
- Background: Founded in 1921, it has evolved to cater to varying educational needs.
- Functions:
- Curriculum development, evaluation, teacher training workshops, and monitoring academic projects.
- Health and Physical Education: Implements syllabi and organizes competitive sports for affiliated schools.
2. State Government Agencies
Each state has its own Council of Educational Research and Training (like SCERT) responsible for preparing syllabi, training teachers, and assessing student performance, including for health and physical education. Additional institutes like State Institutes of Education (SIE) and Directorates of Education play vital roles in implementing educational standards across various subjects.
3. Sports Authority of India (SAI)
- Established: 1984 to enhance sports and develop athletic skills.
- Objectives: Train athletes through various schemes and promote sports at different age levels.
- Key Initiatives:
- National Sport Talent Contest
- Special Area Games (SAG)
- SAI Training Centers (STC) for nurturing talents.
4. Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sport (NSNIS)
- Founded: 1961 in Patiala, focusing on sports development and coach training.
- Programs: Conducts multiple coaching courses and research to enhance India's sports capabilities.
5. Yoga Institutions
- Numerous institutes promote yoga across India. Each offers various programs, including:
- Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (Pune)
- Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (Chennai)
- Bihar School of Yoga (Munger)
- Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (New Delhi)
These institutions focus on enhancing the practice and understanding of yoga through various courses and community classes.
6. Awards in Sports
India's various sports awards recognize talent and accomplishments in sports, enhancing motivation and awareness nationally:
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award: Highest honor for overall sport excellence, instituted in 1991, including a cash prize of ₹7.5 lakhs.
- Arjuna Award: For outstanding achievements in sports, introduced in 1961 and includes a cash prize of ₹5 lakhs.
- Dronacharya Award: Recognizes exceptional coaches, established in 1985 with a cash award of ₹5 lakhs.
- Dhyan Chand Award: Lifetime achievement award for veteran sportspersons, initiated in 2002, including a cash prize of ₹5 lakhs.
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy: Given for outstanding performance among universities.
- Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar: Recognizes contributions by entities other than sportspersons.
- Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award: Awarded for excellence in adventure sports.
These awards are presented annually on National Sports Day on August 29 to celebrate India's sports heritage and encourage upcoming athletes.
Conclusion
National and state agencies play a pivotal role in promoting physical education, sports, and yoga in India. They provide structure and support for individuals and teams to excel, ultimately fostering a healthier society and recognizing the efforts of those involved. Understanding these agencies and awards can help students and athletes take advantage of opportunities available in the sports and health sectors.