UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) had established UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme in 1992, in conformity with a resolution adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO at its 26th session (1991). The programme consists of establishment of UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks in higher education institutions.
UNESCO Chairs Programme helps in building capacities of higher education and research institutions through the exchange of knowledge and sharing, preserving the spirit of international solidarity. The Programme covers training, research and exchange of academics and offers a platform for information sharing.
UNESCO Chair in Inclusive Adapted Physical Education and Yoga
UNESCO Chair in the area of ‘Inclusive Adapted Physical Education and Yoga’ (1004), was established in 2012 at Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute for activities in the field of inclusive adapted physical education and yoga. This Chair is first of its kind in the field of ‘Inclusive Education’ in Asia. Establishment of the chair during the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda is a significant step towards realization of his vision of education for life-building, man-making and character building by combining best elements of the East and the West.
Name of Chair and Co-Chair with designation:
Chair: Dr. R. Giridharan, Head, Faculty of General & Adapted Physical Education and Yoga, RKMVERI Coimbatore |
 Co-Chair:Dr. Arkadeb Dutta, Assistant Professor, Department of Sports Science & Yoga, RKMVERI Belur |
Objectives of the Chair
A number of diverse and focused activities to be carried out are:
- carry out research in inclusive physical education in collaboration with partners, and disseminate research results widely;
- design an orientation programme in inclusive adapted physical education, and provide training to staff working in school s and colleges;
- organize seminars and conferences to facilitate networking and the sharing of knowledge and good practices; and,
- Strengthen links and cooperation with local and international institutions active in the field of inclusive adapted physical education, to achieve the above objectives.