Y for Yoga, says Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) as it introduces a five-year degree course called Bachelors of Naturopathy and Yoga Sciences (BNYS). However, the degree-holders won't be called doctors, unlike their counterparts at the university. Also in the pipeline is a plan to incorporate a yoga course in the curriculum of first-year medical students at the university.

The MUHS officials have taken the yogic step after years of discussions and debates over it. "A government resolution regarding this was passed last month with the state government approving the first-of-its-kind course," said Dr Kalidas Chavan, registrar, MUHS.