Jammu, Aug 17: Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Higher Education, Shantmanu Sunday inaugurated three-days Yes Plus workshop, organized by Art of Living foundation at Government Gandhi Memorial Science College here.As per a statement issued here, in his inaugural address, Shantmanu emphasized the importance of integrating wellness and mindfulness with higher education. He underlined that academic learning must be complemented with practices that strengthen mental health, promote stress management, and cultivate emotional resilience, enabling students to face the challenges of the future with confidence. ACS said that such workshops inspire our youth to embrace both responsibility and inner strength as the essence of nation-building, adding that this initiative marks a significant step in aligning education with overall wellness, happiness, and holistic growth. Earlier, in his welcome address, Principal of GGM Science College, Prof. Romesh Kumar Gupta reiterated the institution’s commitment to nurturing the holistic development of students. He stated that such workshops enrich the educational experience by balancing intellectual pursuits with emotional well-being. The workshop, conducted by Arunima Sinha, Senior Instructor, Art of Living; Jaspreet Kour and Bhargavi Raj, Instructors, Art of Living, introduced students to guided breathing techniques, meditation practices, and interactive activities designed to foster inner calm, concentration, and positive thinking. Participants engaged with enthusiasm and acknowledged the relevance of such initiatives in today’s fast-paced academic environment. The event saw the participation of around 80 students, including NSS Volunteers, NCC Cadets, and postgraduate students, along with faculty members of the collage. Later, Shantmanu distributed the Tricolour to all participants of the workshop. Linking the spirit of the programme with Independence, he remarked, that the true freedom lies not only in political independence but also in the ability to live a stress-free, mindful, and harmonious life.