Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 9 CITY VIEWS June 13, 2025 PHOTOS:empireeventsgroup Central Park To Host Thousands For UPLIFTNY25, A Celebration Of Yoga, Healing, And Community Connection Foundation, hosts UPLIFTNY25 to celebrate Internation- al Yoga Day in Central Park. Photo: Giving Back Founda- tion “This isn’t just about yoga poses or meditation,” said Meera Gandhi, “This is about transforming the collective mood of our city through intentional presence, music, and community. UPLIFTNY25 is a movement for mental wellness and connection.” From Solstice to Stillness: A Day in Detail Rumsey Playfield will open at 9:30 a.m. with yoga mat check-in and morning tea. What follows is a curated journey through movement, sound, and stillness—fea- turing voices from the worlds of music, spirituality, and wellness: • A morning DJ set by DJ Rekha • Light yoga led by Inga Benson • Group meditation and later a headline performance by Madame Gandhi • Chakra healing by Miriam Belov • Astrology session with Darryl Gaines • A guided discussion on anxiety by Bhushan Deodhar • of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Art of Living Foundation • A wellness talk by Tirlok Malik on “Happy Life Yoga” A dance finale powered by Daybreaker Admission is free, and participants receive compli- mentary yoga mats and a vegetarian lunch. Space is limited; registration is available at www.upliftny25.info . Voices of Support Highlighting the cultural and diplomatic importance of the day, Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in NewYork, stated: “Yoga is India’s gift to the world. UPLIFTNY25 reflects our commitment to global peace and inner balance. Bringing people together through yoga is a celebration of harmony and shared humanity.” The collaboration with the Indian Consulate under- scores yoga’s spiritual origins and its modern relevance as a cross-cultural tool for well-being. Madame Gandhi — Artist and TED Fellow known for activ- ism through percussion. DJ Rekha — Pioneer of Basement Bhangra and cultural DJ icon. Inga Benson —Movement therapist and yoga educator. Miriam Belov — Chakra healing specialist and intuitive guide. Darryl Gaines — Astrologer to artists and spiritual seekers. Bhushan Deodhar — Art of Living leader and stress relief expert. Tirlok Malik — Filmmaker and Ayurveda advocate behind “Happy Life Yoga.” Daybreaker — International dance movement for joy and connection. UPLIFTNY25 isn’t just a feel-good gathering—it’s a message. In a world battling burnout, anxiety, and disconnection, the event reminds us that healing doesn’t always begin in solitude. Sometimes, it begins in a park— together. - Continued From Page 8 New York Indo-American Film Festival To Premiere Anupam Kher’s Cannes De- but ‘Tanvi The Great’ T he NewYork Indian film Festival that is celebrating its 25th anniversary, announced it has added Tanvi the Great as a Gala premiere June 19. The movie, directed and produced by actor Anupam Kher, made its global debut at the Cannes Marché du Film. Shubhangi plays a breakout role in the movie, alongside Anupam Kher, Iain Glen, Jackie Shroff, Boman Irani, Arvind Swami, Pallavi Joshi, Karan Tacker and Nasser. Tanvi the Great tells the story of a young autistic woman who, against all odds, sets out to complete the mission her late father never could— reaching the world’s highest battle- field. A portrait of resilience, the film was inspired by Kher’s own niece and features a sweeping score by Academy Award winner M.M. Keera- vani and sound design by Academy Award winner Resul Pookutty. “Tanvi the Great is a powerful and inspiring film that reaffirms the transformative power of storytell- ing,” Rakesh Kaul, vice chairman of the Indo-American Arts Council, is quoted saying in the press release. “We are especially proud to spotlight the legendary Anupam Kher — now Director and Producer —whose performance once again reminds us why he is among the greatest actors of our time, commanding not only the screen but also our hearts. His presence at NYIFF is a gift to our au- diences and a celebration of artistic excellence.” “It is a matter of great honor for me and my team that Tanvi The Great will have its gala premiere at the prestigious NewYork Indian Film Festival. The festival has long championed not just cinematic bril- liance, but stories that hold a mirror to society,” said Kher. The premiere will be followed by an in-depth conversation with Anu- pam Kher and actor Shubhangi. The NewYork Indian Film Festival (NYIFF), the longest-running U.S. festival dedicated to Indian indepen- dent cinema, returns for its mile- stone 25th edition from June 20–22, with a lineup of 45 films, including narratives, documentaries, and shorts, spanning more than a dozen languages and regions. Tickets, schedule, and full pro- gram details are available at nyiff.us . By a StaffWriter PHOTO:X @anupamkherstud1 Poster for ‘Tanvi the Great’. Madame Gandhi performing a live set blending beats and empowerment. DJ Rekha energizes the crowd with South Asian and global sounds. Inga Benson leads gentle yoga to foster inner awareness. Bhushan Deodhar speaks on breathwork and leadership through mindfulness. Miriam Belov facilitates a ses- sion on aura balance and inner wisdom. Tirlok Malik merges film, health, and heritage in his talks. Darryl Gaines offers insight on navigating life’s cosmic patterns.