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www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know New Yorkers, Others, Take Part In International Day Of Yoga Celebrations Day and Summer Solstice, the full-day event was presented by The Giving Back Foundation in collaboration with The Mayor’s Office of Sports, Wellness and Recreation and the Indian Consulate in NewYork. “UpliftNY25 was a powerful reminder that when we come together in the spirit of service and unity, we create real and lasting change ” noted Meera Gandhi, founder of The Giving Back Foundation. “I am deeply moved by the compassion and commitment shown by everyone involved. This is how we build a better world—one act of kindness, one heart at a time.. The energy was radiant, and the impact will ripple far beyond this mo- ment.”. The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations hosted the 11th edition of the International Day of Yoga on 20 June 2025 at the North Lawn Area of the United Nations Headquarters in New York. “This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” is rooted in the “One Earth, One Health” approach introduced during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023. The theme underscores the vital truth that personal wellness and planetary health are inseparably linked,” the PMI said in a press release. The IDY, introduced by PMModi dur- ing his address to the 69th session of the UN General Assembly, was endorsed by a record 173 member states. At the UN event this year, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, in his opening remarks, reflected on the growing global resonance of Yoga over the years, noting its evolution into a powerful force for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being across geographies, age groups, and backgrounds. The Chair of the International Day of Yoga Committee at the UN, Dennis Scotto, served as the Master of Ceremo- ny. The event featured Common Yoga Protocol sessions and an advanced yoga demonstration with music, conducted by the ‘Art of Living’ Foundation. A guided meditation session was led by globally renowned health and well- ness guru Dr. Deepak Chopra. More than 1,200 yoga enthusiasts, including UN envoys, personnel, officials, mem- bers of various yoga organizations, and representatives of the Indian diaspora, participated, according to PMI. In India, Prime Minister Modi kicked off celebrations in Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, posting scenes from the event. “Yoga unites the world! Glad to see immense enthusiasm all across the planet for International Day of Yoga,” he posted. Indian Ambassador Leads International Day Of Yoga Celebrations At Lincoln Memorial In Washington DC O n a bright, sunny morning, more than 500 yoga enthusiasts from theWashington DC metro- politan area (DMV) gathered at the historic Lincoln Memorial on June 19, 2025, to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga. The event was hosted by the Embassy of India inWashington DC. This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” was reflected throughout the program, which included prayers and invocations for peace and well-being across humanity. In her welcome address, First Sec- retary (Press, Information & Culture), Neha Singh, remarked, “This year, we are celebrating the 11th International Day of Yoga, recognizing the universal appeal of the ancient practice of yoga,” adding that 11 years ago, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Kwatra, who participated in the event, told South Asian Herald, “To- day’s yoga day celebrations are celebra- tion of India’s ancient civilizational heri- tage, which we are very happy to share with our friends from the US, including from the diaspora and others.” Reflecting on the day’s clear skies and positive energy, he added that it was a fitting occasion to “see and share the positive aspects” of India’s cultural legacy through the International Day of Yoga. In the lead-up to the main event, the Indian Embassy and its consulates across the United States hosted a series of curtain-raiser events, organized in collaboration with community organiza- tions and yoga practitioners. -(Used under special arrangement with SAH) By T.Vishnudatta Jayaraman, South Asian Herald PHOTOS:T.Vishnudatta Jayaraman,SAH Yoga enthusiasts performing yoga at the historic Lincoln Memorial on June 19, 2025, to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga. India’s Consul General speaking to the IDY gathering in Central Park on June 21, 2025. Dr. Deepak Chopra conducting a guided meditation session at the UN celebration of International Day of Yoga, June 20, 2025. PHOTO:X @IndiainNewYork PHOTO:PMI - Continued From Page 14 18 COVER STORY June 27, 2025