Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 7 CITY VIEWS July 4, 2025 GOPIO And Indian Consulate Celebrate Yoga Day Led By Filmmaker Tirlok Malik T he Global Organization of People of Indian Origin, GOPIO, celebrated International Day of Yoga 2025 (IDY-2025) hosted by Happy Life Yoga Speaker and Emmy Nomi- nated Filmmaker Tirlok Malik on Sunday, June 22, 2025, f This year, GOPIO-Manhattan joined hands with Consulate General of India in NewYork Happy Life Yoga, The Indian Panorama & Indian American Forum, to host the interactive virtual Yoga event fea- turing experts and speakers from various walks of life. GOPIO-Manhattan started Happy Life Yoga in 2021 during Covid on the Zoom. Participants joined across the globe notably from USA, Canada, African Continent, India, Mexico, New Zealand, etc. including Global Peace Secretariat Founder and Social Activist Kumu Gupta, AIA National President Gobind Munjal, GOPIOWoman’s Council Co-Chair Jayas- hri Chintalapudi and GOPIO Life Member and community leader from New Zealand Suman Kapoor. This year’s session conducted by Tirlok Malik, featured light Yoga exercise while sitting in the chair, meditation and on breathing, plus a lot of laughter, they add- ed. “He led so many laughs, and let other speakers lead a laughter session; there was much laughter,” the press release said. Emphasizing Yoga’s growing importance in today’s world, Malik explains his vision behind Happy Life Yoga as “a way of living inspired by the wisdom of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Indian Philosophy.” Consul General of India in NewYork Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, in his message welcomed the participants and encour- aged them to practice Yoga in their day-to- day lives. GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, spoke about the objectives of GOPIO and urged people to join the GOPIO International organization or a nearby chapter. The theme for this year was – “HOW TO STAY PEACEFUL AND HAPPY IN THE MIDST OF THE WORLD TODAY?” GOPIO International President Prakash Shah and others addressed the gather- ing, including several media outlets, as well as Indu Jaiswal (Chairperson, Indian American Forum), Beena Kothari (Presi- dent, GOPIO NewYork & AIA NY), Giving Back Foundation Founder and CEO Meera Gandhi (gave her greetings via a message), Vegan Ambassador Anil Narang, young filmmakers Sneha Jain and Neha Lohia (gave her greetings via a message). Others acknowledged by organizers included Bhavya Gupta (Founding Mem- ber of GOPIO Manhattan) and Shivender Sofat (President & Founding Member of GOPIO Manhattan), and GOPIO Interna- tional Secretary Siddharth Jain (Found- ing Member of GOPIO Manhattan) who delivered the closing address. By a StaffWriter PHOTO:SundarVenugopalan Sahana Sundar with the US Congressman from NY-03 Rep. Mr. Thomas Suozzi at the US Capitol. Sahana Sundar with the US Congressman from NY-03 Rep. Mr. Thomas Suozzi at the US Capitol. Shree Siddhivinayak Temple Marks 9th Anniversary With Devotion, Rituals, And Cultural Celebration T he Shree Siddhivinayak Temple commemorated its 9th anniver- sary with a weekend of deeply spiritual ceremonies and vibrant cultural festivities on June 21 and 22. The two-day celebration drew devotees from across New Jersey and neighboring states, all united in seeking the darshan and blessings of Lord Siddhivinayak. The anniversary was marked by a series of meticulously performed Vedic rituals, led by esteemed temple priests Dr. Ganesh Prasad Ojha and Vashist Kumar Ojha. The religious ceremonies included Swasti Vachanam, Atharvashirsha Paath, Ganesh Pujan, Shivabhishek, Punyahavachanam, Kalash Sthapana and Kalash Yatra, Vaastu Homam, Main Murti Abhishek, and the recitation of Shree Ganesh Sahasranama- vali with traditional Ladoo offerings. The proceedings culminated in a Maha Aarti followed by Maha Prasad, reinforcing the temple’s role as a spiritual and cultural anchor for the community. Established in 2016 with a grand inau- guration that followed the highest Vedic protocols, the temple has since become a central hub for spiritual devotion and community engagement. Over the years, it has hosted a wide range of programs, in- cluding health fairs, religious discourses, and music events, solidifying its presence as both a sacred and social institution. As part of the anniversary celebration, the temple hosted a Sangeet Sandhya—an evening of devotional and cultural mu- sic—accompanied by dinner. The event featured performances by local commu- nity singers and was attended by special guests Dr. Tushar Patel, Dr. Jignesh Vakil, and Mr. Anant Haidale, who participated in the musical offerings. The weekend celebration not only honored the temple’s foundation and sustained growth, but also highlighted the unity and devotion of its ever-expanding community of worshippers. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:Shree SiddhivinayakTemple