Spiritual aspects of the Indian discipline were highlighted at the event cohosted by The Brahma Kumaris and ALotusInTheMud.com
Our Bureau
Great Neck, NY
In a soulful celebration to rekindle yoga’s spiritual roots, over 200 people came together to celebrate the International Day of Yoga. Instead of yoga postures, they were introduced to the higher steps of the discipline that originated in India. The Spirit of Yoga event on June 22 was co-hosted by Parveen Chopra, founder of ALotusInTheMud.com, and the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization.
Parveen Chopra played a video of the Lotus web magazine he founded three years ago and moderated the evening, along with Erik Larson, Director of Brahma Kumaris WSO. Sister Anjani Seepersaud, Coordinator of the Global Harmony House venue, introduced them.
While acknowledging that almost all Yoga Day programs and yoga studios focus only on asanas and pranayama, Chopra pointed out, “Asana practice will lead many to explore the spiritual side of yoga.”
India’s Consul General In New York Binaya Srikanta Pradhan was the Chief Guest. He was represented by Piyush Singh – Consul, Press, Information, and Culture. Singh relayed the message from the Consulate: “We are privileged to support this inspiring initiative. The energy and intent that radiate from this gathering truly reflect the deeper essence of yoga. Not merely asanas, yoga is a profound spiritual discipline that harmonizes body, mind, and soul.”
Piyush Singh was introduced by Prof Indrajit Singh Saluja, who mentioned that he was a witness earlier this month to a record 10,000 people attending a yoga session in San Pedro Carcha in Guatemala, organized by the Indian embassy there, even though only 100 Indian families live in that city.
Both BK Mohini Didi, the Brahma Kumaris’ Chief Administrative Head, and Sister Gayatri Naraine, their NGO representative to the United Nations, spoke of Rajyoga meditation as the pathway to peace and happiness as we connect to the supreme and remember the eternal qualities of the soul.
“The light of love is ignited in the heart,” explained Mohini Didi. “When we connect to the supreme, our vibrations touch the hearts of everyone in the world, so we can have peace.” A recording of Mohini Didi’s blessings message was screened at the event.
“The first quality of Raj Yoga is love,” affirmed Sister Gayatri. “When you see your true self as love, you see everyone as brothers and sisters from your heart, not your mind. She explained that “it is the practice of Rajyoga meditation by individuals of a collective coming together that has the greatest impact on the world.”
Eddie Stern, yoga instructor and founder of the Ganesha Temple in Manhattan, positioned postures in the 8-limb yoga discipline and led the audience in doing Brahma Mudra exercise.
Jennifer DeSena, Supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead, thanked Chopra and the Global Harmony House for hosting a meaningful celebration of Yoga Day, adding. “Yoga is not just movement—it’s a journey inward, a practice of stillness in a restless world.”
Rakesh Bhargava, President of the World Vegan Vision (NY chapter), discussed the vegan lifestyle and yoga. Dr Anjali Grover danced the story of yoga and Andonia Fthenakis presented sound bath meditation.
Earlier in the day, Steven Weinberg, Mayor of the Village of Thomaston in Great Neck, dropped by to present a Proclamation commending the Brahma Kumaris.
In an expression of India’s call of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The World is One Family), the speakers and attendees represented diverse religions and communities.
Prominent people at the event included Arvind Vora, Chair of Shanti Fund and founding trustee of Lotus, Dr Faroque Khan, Chair of Interfaith Institute of Long Island, Paul Chellani, head of the Sant Nirankari Mission – New York, Kamlesh Mehta – Chairman of The South Asian Times, Prof Indrajit Saluja – Editor-Publisher of The Indian Panorama, Mohan Wanchoo, Varinder Bhalla, Mukund Padmanabhan, Chandra Bhansali, Ashok Vyas, Dr Urmilesh Arya, Rashmin Master, Jyoti Gupta and yoga teacher Anita Rana.
Guests and volunteers enjoyed delicious vegetarian and vegan refreshments in the sunny outdoors.
(All pictures by Kripa Ranjan Prasad, courtesy of Parveen Chopra/ALotusInTheMud.com)
