Our Bureau
Monticello, NY
The Wellness and Healthy Aging Retreat organized by the Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA), BRUHUD NY Seniors, and Jaipur Foot USA at the world-class YO1 Longevity & Health Resorts witnessed enthusiastic participation from community leaders, physicians, professionals, and health-conscious individuals from across the United States.
The retreat featured an inspiring keynote address by internationally renowned Yoga Guru and President of S-VYASA University, Bengaluru, Padma Shri Dr. H. R. Nagendra. Dr. Nagendra spoke extensively on the growing importance of Integrative Medicine and the vital role of Yoga in preventive healthcare, healthy aging, stress management, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Drawing upon decades of scientific research and practical experience, he explained how the integration of modern medicine and yoga can help prevent lifestyle-related diseases and significantly improve health outcomes.
One of the major highlights of the program was an insightful presentation by world-renowned interventional cardiologist Dr. Samin K. Sharma, who shared valuable information on heart health, preventive medicine, and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Another key attraction of the retreat was a panel discussion on healthy aging, disease prevention, and the importance of regular health check-ups. The discussion featured Dr. Raj Bansal, founder of one of the largest Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) in the United States, and Dr. Rekha Bhandari, Chief Medical Officer overseeing more than 1,500 nursing homes across 42 states. Both experts shared their perspectives on preventive healthcare and healthy aging.
The discussion was further enriched by Dr. Anand Kanjolia, President of RAJMAI, one of the largest organizations of Rajasthani physicians in the United States; Dr. Vinod Sancheti, former President of RAJMAI; and Dr. Sharad Kothari, Vice President of RANA New York.
The panelists explained complex medical and healthcare topics in simple and practical terms, making them easily understandable and beneficial for all participants. The program concluded with an extensive interactive question-and-answer session, during which attendees engaged directly with the experts and sought guidance on preventive healthcare, nutrition, heart health, healthy aging, and overall wellness.
Several distinguished members of the Indian-American community attended the retreat, including RANA Founder Shri K. K. Mehta; RANA Patron Shri Jugal Kishore Laddha; President of BRUHUD NY Seniors Ajay Patel; President of AIA New York Chapter Beena Kothari; Jaipur Foot USA Secretary Rajeev Bhambhri; RANA Secretary Ravi Jargarh; Joint Secretary Raj Garg; Board Members Sharad Agarwal, Nitin Dhariwal, Atul Parikh, and Neelam Jambhar; President of Philadelphia Rajasthan Mandal Dr. Ravi Murarka; Program Director at Interfaith Medical Center Dr. Kalpana Panigrahi; former President of AIA New York Chapter Harish Thakkar; and many other community leaders, physicians, and professionals.
Expressing his satisfaction over the tremendous success of the retreat, Prem Bhandari, President of RANA, Chairman of Jaipur Foot USA, and Chairman of BRUHUD NY Seniors, stated that such wellness and healthy aging programs play a vital role in promoting awareness about preventive healthcare, yoga, nutrition, and healthy living. He emphasized that RANA, BRUHUD NY Seniors, and Jaipur Foot USA will continue organizing similar initiatives in the future to encourage healthier lifestyles and improve community well-being.
Bhandari expressed special gratitude to Harish Goyal, CEO and Managing Director of YO1 Longevity & Health Resorts, and his wife, Renu Goyal, for their exceptional hospitality and for hosting the retreat at the world-class YO1 facility. On behalf of RANA, BRUHUD NY Seniors, and Jaipur Foot USA, he thanked them for making all necessary arrangements and creating a memorable and enriching experience for all participants. He noted that the outstanding facilities, warm hospitality, and flawless organization played a significant role in the success of the wellness retreat.
Bhandari also informed attendees that Padma Shri Dr. H. R. Nagendra and S-VYASA Vice Chancellor Dr. N. K. Manjunath would be traveling to Dallas for subsequent programs before returning to New York. Dr. Nagendra will participate as Chief Guest at the International Day of Yoga celebrations at Times Square, New York, on June 21, 2026. The event is being organized by the Consulate General of India, New York.
He further announced that on June 22, 2026, Dr. Nagendra and Dr. Manjunath will conduct a special Meditation and Wellness Session at the Consulate General of India, New York. The program is being organized by the Consulate General of India in collaboration with the Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA), with support from BRUHUD NY Seniors and Jaipur Foot USA.
The retreat forms an important part of a broader series of yoga, wellness, and healthy lifestyle programs being organized in New York around the International Day of Yoga under the leadership of RANA New York, BRUHUD NY Seniors, and Jaipur Foot USA.
