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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JUNE 27, 2025 | The Indian Eye 16

Unity in Breath: Edison Marks Yoga

Day with Enthusiasm

A vibrant community gathering in Edison, New Jersey, marked International Yoga Day on June 14

with spirited participation, expert-led sessions, and a shared commitment to holistic well-being

OUR BUREAU
Edison, NJ

ven pouring rain couldn’t
dampen the spirit of more than
E300 yoga enthusiasts who gath-
ered at the Sheraton Hotel in Edison
on June 14 to celebrate International
Day of Yoga. The event, spearheaded
by the Indo American Cultural Associ-
ation of Edison under the guidance of
Nitin Vyas, was held in partnership with
the Consulate General of India in New
York and supported by several prom-
inent Indo-American organizations.
Opening the morning’s events,
Nitin Vyas welcomed guests with
heartfelt remarks, followed by Deputy
Consul General Vishal Harsh, who lit
the ceremonial lamp and highlighted
yoga’s global role in promoting phys-
ical, mental, and spiritual harmony.
“Yoga is not just an exercise; it is a way
of life that brings inner peace and bal-
ance,” he said.
The event, held indoors due to
the rain, ran from 10 AM to 12:30 PM
and featured a diverse lineup of yoga
sessions led by accomplished practi-
tioners. From laughter yoga to func-
tional asanas and deep meditation,
the program embraced the full spec-
trum of yogic practices. Hosting du-
ties were ably managed by Rajshree
Kotekar of the Isha Foundation and
Vijay Ji of Vihangam Yoga, who guid-
ed the flow of events with poise and rational talk; Mark Becker, offering in- on June 21, following its adoption by ic landmarks, or local community
warmth. sights on yoga’s broader impact; Poo- the United Nations in 2014. The pro- halls like Edison’s Sheraton Hotel,
Notable guests in attendance in- nam Gupta, who energized the crowd posal, spearheaded by Indian Prime the day brings people together in
cluded community leaders and senior with laughter yoga; and Radhikaji, Minister Narendra Modi during his breath, movement, and mindfulness.
members of local cultural organiza- who led both dance yoga and a tradi- address to the UN General Assembly, This year’s celebration in Edison
tions such as Krishnakant Sangani, tional asana session. Other instructors gained overwhelming global support, underscored the ongoing resonance
H.K. Shah, Mukund Thakkar, Uma included Priti Ji (functional yoga), Gee- with 177 countries co-sponsoring the of yoga in contemporary life—espe-
Swaminathan, and many others who ta Ji (physical yoga), Vijay Trivedi (Sid- resolution. In his speech, Modi em- cially in multicultural societies like
have long supported yoga and well- dha Samadhi Yoga meditation), Nidhi phasized, “Yoga is an invaluable gift the United States, where Indian tra-
ness initiatives in the Indo-American Ji (pranayama), Raj Kumar Gupta of India’s ancient tradition. It is not ditions find fertile ground. With com-
community. A team of dedicated Ji (Dharna), and Suniti Ramanujam about exercise but about discovering munity backing, professional instruc-
volunteers—Naresh Shah, Manish (meditation from Isha Foundation). the sense of oneness with yourself, the tion, and a clear emphasis on wellness,
Parikh, Nina Vyas, Raju, and Haresh Participants were treated to a world, and nature.” the June 14 event not only honored
Bhai—ensured the smooth execution wholesome vegan lunch, while dig- Since its inaugural celebration ancient wisdom but reaffirmed yoga’s
of the event. nitaries and special guests enjoyed a in 2015, the day has become a uni- relevance in today’s fast-paced world.
A highlight of the day was the va- curated breakfast—both emphasizing fying event across continents, high- As Nitin Vyas concluded, “Yoga
riety of interactive yoga sessions led by the event’s health-conscious ethos. lighting yoga’s ability to bridge cul- brings people together—it transcends
certified experts. Among them were The International Day of Yoga tural, national, and spiritual divides. backgrounds and beliefs. That’s the
Guru Dileepji, who delivered an inspi- is celebrated worldwide every year Whether in large public parks, icon- true spirit we celebrate.”

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