CHICAGO: The Consulate General of India in Chicago in collaboration with City of Sandwich and Redberri Global Corporation celebrated the Second International Day of Yoga on June 25 in Sandwich, southwest suburb of Chicago. More than a dozen spiritual & yogic organizations actively participated in the celebration.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, a northwest suburb of Chicago celebrated the Second International Day of Yoga on June 19. This included power point presentation on Pranayama and different breathing techniques. During the evening assembly on June 26, a lecture on the health benefits of Yoga was delivered by Dr Naishad Shah, preceded by a two minute video of PM Modi’s speech on Yoga.
Indian Association of Minnesota celebrated Second International Day of Yoga on June 19 at Hindu Milan Mandir, Minneapolis from 3 pm onwards. Besides talks on Yoga, Pranayam, Surya Namaskar and some Asanas were demonstrated.
American Hindu Association along with Association of Indian Americans celebrated Second International Day of Yoga on June 26 at Lawrence Park, Madison. Besides demonstration of Pranayam and some common asanas, lectures on yoga were delivered.
On June 21, Namaste Caramel celebrated Second International Day of Yoga in Caramel and organized talks on Yoga besides demonstration of some asanas. Manav Mental Yoga celebrated Second International Day of Yoga in Indianapolis on June 21 with yoga related activities and talks.
In Sandwich, a Chicago suburb, Swami Ishatmanandji, President of Vivekanand Vedanta Society, Senator Tim Bivins, State Representative Tom Demmer, Mayor of Sandwich Rick Olson, Mayor of Polano Robert Housler, Economic Development Director Jim Teckenbrock ,Alderman David Fraser, Alderman Fran Moran, Development Director Jim Teckenbrock , Alderman David Fraser, Alderman Cara Killey, Alderman Doug Scheidecker, a number of Aldermen from the areas and Dr. Samudrala Venugopal Chary, former Union Minister of State (Power and Non-Conventional Energy) graced the event.
Welcoming all Indians, CG Dr. Ausaf Sayeed mentioned that the adoption of a Resolution by the United Nations last year declaring June 21 as the “International Day of Yoga” has ushered in a new “Yoga Era” and Yoga has now become a people’s mass movement. He urged the participants to join hands to spread the message of peace, harmony and understanding among communities.
Bruce Rauner, Governor of the State of Illinois, proclaimed June 25 as International Yoga Day in Illinois for the cultural significance of yoga and to raise awareness of the health benefits of yoga.
The Mayor of Sandwich Rick Olson issued a special proclamation to proclaim June 24-25 as International Yoga Day in Sandwich city.
During inaugural ceremony, proclamation issued by Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel as well as messages sent by Attorney General Lisa Madigan and the President of Village of Oak Brook, Gopal G. Lalmalani were also read out. Mayor Rahm Emanual urged all Chicagoans to take part in celebrations acknowledging the mental, physical and spiritual benefits of Yoga.
A commemorative souvenir on the Yoga day was released on the occasion.
All the Leading participating organizations set up their own booths especially, the Art of Living Foundation, Isha Foundation, Brahma Kumaris Meditation Centers,SEWA International, the Science of Spirituality, Yog Sadhan Ashram and AARA and organized parallel activities. There were special rooms for carrying out yoga sessions for the seniors and workshops for the children.
Indian Consul O.P. Meena thanked all participants, participating organizations, City of Sandwich, Redberri Global Corporation, Media partners, Individuals for their support to make the IYD celebrations a big success. Besides Chicago, he said the International Day of Yoga was also observed in Carmel and Indianapolis in Indiana, Minneapolis in Minnesota and Madison in Wisconsin.
Surendra Ullal
