CHICAGO: June 21 is celebrated as Yoga Day across the world with 177 countries – all members of UNO – backing a proposal and suggestion from Indian PM Narendra Modi who observed in his speech at the UNGA three years ago that “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition.”
Yoga he continued “embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help in well-being. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day”.
Keeping up that tradition the Indian Consulate in Chicago has been celebrating this important occasion for the last three years and events have been held at various places in Chicagoland area. Consul DB Bhati pointed out that this year a special initiative has been made to partner with Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International and the City of Chicago to have a joint celebration of the 4th International Yoga Day (IYD) at the iconic Millennium Park in the heart of downtown Chicago.
The Yoga Protocol will be led by Acharya Mrs. Prerna Arya and there will be a showcasing of both the Common Yoga Protocol as well as various types of yoga forms. Several yoga schools like Isha Foundation, Brahma Kumaris, Sahaja Yoga. Science of Spirituality, Art of Living, Yoga Habitat, Global Gayatri Pariwar, Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, Temple of Harmony, etc. will be teaching yoga and meditation techniques.
In a recent TV interview, Indian Consul General Mrs. Neeta Bhushan said “Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that brings balance between mind and the body and helps to fight stress and disease”. She personally invited all to participate at the IYD celebration on 16 June at 11am. Parking is being arranged at discounted rates. Please contact Ms. Nivedhita at socsec.chicago@mea.gov.in for more details
Abdul Siddiqui
