Great Neck, NY: Over 250 people came together to celebrate the International Day of Yoga here on Long Island. But in a twist, instead of yoga postures, they were exposed to the higher, spiritual forms of the discipline. The Spirit of Yoga event 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 mag he founded three years ago, and moderated the evening along with Erik Larson, Director, Brahma Kumaris WSO. Sister Anjani Seepersaud, Coordinator of the Global Harmony House venue, introduced them.
India’s Consul General In New York Binaya Srikanta Pradhan was represented by Piyush Singh – Consul, Press, Information, and Culture. Singh said: “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.”
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.
Eddie Stern had the audience practice Brahma Mudra.
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.
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, Mukund Padmanabhan, Chandra Bhansali and Rashmin Master.
Guests and volunteers enjoyed delicious vegetarian and vegan refreshments outdoors.
Jennifer DeSena, Supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead, with Sister Anjani Seepersaud and Parveen Chopra.
Parveen Chopra presented a crystal lotus to Piyush Singh, who represented the Indian Consulate in New York.
Saeed Hassan presented citations from NYS Senator Steve Rhoads to Parveen Chopra and Brahma Kumaris.
Rakesh Bhargava spoke about veganism and yoga and was introduced by (right) Kamlesh Mehta, Chairman of The South Asian Times.
After the program, people enjoyed vegetarian and vegan refreshments outdoors.
Dr Anjali Grover presented the story of yoga in dance.
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Raj Yoga as a path to peace
It was an afternoon of inspiration, serenity, and inner connection at the Global Harmony House on June 22. Both Mohini Didi, the Brahma Kumaris’ Chief Administrative Head, and Sister Gayatri Naraine, their NGO representative to the United Nations, spoke of Raj Yoga 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.” “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 Raj Yoga meditation by individuals of a collective coming together that has the greatest impact on the world.” |
For ALotusInTheMud.com, Contact: Parveen Chopra - 5167100508 / [email protected]
