GOVERNOR’S ISLAND, NY(TIP): The fourth International Day of Yoga was celebrated with enthusiasm and fervor at the historic Governor’s Island on 16th June 2018. The event organized by the Consulate General of India, New York saw enthusiastic participation from people of all ages.
It was on 11 December 2014, when UNGA approved the proposal by consensus, with a record of 177 countries, to designate 21st June, the day of the Summer Solstice, as International Day of Yoga (IDY). Since then the IDY has been celebrated annually by member countries of the UN with great enthusiasm.
Yoga is an ancient Indian discipline, which evolved thousands of years ago for physical and spiritual wellbeing of the humankind. The word ‘Yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. Yoga had gained worldwide popularity due to its immense health benefits. It is in keeping with that thought that the theme of the event this year was ‘Let Yoga Govern your life’.
The historic setting of the event in many ways exemplified the eternal values of yoga. Governor’s Island is a 72-acre (70 ha) island in New York Harbor, approximately 800 yards (732 m) from the southern tip of Manhattan Island and separated from Brooklyn by Buttermilk Channel, approximately 400 yards (366 m). Perhaps signifying the global influence of yoga, the famous skyline of downtown Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty formed the backdrop of the event.
US Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney was the chief guest for the event. While complimenting the organizers, she spoke of the benefits that yoga has on contemporary lifestyles.
“Yoga, which is derived from Sanskrit, means to join or unite and symbolizes the union of body and mind” said Congresswoman Maloney. “It is a unique way to approach an individual’s health and well-being. Practicing yoga has been shown to decrease stress, fatigue, and alleviate chronic pains, as well as improving physical fitness. I know first-hand the benefits of practicing yoga. It is an essential part of my life, I practice it as often as I can, and it helps me to find balance and peace.”
The event featured performances from Hindu Temple, Indian Cultural Association, Mallakhambh Federation, Sam Katz (David Lynch Foundation), Art of Living Foundation, Isha Foundation, World Yoga Community and the Battery Dance Co.
The performances included demonstration of yoga mudra, salutations, common yoga protocol, Yogasanas on the pole, Transcendental Meditation, desktop yoga, Yogic music and musical performances from the Salon Di Virtuosi and a dance performance by the Battery Dance Co.
ICICI Bank, Air India, State Bank of India, India Tourism Office, Bank of Baroda,
Federation of Indian Associations, Amity Education Foundation, Ashram Kant Darshan Darbar, and Bhakti Centre were partners/ sponsors of the event.
A large chunk of the news one reads in so-called “ethnic Indian papers” is almost identical, with the exasperated reader wondering if there is anything refreshing and new in Indian publications which rehash and produce copy. While it can be strenuous to keep ahead of the competition, your paper can be different and acquire a distinguished identity by bringing out stories with a different perspective. Take this story of Indian consulate general of India organizing the IDY on Governor’s Island. This a dull, run-of-the-mill kind of English, taken perhaps straight from a press release or written to massage the ego of the Indian consul.. Perhaps, you can get some good writers, particularly of Indian origin, to tackle issues of global interest and give it a different perspective. This will set you apart from the rest of the pack. There are the two Mehtas – Manik and Manish, both good writers and experts in news gathering and interviews, who write extensively on issues such as foreign affairs, community, economics, business, etc. There are also of course others such as Subash Gerewal who lives near Washington DC. Or Sumitra Sanyal. There are others who might consider writing for your paper, even a column for your Opinion page. Hope you will see my constructive contribution to improving your editorial fabric. Thank you for your attention.