CHICAGO: The second International Day of Yoga will be celebrated by the Consulate General of India in collaboration with the City of Sandwich on 25th June, 2016 at Timber creek Inn, 3300 Drew Ave, Sandwich, Illinois. In this connection, the kick off ceremony of 2nd International of Yoga Day was celebrated on 17th May, 2016 in the Consulate premises.

The Hon’ble Mayor of city of Sandwich, Rick Olson, attended the ceremony with the representatives of City of Sandwich including Mr. Jim Teckenbrock, Executive Director, Sandwich Economic Development Corporation, Mr. Cort Carlson, Executive Director, Aurora Area Convention and visitor’s Bureau and Chief of Police of city of Sandwich, Jim Bianci. The ceremony was also attended by different community organizations, established yoga and spiritual centers and members of the Media. O.P. Meena, Consul, welcomed the guests. The ceremony started with screening of extracts of Messages of Prime Minister of India, EAM & Minister [IC] derived from Common Yoga Protocol 2016.

During kick off ceremony, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General, addressed the gathering & shared information with participants on celebration of 2nd International Yoga Day.
The following are the important details.
Second International Yoga Day celebrations in US Mid-west is from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM on Saturday, June 25th, 2016 at Timber Creek Inn, 3300 Drew Ave, Sandwich, Illinois.

Participating Organizations:
The Art of living Foundation, Isha Foundation, Brahma Kumaris Meditation Centers, SEWA International, Science of Spirituality, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Yog Sadhan Ashram, Sahaj Yoga Ashram, Temple of Harmony, Swami Sahajananda, Balaji Temple, BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, American Association of Retired Asians (AARA) and Metropolitan American Federation of Seniors [MAFS]

The following events would be organized as part of the Second International Yoga Day:
Book Exhibition: A special book exhibition on Yoga will be exhibited on the occasion.
Photo exhibition: Selected photographs on Yoga will be displayed
Screening of the documentary films
Common Yoga Protocol / demonstration of Common Asanas and
Breathing Techniques by The Art of Living Foundation.
Guided Meditation Workshop & Children’s Activiti ties by the Brahm Kumaris Meditation Center
Surya Namaskar Demonstration by the Hindu Swayam Sevak Sangh
Talk on the science of Kriya Yoga and meditation by Swami Sahajananda
Surat Shabd:’Yoga An Ageless Technique’ by The Science of Spirituality
Hath Yoga posture & Cleansing demonstration by Yog Sadhan Ashram
Cyclic Meditation Workshop (Stop Diabetes Movement) by SEWA International
Chair Yoga demonstration for seniors by American Association of Retired Asians (AARA)

Last year, several organizations in different parts of the US-Midwest are also anticipated to organize series of activities to mark the International Yoga Day.

The Consulate is expecting the participation of several local dignitaries and elected officials in the inaugural ceremony of the International Yoga Day. The City of Sandwich has declared its support to the celebrations and would be issuing a special proclamation declaring the Day by the city as International Yoga Day.

Consul General appreciated willingness of the Mayor of City of Sandwich and thanked for taking initiative to collaborate with Consulate for celebration of 2nd International Yoga Day in the City of Sandwich. Consul General also appreciated Mr. Deepak Kant Vyas, Chairman & CEO, Red berry for offering the venue, Timber Creek Inn, for celebration of 2nd International Yoga Day event free of cost.

The Consul General concluded the Meeting and urged all the Community organizations and Media partners to extend whole-hearted support in celebrating the Second International Day of Yoga in a befitting manner not only in the City of Sandwich but in the entire US Midwest.

(Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media USA)