PRESS RELEASE

6^th International Day of Yoga 2020

1. The Consulate General of India, New York organized the virtual yoga sessions on the theme “Ghar Ghar Se Yoga-Yoga at Home’ to celebrate the 6^th International Day of Yoga which falls on June 21^st every year. In previous years, the day had been commemorated at prominent venues in and around New York with community participation. This year it was presented virtually due to COVID- 19 related restrictions in place and requirements of social distancing.
2. Various yoga and community organizations had lined up an array of virtual programs in the run-up to IDY 2020. All events were featured LIVE on the Consulate & the organization’s Facebook page. Vihangam Yoga, Indo-American Arts & Cultural Forum, Govardhan Ecovillage, Indo-Cultural Association of North America, Isha Foundation, World Yoga Community, Heartfullness, Art of Living, Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), The Hindu Temple Society of North America, Swaminarayan Gurukul USA and Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal Uttarang partnered with the Consulate to celebrate IDY 2020. Various yoga sessions were conducted by professionally trained Yoga teachers. A guided yoga session based on the Common Yoga Protocol was performed by the
3. The Consulate’s flagship event, held on June 21^st, 2020, was attended by Congressman, Tim Ryan. In his virtual message, Congressman underscored that practices like yoga don’t have to be a ‘religious practice’ to really experience its deep He also noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the practice of
yoga can help communities heal together; ensure physical and mental well-being as people around the world deal with increased anxiety, uncertainty and unemployment.

4. Sandeep Chakravorty, Consul General of India in New York, said yoga originated in India but the US has become its second home, with more than 36 million Americans practicing yoga regularly. He said India, the US and other countries in the world have been facing the challenge of COVID-19 for the last few months. Amid this, yoga has come to our aid to help us maintain our physical health and mental wellbeing. Dr. Dayashankar Vidyalankar, Teacher of Indian culture at the Consulate, demonstrated Yoga asanas.
5. Several officials and staff from the Consulate General of India, New York along with members of the community joined the online Yoga sessions. All events were viewed by more than 1.5 Lakh

New York June 23, 2020