Washington, June 10: Preparations are in full swing for the 12th International Yoga Day in the United States. India’s Ambassador to the U.S., Vinay Mohan Kwatra, stated that yoga has become an integral part of American society. He noted that nearly every street in the U.S. now features a yoga studio, highlighting it as a significant heritage of India’s ancient civilization. The popularity of yoga continues to grow worldwide.
In an interview, he remarked, “If you walk around Washington D.C. or anywhere in the U.S., you will see a yoga studio on almost every street.”
On the occasion of International Yoga Day, all Indian diplomatic missions in the U.S. are preparing to host large-scale events. These will take place from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington to Times Square in New York and Navy Pier in Chicago. This year’s theme is “Yoga for Healthy Aging,” aimed at connecting people to yoga for physical health, mental peace, and a healthy lifestyle.
The Indian Embassy in Washington will hold the main event at the Lincoln Memorial on June 19, inviting the public to join “the largest yoga session of the year.”
Kwatra emphasized that this annual celebration symbolizes the global acceptance of India’s ancient tradition. He mentioned, “The proposal for International Yoga Day was passed in the United Nations in 2014, declaring June 21 as the day, an initiative supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and 175 countries.”
Describing yoga as a vital part of India’s heritage, he stated, “Yoga is not just an ancient tradition of India; it is a significant treasure of our civilizational heritage.” He added that Prime Minister Modi regards it as a priceless gift from ancient traditions.
Kwatra explained, “Yoga has the ability to connect the body, mind, thoughts, and soul.” This is why yoga is uniting people worldwide, with individuals from various cultures and religions embracing it.
He noted, “Yoga connects deeply within a person, which is why it has spread across the world beyond borders.”
Discussing this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Aging,” he described it as a way to promote a healthy, active, and balanced lifestyle.
This year’s Yoga Day events will feature Padma Shri H.R. Nagendra, recognized as Prime Minister Modi’s yoga guru. He will participate in several events in New York, including a major yoga gathering at Times Square on June 21.
The Indian Consulate in New York will collaborate with the Times Square Alliance to host the “Mind Over Madness Yoga” event. This session will be led by Ruchika Lal from the Art of Living Foundation, with H.R. Nagendra as the chief guest.
The United Nations General Assembly approved India’s proposal to declare International Yoga Day on December 11, 2014. June 21 was chosen because it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
Since its inception in 2015, Yoga Day has evolved into a significant global event, with millions participating each year alongside governments, institutions, schools, colleges, and yoga organizations. It has become a powerful symbol of India’s soft power and cultural identity.
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