The Indo American Cultural Association of Edison, under the capable leadership of Nitin Vyas and in partnership with the Consulate of India in New York, held a vibrant International Yoga Day event on June 14 at the Sheraton Hotel in Edison, New Jersey. Despite facing heavy rainfall, the gathering saw an impressive turnout of over 300 yoga enthusiasts, supported by a number of major Indo American organizations. The participants experienced inspiring yoga sessions led by several distinguished instructors.
The program began on a solemn note with a moment of silence observed in honor of the victims of the Air India plane crash that took place on June 12 in Ahmedabad, India. This tribute added a reflective and respectful tone to the day’s otherwise uplifting atmosphere.
Nitin Vyas opened the event with a warm welcome and introductory remarks, setting the stage for the activities ahead. Deputy Consulate General Vishal Harsh then officially launched the celebration with the ceremonial lighting of the traditional lamp. In his speech, he highlighted the importance of yoga in promoting complete physical and mental wellness, stating, “Yoga is a time-tested practice that brings balance and harmony to life, offering a path toward holistic health and well-being.”
Throughout the day, participants took part in sessions conducted by certified and experienced yoga teachers, each
bringing a unique perspective and specialization to the celebration. Among the speakers and instructors was Guru Dileepji, who delivered an inspiring talk that encouraged attendees to embrace the spiritual side of yoga. Mark Becker contributed an insightful discussion that delved into the philosophical roots and benefits of yoga in daily life.
Poonam Gupta brought energy and joy with her engaging session on Laughter Yoga, which had participants smiling and laughing in unison. Radhika Acharya led a unique form of Dance Yoga from the Ananda Marg tradition, blending movement and music in a harmonious flow. Priti Ji, representing The Yoga Lotus, conducted a session on Functional Yoga, focusing on practical postures for daily well-being. Geeta Ji of RadiantRays Yoga guided the group through Physical Yoga exercises, while Radhikaji of DevisYogaFlow offered another take on physical asanas with her session.
Meditative and breathing techniques were also prominently featured. Vijay Trivedi presented Siddha Samadhi Yoga, leading participants through meditation techniques aimed at achieving inner peace. Nidhi Pandya, from the IFM Group, offered a calming Pranayama session, helping participants explore the power of breath control. Raj Kumar Gupta Ji from Vihangam Yog introduced the concept of Dharna, a meditative practice of deep focus and concentration. Rounding out the sessions, Suniti Ramanujam of the Isha Foundation guided attendees through meditation practices rooted in the teachings of Sadhguru.
The event was graced by the presence of many prominent community members and leaders from various Indo American organizations. Among them were Krishnakant Sangani, H.K. Shah, Mukund Thakkar, Uma Swaminathan, Hemant Patel, Suchitra Kamath, Jassi Singh, Bipin Parekh, Subhash Shah, Ajay Gandhi, Dr. Gunjan Shukla, Dr. Mukesh Solanki, Mahesh Wani, Nalin Shah, and Mehul Shah. Representing Edison’s senior community were Pravin Patel, Mukund Parikh, and Navin Amin9, who also showed their support for the celebration.
Adding to the wholesome theme of the day was a nutritious vegan lunch that was served to all participants. VIP attendees were additionally treated to a special breakfast, emphasizing the event’s broader commitment to health and wellness in every aspect. The carefully curated meals mirrored the yogic philosophy of balance and nourishment.
Hosting duties were skillfully managed by Rajshree Kotekar of the Isha Foundation and Vijay Ji of Vihangam Yoga. The day’s itinerary was tightly scheduled, beginning promptly at 10 AM and concluding by 12:30 PM, ensuring a well-organized and engaging experience for all involved.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of volunteers contributed significantly to the event’s success. Key volunteers included Naresh Shah, Manish Parikh, Nina Vyas, Raju, and Haresh Bhai, whose efforts were further supported by the committed teams from the Isha Foundation and Vihangam Yoga. Their collaboration ensured smooth operations and created a welcoming environment for every guest.
At the heart of the event’s success was Nitin Vyas, who meticulously planned and oversaw all aspects of the International Yoga Day celebration. His coordination brought together a diverse group of yoga teachers, community leaders, and wellness advocates, united by a common goal of promoting yoga and its universal benefits.
The event not only offered participants the opportunity to deepen their yoga practice but also served as a platform for
fostering unity and harmony within the community. As noted in the closing remarks, the gathering once again demonstrated how yoga serves as a bridge between cultures and beliefs. “This celebration once again showcased yoga’s ability to transcend cultural differences, fostering peace and unity,” remarked a representative of the Indo American Cultural Association.
In a world increasingly in need of mindfulness, balance, and inner calm, this Edison-based celebration stood as a meaningful reminder of yoga’s global appeal and timeless relevance. It was more than just a day of exercise; it was a moment of collective reflection, healing, and connection. Whether through laughter yoga, breathwork, or silent meditation, the event offered something valuable to each participant.
Anyone interested in learning more about the event or future initiatives can reach out to Nitin Vyas at the Indo American Cultural Association of Edison. His leadership, along with the support of various community organizations and individuals, ensured that the International Yoga Day celebration on June 14 left a lasting impact on all who attended.