The Indo American Cultural Association of Edison, in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in New York, successfully hosted a memorable International Yoga Day celebration on June 14 at the Sheraton Hotel in Edison, New Jersey. The event was expertly orchestrated by Nitin Vyas and supported by several prominent Indo American organizations. Despite inclement weather, over 300 yoga enthusiasts turned up in full spirit, reflecting the enduring appeal of yoga and its capacity to bring people together in pursuit of health and inner peace.
The morning began with a warm welcome and opening remarks delivered by the event coordinator, Nitin Vyas, who set the tone for the day’s spiritual and health-focused activities. The official launch of the event was marked by a ceremonial lighting of the lamp led by Deputy Consulate General Vishal Harsh. In his inaugural address, Harsh stressed yoga’s significance in promoting balanced well-being and a healthy lifestyle, highlighting its growing global influence. “Yoga offers a holistic path to health and well-being,” he stated, drawing attention to the practice’s enduring relevance in modern life.
Attendees were treated to a rich blend of yoga styles and teachings through carefully curated sessions led by an accomplished group of yoga experts. These sessions were designed to engage participants at multiple levels—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Guru Dileepji delivered an inspirational talk that encouraged reflection and commitment to daily practice. His message emphasized the deeper dimensions of yoga beyond the postures, inviting everyone to connect with their inner self.
Mark Becker, another speaker, offered an insightful presentation that expanded on yoga’s integration with everyday life and its benefits across cultures and ages. Poonam Gupta introduced attendees to the joyful side of yoga with a lively Laughter Yoga session, eliciting smiles and positive energy from the crowd. Dance Yoga, as presented by Radhikaji from Ananda Marg, captivated participants with its rhythmic movements and spiritual grace. She also led a separate session in physical yoga under her initiative DevisYogaFlow, which blended posture work with mindful transitions.
Priti Ji of The Yoga Lotus guided participants through a functional yoga routine, focusing on movements that
support mobility and joint health. Geeta Ji, from RadiantRays Yoga, offered a physically engaging session tailored for strength and flexibility enhancement.
Vijay Trivedi, a practitioner of Siddha Samadhi Yoga, facilitated a meditative session that allowed attendees to explore inner silence and mindfulness techniques. Breathing exercises formed a central part of the day as well, with Nidhi Ji from the IFM Group conducting a calming session on pranayama, helping participants tune into their breath and its restorative power.
Mental focus and sustained attention were explored in a session on Dharna, guided by Raj Kumar Gupta Ji of Vihangam Yog. This segment aimed to help attendees improve concentration and mental clarity. Finally, Suniti Ramanujam of the Isha Foundation offered a meditation session that provided a grounding experience and left participants feeling refreshed and centered.
The event also served as a meeting ground for several respected community leaders and supporters of the Indo American community. Distinguished guests in attendance included 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. From the Edison Senior community, Pravin Patel, Mukund Parikh, and Amin Saab were present to honor the occasion with their support and participation.
Throughout the event, the focus remained on wellness, and this was also reflected in the food served. Participants were provided with a wholesome vegan lunch that emphasized nutrition and dietary mindfulness. VIP guests were further welcomed with a specially prepared breakfast, demonstrating the organizers’ thoughtful planning and attention to detail when it came to the health of all involved.
Serving as emcees for the event, Rajshree Kotekar from the Isha Foundation and Vijay Ji from Vihangam Yoga kept the energy flowing smoothly. Their coordinated hosting ensured that all sessions ran on schedule, with the day’s activities kicking off at 10 AM and concluding by 12:30 PM.
The success of the event was not only the result of well-curated sessions but also the dedicated efforts of numerous volunteers. Individuals such as Naresh Shah, Manish Parikh, Nina Vyas, Raju, and Haresh Bhai gave their time and energy selflessly. Support teams from both the Isha Foundation and Vihangam Yoga also contributed significantly to maintaining a seamless flow of the program. Their behind-the-scenes coordination helped manage logistics, participant engagement, and overall hospitality.
The International Yoga Day celebration at the Sheraton Hotel was more than just a series of yoga sessions—it was a testament to yoga’s universal appeal and its ability to bring together a diverse community around shared values of peace, balance, and unity. Nitin Vyas, who played a pivotal role in organizing the event, ensured that every aspect was thoughtfully managed, reflecting both cultural pride and a commitment to holistic health practices.
The event’s emphasis on both ancient traditions and modern wellness practices made it particularly impactful. Attendees came away with not only a deeper appreciation of yoga’s physical benefits but also a stronger connection to its philosophical and meditative foundations. “This celebration once again showcased yoga’s ability to transcend cultural differences, fostering peace and unity,” organizers noted, encapsulating the spirit of the day.
For those seeking more details about the event or future initiatives, inquiries can be directed to Nitin Vyas of the Indo American Cultural Association of Edison. The celebration stood as a vibrant reminder of how yoga continues to resonate across communities, transcending age, background, and belief systems, promoting not just individual well-being but collective harmony.