This powerful message from International Yoga Day, observed annually on June 21, re -listened through the UN headquarters in New York on Friday when hundreds gathered to embrace the old, holistic practice.
A well -known tradition now every year North Lawn transformed into an outdoor yoga studio overlooking the East River. After a stretch of rainy, gray days, the sky was finally cleared, making it a bright, warm day.
And yoga enthusiasts, including diplomats, UN officials and staff, utilized it fully of it and rolled their mats – bending organs and minds.
Peter Rogina, founder of Project Peace Lights, rejoiced to return to the headquarters and remembered lovingly the 2019 event, which was moved indoors to the General Assembly Hall due to rain.
“I love the opportunity to practice with such a large group of people, the energy is just amplified … and I also have my son with me, so to introduce him to this experience, I am also very excited.”
Lama Aria Drolma is a Buddhist teacher and meditation expert.
A Buddhist Monastery Lama Aria Drolma comes to the UN every year to attend the event. Her path has taken her from the world of business modeling to a more reflective place with inner peace and meditation.
“When I was a toddler who grew up in India, I used to practice yoga. It not only touches the body but also the soul. It’s also very meditative. I think yoga is one of the healthiest things we can all do to take care of our health.”
‘A family’
The emphasis on personal well -being also highlighted the benefits of yoga that goes beyond individuals to include the health of the entire planet.
Organized by India’s permanent mission to the UN in collaboration with the UN Secretariat, was the theme of this year’s event, Yoga to a soil, a health.
India’s permanent representative ambassador P. Harish noted how it emphasizes an important truth: personal well -being and planetary health are deeply linked.
“In the care of ourselves we begin to nurture the soil, which reflects the sustained Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakamor the whole world is a family. “
“The 11Th Edition of Yoga Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on how yoga has grown into a global strength for well -being, touching people across age groups, geographies and walks in life, ”he added.
By repeating it, Didi Ananda Radhika Acharya from Ananda Marga Women’s Welfare Center pointed out that yoga more than just an exercise, yoga is a way to discover the feeling of unity with yourself, the world and nature.
“On the outside we are our bodies, within it lies our minds. Deep further inside there is something that is always witnessed to us that observes us. It is our soul. Through yoga we can reach the inner space. When we cover our mind’s depth through yoga, we are aware of how deeply connected we are all.”
A symbol of hope
Participants on the lawn ranged from experienced practitioners to curious first timers dealing with basic yoga asanas (bags), breathing techniques and stretching exercises.
Marking International Yoga Day at the UN Headquarters in New York City. (June 20, 2025)
The most important highlight of the program was a guided meditation session by the famous physician and a leading figure of integrative well -being, Dr. Deepak Chopra.
Marta Shedletsky from Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in New York participated in the session and sought a sense of community, trust – and hope. The venue had a special meaning to her.
“What is going on in the world these days, with all the turmoil and all the wars that are going on, this place feels like a symbol of hope for a better future and the opportunity for peace.”
