Kick of for International Yoga Day in Chicago

Chicago IL: The kick off forf the fFirst International Yoga Day scheduled for June 21, was organized at the Indian Consulate in Chicago, May 20.

Dr Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General, briefed on various activities proposed to be held by the consulate in collaboration with other organizations.

The Consul General noted that UN General Assembly had adopted in 2014 an Indian-led resolution declaring June 21 each year as the "International Day of Yoga." This was an outcome of the proposal made by  Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the 69th UN General Assembly

He introduced the organizing committee and participating organizations which include Art of living Foundation, Gayathri Gyan Mandir, Isha Foundation, Brahma Kumaris Meditation Centers, SEWA International, Eye on India, Science of Spirituality, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, Cognizant and several community organizations.

The official celebration will take place on June 21 between 10:30 am to 04 pm. The venue will be notified later.

The consulate has planned the following: Book Exhibition: A special book exhibition on Yoga. Photo exhibition: Selected photographs on Yoga by Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga and by Raja Chaudhary will be displayed.

Screening of the documentary film "History of Yoga: the path of my Ancestors." This is a 109 minutes film with Hindi subtitles. The film depicts a 6000 year journey into the origin and evolution of Yoga. The film explores the elements of Yoga in the Harappa civilization, Vedic times, Jainism, Buddhism and the Hath-Yogic practices of medieval times.

The activities by the organizations include: Common Yoga Protocol/demonstration of common asanas for 30 minutes and Breathing Techniques by Art of Living Foundation. Surya Namaskar by Hindu Swayam Sevak Sangh Meditation Workshop by Brahm Kumaris Meditation Centers Lecture & presentation by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Meditation for optimal Wellbeing by Science of Spirituality Skit by Isha Foundation Yoga related activities by various other organizations

The Eye on India will also celebrate the First International Yoga Day in befitting manner from sunrise to sundown. The morning session will take place at 63rd Street Beach, 6300 S. Lake Shore Drive from 5: 30 am to 8 am, Daley Plaza at 10 am to 2 pm  and at Mozart Park from 4 pm to 8 pm

The Consul General and the members of organizing cCommittee unveiled the official logo.