Recognizing yoga’s universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by General Assembly resolution 69/131. The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga. The 2018 main events for the 4th International Day of Yoga at UN Headquarters in New York, held on 20 and 21 June, were organized by the Permanent Mission of India in association with the UN Department of Public Information, with the theme “Yoga for Peace.”
Singers from Sri Chinmoy: The Peace Meditation at the United Nations were kindly invited by the Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin. to perform at the 20 June event, “Yoga Session with Yoga Masters,” held on the North Lawn of UN Headquarters. The Choir, conducted by Paree Atkin, performed an arrangement of three of Sri Chinmoy’s songs, featuring the ancient Sanksrit universal message from the Upanishads, “Satyam eva jayate,” which translates as “Truth alone triumphs.” On behalf of the Peace Meditation Group, Nilima SIlver introduced the Choir, and Ranjana Ghose of the Sri Chinmoy Centre Non-Governmental Organization shared a composite of some of Sri Chinmoy’s comments about yoga before the musical presentation. The event was webcast on UN TV, with the musical performance starting at 46 minutes into the programme. Please click here for the full webcast.
On behalf of Sri Chinmoy: The Peace Meditation at the United Nations, Nilima SIlver introduces the Singers, as Ranjana Ghose of the Sri Chinmoy Centre Non-Governmental Organization looks on.
Ranjana Ghose of the Sri Chinmoy Centre Non-Governmental Organization shares a composite of some of Sri Chinmoy’s comments on yoga before the musical presentation.
Ms. Ranjana Ghose, Sri Chinmoy Centre, NGO: Excellencies, Friends of Yoga, namaste. In the words of Sri Chinmoy on yoga:
Spirituality and yoga are for the betterment and enlightenment of humanity.
Almost anyone can derive some benefit from some aspect of Yoga.
When we enter into the field of Yoga, we feel that the love and service which we offer to mankind, is for not only those whom we serve directly, but for our entire world-family…There is no such thing as ‘others’; we are all members of the ‘One’.
In 1970, Sri Chinmoy stated that:
If a greater number of people accepted Yoga, then the face of society would be completely changed, the world would undergo a positive transformation. If the Many aspired for this world-transformation, then Yoga could be a vehicle for that personal transformation, and in turn, for that societal transformation.
Yoga is union. It cultivates our growing into the Greater Self, Self with a capital S.
The practice of Yoga helps us to harmonize our being and come into balance within ourself…to become One with the Greater Self.
Such Truths were handed down from the Vedic Seers of ancient India, and are still inscribed by the India of today. “Satyam eva jayate!”
Click here for more of Sri Chinmoy’s comments on yoga, from a commemorative booklet offered by the Peace Meditation Group to participants in the 2017 International Day of Yoga events at the UN.
On the North Lawn of UN Headquarters during the UN International Day of Yoga event on 20 June 2018, the Peace Meditation Choir, conducted by Paree Atkin, offers an arrangement of three of Sri Chinmoy’s songs, featuring the ancient Sanskrit universal message from the Upanishads: “Satyam eva jayate,” which translates as “Truth alone triumphs.”
See also related information from the website of the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations.
India-Nepal Souvenir Publication for Yoga Day, 21 June 2018
Under the direction of Ambassador M.S. Puri, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal, brought out a souvenir publication on the occasion of the 4th UN International Day of Yoga on 21 June 2018, in collaboration with the Madan Mohan Malviya Mission, an educational and service organization. Issued in English, Hindi and Nepalese, with messages from the President of Nepal and the Prime Ministers of Nepal and India, the book is a compilation of articles from various yoga experts, renowned scholars and intellectuals from both India and Nepal. The publication begins with a composite of Sri Chinmoy’s comments on “Yoga and the Spiritual Life.” Click here for more information about the Souvenir Publication.
Festival of Yoga San Diego 2018
Gallery:
Sound check, Introduction, Musical performance and other photos from event:
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- On the North Lawn of UN Headquarters during the UN International Day of Yoga event on 20 June 2018, the Peace Meditation Choir offered an arrangement of three of Sri Chinmoy’s songs, at the invitation of the Permanent Representative of India to the UN, H.E. Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin.
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- On the North Lawn of UN Headquarters during the UN International Day of Yoga event on 20 June 2018, the Peace Meditation Choir offered an arrangement of three of Sri Chinmoy’s songs, at the invitation of the Permanent Representative of India to the UN, H.E. Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin.
