The purpose of the event was to create a broad-based awareness about the benefits of yoga
The Consulate General of India in Chicago, in collaboration with the City of Naperville, organized the third edition of International Yoga Day, on June 24 at Naperville, Illinois, and it attracted thousands of Indian Americans and people belonging to other nationalities.
The event was inaugurated by lighting of the lamp and singing of the national anthems of India and the United States. Video messages of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, and Ayush Health Minister Shripad Naik were played during the official opening ceremony.
The purpose of the event was to create a broad-based awareness about the benefits of yoga for all sections of society, irrespective of their age group and the City of Naperville issued a Proclamation to declare June 24 as International Yoga Day in the City of Naperville. The event started at 10 a.m. with Yoga demonstration by volunteers from the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago and it was one of the mega events in Chicago. About 100 community organizations and over 3000 Indian Americans and people belonging to other nationalities participated in the event.
Consul General of India in Chicago Neeta Bhushan extended warm welcome and greetings to everyone present on the occasion. She also expressed her gratitude to the City of Naperville, Mayor Steve Chirico and all others for taking an active part in the celebration.
“June 21st was declared as day of International Yoga Day through UN resolution supported by whopping 177 countries, a unique record in its own right,” Bhushan said. “People are losing their health consciousness, but yoga is one way to get it back.”
“Yoga is a great way to distress and relax, especially for those who are having tough jobs and juggle a lot of things,” Mayor of Naperville Steve Chirico said and added that in the present-day busy life, everyone should take care of his health and well-being.
Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL 6th District), Gaur Gopal Das, Mayor of Oakbrook Hon. Gopal Lalmalani, Swami Vishwangji, Dean of the College of Maharishi Vedic Science William Sands participated in the inaugural ceremony.
Lectures on Yoga, Nutrition, and Weight Loss were delivered by Abhijit Joshi, Anu Malhotra, Kusum Patel, Hiral Vyas, Dr. Harpreet Singh, Prasad Palacharla, and experts representing such well-known organizations as Isha Foundation, Sri Venkateswara Swami Balaji Temple, Sewa International, Brahma Kumaris, Kriya Vedanta Gurukulam, Heartfulness, Science of Spirituality, Sahaja Yoga Meditation.
Cultural Programs, Games, Family, and Kids’ Activities were presented by Prachi, Alokita Dhar, Sabrina, Maddy Singh, and artists representing such eminent organizations as Desi Junction, Soorya Dance School, SR International, Jhankaar Dance Group, SNM & UPA Teams.
The Emcees conducted the program were Jassi Parmar, Sanjeev Singh and Mohan Rawat.