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Brahma Kumaris celebrate Yoga’s spiritual essence at US headquarters
Departing from the usual emphasis on asanas, the program highlighted meditative and philosophical aspects of yoga.
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Staff Reporter - Mon, 30, Jun 2025
- 13:23 EDT
- 24
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Presenters and community leaders joined the hosts for the lighting of the lamp ceremony. / Kripa Ranjan Prasad, courtesy of Parveen Chopra/ALotusInTheMud.com
The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization on June 22 commemorated the International Day of Yoga at the Global Harmony House,their headquarters in the United States.
Titled Spirit of Yoga, the program, focusing on yoga’s spiritual essence, was co-hosted by Indian American journalist and founder of the web magazine ALotusInTheMud.com, Parveen Chopra.
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Chopra moderated the evening alongside Brahma Kumaris director Erik Larson. He noted that most yoga programs emphasize asanas and pranayama but, “Asana practice will lead many to explore the spiritual side of yoga.”
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Parveen Chopra presented a crystal lotus to Piyush Singh, who represented the Indian Consulate in New York. / Kripa Ranjan Prasad, courtesy of Parveen Chopra/ALotusInTheMud.comIndia’s Consul General in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, who was the chief guest was represented by Piyush Singh, consul for press, information, and culture. Delivering the consulate’s message, Singh said, “The energy and intent that radiate from this gathering truly reflect the deeper essence of yoga. Not merely asanas, yoga is a profound spiritual discipline that harmonizes body, mind, and soul.”
A recorded message by BK Mohini, chief administrative head of the Brahma Kumaris, emphasized Rajyoga meditation as a path to peace. “The light of love is ignited in the heart,” she said. “When we connect to the supreme, our vibrations touch the hearts of everyone in the world, so we can have peace.”
Sister Gayatri Naraine led a brief meditation / Kripa Ranjan Prasad, courtesy of Parveen Chopra/ALotusInTheMud.com
Gayatri Naraine, the organization’s representative to the United Nations, said, “The first quality of Raj Yoga is love. When you see your true self as love, you see everyone as brothers and sisters from your heart, not your mind.” She added that “it is the practice of Rajyoga meditation by individuals of a collective coming together that has the greatest impact on the world.”
Yoga instructor Eddie Stern placed postures within the framework of the eight-limb path and led the audience in a Brahma Mudra exercise. The program also featured a sound bath meditation by Andonia Fthenakis and a dance performance by Dr Anjali Grover portraying the story of yoga.
Dr Anjali Grover presented the story of yoga in dance. / Kripa Ranjan Prasad, courtesy of Parveen Chopra/ALotusInTheMud.comEarlier in the day, Steven Weinberg, mayor of the Village of Thomaston, visited the venue and presented a proclamation recognizing the Brahma Kumaris’ contributions.
North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, speaking at the event, said, “Yoga is not just movement—it’s a journey inward, a practice of stillness in a restless world.”
Rakesh Bhargava of World Vegan Vision (NY chapter) spoke about the alignment between a vegan lifestyle and yogic values.
Among the attendees were Arvind Vora of the Shanti Fund, Faroque Khan of the Interfaith Institute of Long Island, Paul Chellani of the Sant Nirankari Mission, Kamlesh Mehta of The South Asian Times, Indrajit Singh Saluja of The Indian Panorama, Mohan Wanchoo, and others. Rakesh Bhargava of World Vegan Vision (NY chapter) spoke about the alignment between a vegan lifestyle and yogic values.
The evening concluded with vegetarian and vegan refreshments served outdoors, reflecting the inclusive spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family.
Earlier in the day, Steven Weinberg, mayor of the Village of Thomaston, visited the venue and presented a proclamation recognizing the Brahma Kumaris’ contributions.
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